Hope Presbyterian Church Thursday, June 17, 1999

Baltimore, MD 4:00 p.m.

3:00 Registration and Reading Time for White Books

Mission Displays: NAILS and Partners in Parish Nursing

4:00 Call to Order; Welcome by Host Pastor, the Rev. Cherry Marshall; Roll Call (by enrollment sheets); Introduction of New Pastors and Elders; Motion to approve the docket. (Submit New Business to the Stated Clerk by 6:00 p.m.)

4:10 Report of the Stated Clerk, page 3 Charles Forbes

Consent Motion, page 2

4:15 Committee on Ministry, page 4 Bruce Barstow

4:50 Nominating Committee, page 10 Betsy Baer

5:00 Committee on Preparation for Ministry, page 8 Harry Cahill

5:20 Committee on Education and Congregational Nurture, page 8 Pat Aaserude

5:30 Global Mission Committee Pat Byerly

5:40 Committee on Peace and Justice, page 13 Bill Turner

5:50 Council, page 13 Nancy Saarlas

6:00 Dinner

7:00 Worship

7:45 Committee on Ministry (continued)

Second Presbyterian Church Resolution

8:45 New Business

8:50 Adjournment

Note: A written report from the Committee on Mission is printed on page 4 Steve Shussett

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

1. THAT the Minutes of the 780th Stated Meeting of the Presbytery, March 25, 1999, be approved as appended to this White Book.

2. THAT the Administrative Commission to install the Rev. M. Muriel Burrows as Associate Pastor of the Trinity Presbyterian Church, having been properly established by the Committee on Ministry and consisting of Ministers James G. Kirk, Chair, K. Aaron Lee, Arthur Reynolds, and Thomas Speers; Elders Paulette Bowman (Cherry Hill), Nancy Bennett (Trinity), and Jean Stuart (Central); and Corresponding Members Elizabeth C. Yeager of Louisville Seminary and Elder Katharine Griswold of Crescent Hill Presbyterian Church, Presbytery of Louisville, be dismissed in that Rev. Burrows answered the required constitutional questions in the affirmative and was duly installed on March 28, 1999.

3. THAT the Administrative Commission to install the Rev. Mitchell Lee Miller as the Pastor of the Fallston Presbyterian Church, having been properly established by the Committee on Ministry and consisting of Ministers James G. Kirk, Chair, Stella Dempski, and Lloyd Umbarger; and Elders Carol Clark (Fallston), Ruth Choate (Hagerstown), and Donald Irey (Churchville), be dismissed in that Rev. Miller answered the required constitutional questions in the affirmative and was duly installed on April 25, 1999.

4. THAT the Administrative Commission to install the Rev. Allison Rizk as Associate Pastor of the Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, having been properly established by the Committee on Ministry and consisting of Ministers James G. Kirk, Chair, Terry Schoener, Nancy Lincoln, and David Huusko; and Elders Andy Borland (Woods Memorial), Lauri Gardner (Christ Our Anchor), and Ellen Makar (Ark and Dove) be dismissed in that Rev. Rizk answered the required constitutional questions in the affirmative and was duly installed on June 13, 1999.

5. THAT, on the recommendation of the Stated Clerk who has received a complaint under the Rules of Discipline, D-10.0102b, Presbytery establish an Investigating Committee consisting of Elders Bruce Jones (Towson), Chair, Valeria Tocci (Trinity), and Louie McKinney (Ark and Dove), and Ministers William Stark and Linda Nepstad to carry out the responsibilities of an Investigating Committee under D-10.0202.

from the Committee on Ministry

6. THAT Presbytery approve the proposed Parish Associate relationship between the Rev. Lloyd Umbarger and Christ Our King Presbyterian Church.

from the Committee on Administration

7. THAT the Minutes of the following sessions be approved without exceptions: Babcock, Barrelville, Bethel, Catonsville, Central, Christ Our King, Churchville, Dickey Memorial, Faith, Fallston, First Barton, First Bel Air, First Frostburg, First Lonaconing, First Westminster, First Howard County, Frederick, Grace, Granite, Grove, Hancock, Harundale, Havenwood, Havre de Grace, Hope, Hughes Memorial, Hunting Ridge, Kenwood, Lochearn, Maryland, Mt. Hebron, Mt. Paran, Perry Hall, Prince of Peace, Roland Park, Taiwanese, Towson, and Trinity.

