Harundale Presbyterian Church Thursday, September 24, 1998

Glen Burnie, MD 4 p.m.

2:00 Pre-Presbytery Event: "Year With Education" Workshop

Understanding Media: A Task for the Church? by Professor Pamela Mitchell Legg,

Union Theological Seminary/Presbyterian School of Christian Education

3:00 Registration and Reading Time for Whitebooks

Mission Displays: McKim Community Center and South Baltimore Homeless Shelter

4:00 Call to Order and Opening Prayer Moderator Nancy Saarlas

Welcome by Host Pastor, The Rev. James Kirk

Roll Call (by enrollment sheets)

Introduction of New Pastors, Elders, and Corresponding Members

Motion to approve the docket (New business must be submitted in writing

to the Stated Clerk by 6:00 pm.)

4:10 Worship and Installation of New Officers

Honoring Donald C. Kerr's 50 years of membership in Baltimore Presbytery

5:25 Report of the Stated Clerk pp 2,3 Charles Forbes

Consent Motion pp 2

5:30 Committee on Ministry pp 3,4 Bruce Barstow

5:45 Committee on Mission Steve Shussett

5:50 Guatemala Partnership p 6 Jim Richards

5:55 Report of Synod Commissioners

6:00 Dinner

7:00 Committee on Education and Congregational Nurture Pat Aaserude

"Year With Education" - "Becoming Theologians Together" by Professor Pamela Mitchell Legg

7:20 Report of GA Commissioners

7:40 Committee on Preparation For Ministry p 4 Harry Cahill

7:50 Committee on Youth Mark Sandell

8:00 Committee on Stewardship and Mission Interpretation Jim Richards

John Connor of the Grassroots Coalition

8:15 Committee on Evangelism and Church Growth Terry Schoener

8:20 Committee On Goals, Objectives, Strategy (COGOS) Jerry Cooper

8:30 Global Mission Committee Pat Byerly

8:35 Committee on Peace and Justice William Turner

8:40 Nominating Committee p 5 Betsy Baer

8:45 Council p 5 Nancy Saarlas

8:50 New Business

8:55 Adjournment

These actions, brought to the Presbytery by various agencies and individuals, are non-controversial and not likely to require explanation, discussion, or debate. To conduct the routine business of these actions quickly and efficiently, they will be voted on as a group. Delegates will be given the opportunity, by calling the Stated Clerk in advance or from the floor of Presbytery, to remove any action from the Consent Motion in which case that action will be considered and voted on individually.

from the Stated Clerk

I. THAT the Minutes of the 776th Stated Meeting of the Presbytery, June 11, 1998, be approved as appended to this White Book.

from the Committee on Ministry

II. THAT the Rev. Howard C. Adams, Honorably Retired, be transferred to the Presbytery of Missouri River Valley at his and their request, effective immediately.

III. THAT the Rev. Lee John Betts, Honorably Retired, be transferred to Donegal Presbytery at his request and their, effective immediately.

IV. THAT Presbytery concur in the request of the Session of Hunting Ridge Presbyterian Church and the Rev. LoisAnn Furgess-Oler that she be their Parish Associate.

V. THAT Presbytery validate the ministry of the Rev. Simon Steer as Principal at Redcliffe College in Gloucester, England. He states that "the College prepares men and women for cross cultural Christian work around the world."

VI. THAT Presbytery grant permission to the Rev. Herbert Swanson, who serves in a validated ministry as Historian of the Presbyterian Church of Thailand, to hold membership in a congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Thailand without prejudicing his membership in this Presbytery, in that doing so has now become a requirement for ministers in the Presbyterian Church of Thailand and is permitted by the Book of Order, G-11.0411. [Note from the Stated Clerk: Dr. Swanson regularly publishes, by e-mail, commentaries which he calls HeRDs. They range from Biblical commentary to historical and cultural notes on Thai Christians. Anyone may receive them by e-mail. For information talk to Charles Forbes.]

A. Communication

The Stated Clerk of the General Assembly advises that the General Assembly took the following actions in regard to the overtures of Baltimore Presbytery:

Overture 98-5. On recognizing the status of Worshipping Fellowships: Approved.

Overture 98-6. On recognizing both certified Christian Educators and Certified Associate Christian Educators: Disapproved.

Overture 98-57. On studying the possible curtailment of health care services resulting from hospital mergers involving Roman Catholic hospitals: Approved.

Overture 98-58. On affirming that those who offer reproductive care have an obligation to advise patients [regarding abortion]: Approved as amended [additional health-related professional organizations to be advised of the action].

Overture 98-59. On establishing a committee to consider the issue of ecclesiastical disobedience: Disapproved with this comment: "We urge everyone to honor, respect, and abide by our Constitution. We also urge mutual forbearance."

B. Necrology

Elder Bob Scheck, ordained in 1967 by the Aisquith Presbyterian Church and subsequently a member of Faith Presbyterian Church and then Light Street Presbyterian Church, died on June 7, 1998.

Elder Vivian Hollingsworth, ordained in 1977 by Grace Presbyterian Church, died on August 26, 1998.

Elder Linwood Franklin Whitney, ordained by Christ Our Anchor Presbyterian Church, died on April 26, 1998.

Elder Jon Kasner, ordained at Prince of Peace Presbyterian Church on February 21, 1982, died on July 28, 1998.

C. Resignations

Lewis Myrick from the Committee on Mission.

Kurtis Lemmert from the Committee on Education and Congregational Nurture.

Rev. Robert Ferguson from the Committee on Education and Congregational Nurture.

John McLucas from the Committee on Education and Congregational Nurture.

II. THAT the Consent Motion (page 2) be adopted.

I. REPORTS

A. At its September 1, 1998 meeting, acting on behalf of Presbytery in order to accommodate her scheduled ordination and start date of September 13, the Committee concurred in the call of First Presbyterian Church, Bel Air to Candidate Stephanie Spangler to be their Associate Pastor and requested her ordination by Cherokee Presbytery and her transfer from Cherokee Presbytery.

B. The Committee approved the Interim Pastor contract between the Rev. Harry Holfelder and First Presbyterian Church, Bel Air and appointed him Moderator of their Session subject to the prior approval by the Presbytery of the dissolution of his call at the First and Franklin Street Presbyterian Church.

C. The Committee approved the Interim Pastor contract between the Rev. Francis E. Tennies and Fallston Presbyterian Church and appointed him Moderator of their Session subject to the prior approval by the Presbytery of his transfer from the Presbytery of Pittsburgh.

II. THAT Presbytery concur in the request of First and Franklin Street Presbyterian Church and the Rev. Harry Holfelder that this pastoral relationship be dissolved effective September 30, 1998.

III. THAT Presbytery concur in the call of Bethel Presbyterian Church to the Rev. Vicki Rieth Kennedy to be their Associate Pastor for Youth Ministry and Outreach, effective immediately, with the following terms of call:

Salary $ 27,100. Moving Costs 1/2 total

Use of Manse Study Leave $ 1,000.

Full Utilities SECA $ 1,500.

Automobile $ 3,000. Vacation 31 days, 5 Sundays

Book Allowance $ 500. Study Leave 2 weeks

Medical Supplement $ 550. Pension, etc. 28% of Effective Salary

AND that the Presbytery request her transfer from the Presbytery of Boston where she is an inactive member, and upon her transfer to Baltimore, enroll her as an active member of the Presbytery.

IV. THAT Presbytery request the transfer of the Rev. David Park from the Presbytery of Atlanta, and validate his ministry as the Pastor of the Siloam Church of Baltimore of the Korean Presbyterian American Church [KPAC].

V. THAT Presbytery request the transfer of the Rev. Francis E. Tennies, Honorably Retired, from the Presbytery of Pittsburgh, at his request.

VI. THAT Presbytery request the transfer of the Rev. Lloyd Umbarger, Honorably Retired, from the Lake Huron Presbytery, at his request.

VII. THAT the Presbytery establish a 1.7% cost of living increase for the ministerial compensation plan of the Presbytery, thus increasing all dollar figures in the factoring chart by 1.7%.