8. REPORTS

A. Communications

1. The Nominating Committee of the Synod is seeking persons to serve on Synod Committees. George Farmer and Marie Cannon serve on the Synod Nominating Committee from the Presbytery of Baltimore. They ask that any person interested in one of the committee assignments listed below contact either George Farmer (410/655-6428) or Marie Cannon (410/433-4949). Synod rules for representation limit committee assignments to particular categories, as shown.

Campus Ministry Committee (White, Female, Clergy)

Committee on Justice and Mercy (Female, Layperson)

Racial Ethnic Committee (Racial Ethnic, Female, Layperson)

Committee on Evangelism (Male, Clergy)

2. The Minutes of 212th Stated Meeting of the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic, July, 1998, reflect that the 1997 Minutes of the Presbytery of Baltimore were approved without exception.

B. Necrology

Helen Hovermale, Elder at Hancock Presbyterian Church, ordained in December, 1985, died in October, 1997.

Leona Little, Elder at Hancock Presbyterian Church, ordained in December, 1980, died in October, 1998.

Ethel Zimmerman, Elder at Catonsville Presbyterian Church, ordained on February 5, 1961, died on May 31, 1999.

James D. Lowe, Elder at Harundale Presbyterian Church, ordained on January 21, 1951, died on June 8, 1999.

C. Resignations

Rev. James Richards from the Committee on Stewardship and Mission Interpretation

Rev. Margaret Ferguson from the Nominating Committee and the Committee on Administration.

D. The Clerk reports that two complaints under D-10.0102b have been received, calling for Investigating Committees. One such committee was established by the Executive Committee (See Council report page 13) and the other will be established by an action on the consent motion.

9. THAT the Consent Motion, printed on page 2, be adopted.

10. REPORTS that at its meeting on May 4, 1999, acting on behalf of Presbytery, the Committee approved a Flex Grant of $1,000 to Woodberry Crossing to support its farm and nature programs designed for low-income urban families. (The Committee acted on Presbytery's behalf because a timely response was needed.)

11. REPORTS that Flex Grants are still available! Flex Grants are one-time funding for a short-term purpose. They may be used to provide "seed money" for a new project. Flex Grant purposes include, but are not limited to, health care, housing and shelter, youth services, community organizing and empowerment, congregational outreach, missions, Christian education, and short-term education or training. These grants are available to churches within Baltimore Presbytery and to non-profit organizations that render services to needy persons in the Presbytery area. To recieve a Flex Grant, please submit a letter providing the following information: names of Session members (or Board members if a non-profit); name, address, and phone number of a contact person; a description of the organization; a description of the project for which the Flex Grant will be used, its duration, and the expected benefits.

Currently, $4,000 is available for Flex Grants. Apply by October 31, 1999.

12. REPORTS that two of the projects currently funded by the Committee on Mission, NAILS and Partners in Parish Nursing, have interpretive displays set up in the Registration area. Please visit them.

13. REPORTS that the Committee acted on behalf of Presbytery in the following matters which required action prior to this meeting to permit continuing ministry in the churches involved:

A. Concurred in the call of Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church to the Rev. Allison Rizk to be their Associate Pastor, effective May 26, 1999; requested her transfer from the Presbytery of Whitewater Valley; and approved the following terms of call:

Salary, Housing $40,789

Moving Costs All reasonable

Auto Allowance $800

Study Leave $1,500

4 Qtrly 3-day sabbaths

Vacation, Study Leave, Pension per Manual

B. Concurred in the call of the Churchville Presbyterian Church to the Rev. Joseph Frank Condro to be their Pastor, effective May 3, 1999; requested his transfer from the Presbytery of Shenandoah, and approved the following terms of call:

Salary $ 24,000

Housing 14,000

FICA Supplement 3,086

Auto Allowance 3000

Study Leave $2,000

Medical Supplement 1,300

Moving Costs All reasonable

Vacation, Study Leave, Pension per Manual

14. REPORTS that the Rev. Lloyd Auchard will be the Interim Pastor at the First Presbyterian Church of Howard County, effective with the dissolution of the call of the Rev. Robert Culp.

15. REPORTS that the Rev. Wesley Baker's Interim Pastorate at Churchville Presbyterian Church ended on May 3, 1999.

16. THAT, at the request of the pastor and congregation, the call of the Rev. Robert Culp as Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Howard County be dissolved so that he may accept the call of the Round Hill Community Church, Greenwich, Connecticut, to be their Senior Minister, effective July 1, 1999, and THAT his call to the Round Hill Community Church be validated [the request for validation came after the meeting of COM, and the recommendation comes from the Chair, in accordance with Committee procedures].