I. THAT Candidate Carin B. Farmer, who has received a call from First Presbyterian Church, Tuscarora, NY, and the United Church of Mt. Morris, NY, both in Genesee Valley Presbytery, be finally examined by the Presbytery and, if sustained, be ordained on October 4, 1998, at Harundale Presbyterian Church and transferred to Genesee Valley Presbytery on October 15, 1998, so that she may accept the above calls. Further, THAT this Committee be authorized to act on behalf of the Presbytery to appoint the Ordination Commission.

I. A revised Nominating Form is appended to this Whitebook. Members of the Presbytery and its churches are encouraged to submit nominations for all positions in the Presbytery. Individuals interested in serving in a particular capacity are encouraged to volunteer by using the form to nominate themselves.

II. NOMINATES

To the Committee on Mission:

John McGinnis (E) First of Annapolis, Class of 1999

Bill Holbrook (E) St. John United, Class of 2001

Karen Kasner (E)(W) Prince of Peace, Class of 2001

I. REPORTS

A. That Council appointed the Rev. Gerald Cooper as Chair of the Committee On Goals, Objectives, and Strategy (COGOS).

B. That the Moderator, with the concurrence of the Council, appointed the Rev. O. Morton Harris to the Executive Committee of the Council.

C. That - having received a copy of an Overture to the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic by the Presbytery of the Peaks, regarding the need for a review of the Synod prior to seeking a new Synod Executive to replace the Rev. Carroll Jenkins, who is retiring - Council wrote to the Synod Council in support of the goals of the overture. Copies of the overture and letter and appended to this White Book. (See pages 7 and 8.)

II. THAT the 1999 Budget of the Presbytery of Baltimore, having been received for first reading at the June, 1998 meeting of Presbytery, be adopted. It is substantially unchanged since it was printed in the June White Book. Copies will be available at the registration table.

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WANTED: Extra copies of Choir Herald. Can be old. Call Mitzi Ecker (Mt. Paran): 410-875-2535.

FOR THE TAKING: 100 volumes of Hymns for the Living Church & 75 volumes of The Hymnal (1933).

Call Mary Lee Swift (Bethel): 410-692-5282.

"EMMAUS 2000" An ecumenical group based in Anne Arundel County presenting Joseph R. Girzone, author of the Joshua books series. October 23, 7 pm, Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church. $8 in advance. $10 at the door. For further information, call Margie Kelbel (410-269-6819), Fran Jaques (410-956-3608), or Michael Shea (410-269-7728).

1998

Sep 19 Fall Gathering of Presbyterian Women

Sep 24 Presbytery Meeting, Harundale PC, 4 pm

Oct 28-31 POAMN (Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry Network) National Conference

Nov 19 Presbytery Meeting, 1st PC, Howard County, 1 pm

1999

Jan 28 Presbytery Meeting, Kenwood PC, 1 pm

Mar 5-13 Guatemala: Una Aventura Y Un Encuentro!

Mission Trip to Guatemala: An Adventure And An Encounter

Mar 25 Presbytery Meeting, Cherry Hill PC, 4 pm

Apr 17 Spring Gathering of Presbyterian Women

Apr 22 Presbytery Meeting (if needed)

Apr 24 3RD ANNUAL BIG EVENT Keynoter: Taylor Branch

Preacher: Stephany Graham

June 17 Presbytery Meeting, Hope PC, 4 pm

Sep 24: Harundale Presbyterian Church, Glen Burnie, MD - Professor Pamela Mitchell Legg

2 pm Workshop: Understanding Media: A Task for the Church?

7 pm Presentation: Becoming Theologians Together

Nov 19: First Presbyterian Church of Howard County, Columbia, MD

11 am Open House: Rotation Model Classrooms - Maria Shupe

11 am Conversation: Issues and Concerns in Baltimore Public Schools - Ledonia Kimball

1 pm Presentation: A Look at Public School Issues - Dr. Carol Parham

Jan 28: Kenwood Presbyterian Church, Baltimore, MD

11 am Luncheon: Educator's Round Table

March 25: Cherry Hill Presbyterian Church, Balto, MD - Dr. Cynthia Campbell, President

McCormick Theological Seminary

2 pm Seminar: Faith and Faithful Living in the 21st Century

4 pm Presentation: Theological Education: Is It Worth Your Time, Energy, and Money?

Please call the Presbytery Office, 433-2012, for registration forms or additional information on any of the events listed above.