17. THAT, if the way be clear, the Presbytery concur in the dissolution of the pastoral relationship between the Rev. Harold Kidd and Cherry Hill Community Presbytery Church, effective June 30, 1999, so that Rev. Kidd may become a Member-at-Large to enable him to provide care for his mother.

18. THAT Presbytery concur in the call of the First Presbyterian Church of Annapolis to the Rev. William L. Hathaway to be their Pastor effective August 9, 1999; request his transfer from the Presbytery of Western New York; and approve the following terms of call:

Salary $ 47,144

Manse [16,100]

Deferred Compensation 2,000

Auto Allowance 1,500

Professional Expenses 1,300

Study Leave 1,300

Medical Supplement 1,000

Moving Costs All reasonable

Vacation, Study Leave, Pension per Manual

19. THAT Presbytery concur in the call of Faith Presbyterian Church to the Rev. Robin K. White to be their Pastor effective August 15, 1999; request her transfer from the Presbytery of New Castle; and approve the following terms of call:

Salary $ 30,000

Housing 26,000

Deferred Compensation 1,300

Auto Allowance 3,500

FICA Supplement 2,295

Utilities and Furnishings 4,400

Study Leave (3 weeks) 2,500

Medical Supplement 1,000

Moving Costs All reasonable

Vacation, Pension per Manual

20. THAT the Presbytery validate the ministry of the Rev. Donald E. Stroud as the Minister of Outreach and Reconciliation of That All May Freely Serve: Baltimore, and request his transfer from the Presbytery of Hudson River which has acted, "if the way be clear." Rev. Stroud presented the following statement to the Committee on Ministry when it examined him for transfer to this Presbytery:

Request Of The Rev. Donald E. Stroud

To Become A Continuing Member Of

The Presbytery Of Baltimore

Preliminary Statement

I, The Rev. Mr. Donald E. Stroud, being a continuing member in good standing of the Presbytery Hudson River, understand my life and my Call to the ministry of Word and Sacrament within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to be marked by the continuing blessing of God through the grace of Jesus Christ, the sole Head of the Church, which is Christ's Body.

I am blessed by my Baptism, celebrated on behalf of the whole church at Wilmore Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, N.C. (now Christ Presbyterian Church), to be bound eternally to the Body of Christ by the sole necessary and sufficient grace of Christ Jesus, on whom alone my salvation and my participation in the work and worship of the church depends, apart from any human cooperation.

I am blessed to be called by God to be a minister of Word and Sacrament through the voice of the congregation of Marshville Presbyterian Church (Marshville, N.C.) who elected me as their Pastor with the concurrence of the Presbytery of Mecklenburg (now Charlotte Presbytery) that ordained and installed me at Marshville Presbyterian Church on 22 June 1975.

I am blessed since 1978 to have had the repeated confirmation of my Call by God to the ministry of Word and Sacrament whereby I have been received as a continuing member and appointed with session approval as Stated Supply in Wallington Presbyterian Church, The Presbytery of Palisades; Stated Supply in First Presbyterian Church in Greenbush of Rensselaer, The Presbytery of Albany; and Interim Pastor of Stony Point Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church in Goshen, The Presbytery of Hudson River.

I am blessed to receive the call of That All May Freely Serve: Baltimore to be an evangelist in the position of Minister of Outreach and Reconciliation so that I might embody TAMFS:B's vision of the gospel mandate for the church to be a just and fully inclusive community in which all members may freely serve, including all gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgendered members of the church.

Simultaneous to my Baptism as a Christian and to my Call by God to the ministry of Word and Sacrament, I am blessed to know myself to be a gay man whose life Christ Jesus gives as a gift of grace to be a vessel to shed the light of the good news of God's abundant love and grace in Christ to all people within and outside of the church. In accepting God's call for me to embody the vision of TAMFS:B to proclaim the Good News of Christ's fully inclusive love, I embrace God's evangelical gift for the benefit of the building up of the church into a more just and inclusive community.

Therefore, I request that The Presbytery of Baltimore validate my ministry with That All May Freely Serve: Baltimore as an evangelist (G-6.0203) in the position of Minister of Outreach and Reconciliation and receive me as a continuing member of The Presbytery of Baltimore, and request my transfer from The Presbytery of Hudson River.

A Service of Recognition was conducted by That All May Freely Serve: Baltimore at the inauguration of my ministry. It took place at First and Franklin Street Presbyterian Church at 4:00 p.m. on the afternoon of June 6, 1999, and was not a service of installation. (G-14.0516 b.)