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The 777th Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Baltimore, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by the Moderator, Nancy Saarlas, who opened with prayer.

WELCOME BY THE HOST PASTOR: The Rev. James G. Kirk, Host Pastor and Moderator-elect, welcomed the Presbytery. New Pastors and Elders were introduced.

WORSHIP AND INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS: Worship was led by the staff and members of Harundale Presbyterian Church, Rev. Amy Ruth Schacht preaching. It featured Richard S. Blair as piper. Officers were installed, with George Farmer charging the Moderator and Pat Byerly charging the Presbytery. The Lord's Supper was celebrated. Presbytery honored Rev. Donald Craig Kerr for fifty years of service.

CONSENT MOTION AND REPORT OF THE STATED CLERK: Elder Charles Forbes, Stated Clerk reported. The Consent Motion, printed in the White Book, was approved.

COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND CONGREGATIONAL NURTURE: As part of the Year with Education, Professor Pamela Mitchell Legg addressed the Presbytery on "Becoming Theologians Together."

COMMITTEE ON GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND STRATEGY (COGOS): Rev. Jerome Cooper (name is incorrect in White Book), Chair, reported. He provided an update on COGOS activities, and the data gathering, which is now complete.

COMMITTEE ON PEACE AND JUSTICE: Elder Bill Turner, Chair, reported. He urged everyone to vote and requested that each church designate a Peace and Justice contact.

COMMITTEE ON MISSION: Rev. Steve Shussett, Chair, reported. Two of the agencies receiving mission funds from the Presbytery will be invited to provide a display at each presbytery meeting.

COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY: Rev. Bruce Barstow, Chair, reported. All items in the White Book were approved. (Calls: Stephanie Spangler, Associate, First, Bel Air; Vicki Reith Kennedy, Associate, Bethel; Dissolution: Harry Holfelder, First and Franklin Street; Interims: Harry Holfelder, First, Bel Air; Francis E. Tennies, Fallston; Dismissions: Howard C. Adams, Lee John Betts; Transfers requested: Vicki Kennedy, David Park, Francis Tennies, Lloyd Umbarger; other actions: Herb Swanson, LoisAnn Furgess-Oler, Simon Steer; 1.7% COLA.) Stephanie Spangler terms of call were: Salary $21,160, Housing $14,250, Medical Supplement $540; FICA Supplement $1,794; Car allowance $1,200; Study Leave $600; Prof. Exp. $360; Vacation 1 month; Study Leave 2 weeks; Pension 28% of effective salary. Rev. Barstow reminded the Presbytery that loans given to pastors by Sessions are part of the terms of the Pastor's call and need to be reported to Presbytery.

GLOBAL MISSION COMMITTEE: Rev. Jim Richards reported for the Guatemala Partnership. He invited participation in the March, 1999, trip to Guatemala.

REPORT OF SYNOD COMMISSIONERS: Rev. Ward Parham and Rev. Barbara Laukaitis, Commissioners, reported.

REPORT OF GA COMMISSIONERS: Rev. Morton Harris, Rev. Robert Ferguson, Elder John Louderbeck and Elder Ann Mathews reported.

COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY: Rev. Harry Cahill, Chair, reported. Candidate Carin Reynolds Farmer was examined and approved for ordination as listed in the White Book.

COMMITTEE ON YOUTH: Rev. Mark Sandell, Chair, reported on Triennium and forthcoming youth events.

COMMITTEE ON STEWARDSHIP AND MISSION INTERPRETATION: Presbytery heard a presentation from John Connor of the Grassroots Coalition regarding sweatshop labor.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Elder Betsy Baer, Chair, reported. All nominees listed in the White Book were elected.

COUNCIL: Elder Nancy Saarlas, Chair, reported. The 1999 budget was approved.

ATTENDANCE: Commissioners 40; Ministers 69; Elder Officers 9; YADs 0; CCE 1; CCM 3; Visitors 38.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the Presbytery adjourned with prayer at 9:00 p.m. next to convene for a Stated Meeting on November 19, 1998, at First Presbyterian Church of Howard County at 1:00 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Charles P. Forbes

Stated Clerk

ATTEST:

James G. Kirk, Moderator

ATTACHMENTS: White Book

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