Given the present climate within our denomination regarding issues of sexual orientation and being aware that my sexual orientation raises certain matters of concern among some members of the PC(USA), I therefore wish to state that, in acknowledging that I am a gay man, I affirm that God has created me good and that my homosexual orientation is fully consistent with the goodness of God's creation and is in no way sinful, though I do confess that I am a sinner reconciled to God by the grace of Christ Jesus. As I would never presume to question another person about the particulars of her or his own personal sexual practice, regardless of my knowledge of the person's sexual orientation, so I shall neither entertain nor respond to questions pertaining to the particulars of my own personal sexual practice.

21. THAT, in response to actions of the Session and Congregation of the Second Presbyterian Church, the Presbytery adopt the following Resolution:

Whereas, the Session of Second Presbyterian Church

(1) requested the Presbytery of Baltimore to dissolve the co-pastoral relationship between the Rev. Ernest Smart and Second Presbyterian Church and the co-pastoral relationship between the Rev. Christa Burns and Second Presbyterian Church, effective December 31, 1999; and

(2) recommended that both clergy be provided twelve months salary at current levels, effective with a leave of absence which would begin on June 1, 1999, (if either pastor would be employed at a lower salary within the twelve months, they would receive the difference), and also recommended that both clergy receive a lump sum amounting to $2,000 per year of service, prorated on completed months; and

(3) called a congregational meeting for May 25, 1999, at which time the congregation was requested to concur with these recommendations; and

Whereas, the Congregation of Second Presbyterian Church voted a substitute motion in three parts: (1) to dissolve the co-pastorate; (2) to concur with Rev. Christa Burns' request to dissolve her pastoral relationship with Second Presbyterian Church with the terms stated by the Session; and (3) to retain Rev. Ernest Smart as Pastor; and

Whereas, the Presbytery, acting through its Council on May 10, 1999, had acted as follows: "...in response to a pastoral crisis at Second Presbyterian Church, including the possibility that the Session may not be able to effectively deal with the crisis, the Presbytery of Baltimore, acting through its Council, which is so authorized to act when a delay would be to the detriment of a particular church of the Presbytery, hereby establishes an Administrative Commission for Second Presbyterian Church (G-11.0103s), to meet at the call of its Chair, consisting of Ministers James G. Kirk, who shall be the Chair, Corinne Baker, Calvin Jackson, and Jon Fregger and Elders Tom Eastman (Brown Memorial Woodbrook), Shannon Jeffords (Govans), and Robert Pratz (Christ Our Anchor), and grants the Commission the following powers:

1. To investigate all matters relating to the ministry of the co-pastors at Second Presbyterian Church, with full right of access to all records of the church and session;

2. To make recommendations to the Presbytery on the basis of this investigation;

3. To mediate, to the extent possible, the conflicts which may exist;

4. To appoint a Moderator Pro Tem of the Session;

5. To assume the power of the Session should it be determined by the Commission that such assumption was necessary to further the ministry of Second Presbyterian Church;

6. To call a congregational meeting for the purpose of disseminating or receiving information and/or acting upon recommendations regarding the calls of the co-pastors of the church; and

7. To appoint the Moderator of any congregational meeting regardless of who calls it; and

Whereas, the Committee on Ministry has heard from representatives of the Session and congregation as well as both pastors, and has been involved in the unfolding conflict at Second Presbyterian Church; and

Whereas, it is the sense of the Committee on Ministry that the Session of Second Presbyterian Church, after working for more than two years to resolve the disagreements over the nature of the copastoral relationship, has correctly perceived that neither pastor is able to effectively minister to the broad base of the congregation at this time; and

Whereas, the congregation feels inadequately informed as to the nature of the breakdown of the copastorate and would be adversely conflicted were the Presbytery to immediately remove both pastors,

Therefore the Committee recommends that the Presbytery

(1) Concur with the request of the Rev. Christa Burns and the Congregation to dissolve her co-pastoral relationship, effective December 31, 1999, with the financial terms stated above;

(2) Direct the Rev. James G. Kirk to convene the Administrative Commission established on May 10, 1999, to receive the above noted requests of the Session and congregation, consult with the Committee on Ministry, hear all sides of the conflict, evaluate the situation at the church, and make appropriate recommendations to the Presbytery not later than the September, 1999 Presbytery meeting.

22. THAT Candidate Elizabeth Baer, who has received a call from the Presbytery of the James to be their Associate Executive Presbyter, be finally examined, and, if the examination is sustained, that she be ordained at Faith Presbyterian Church on June 20, 1999, at 3:00 pm and THAT she be transferred to the Presbytery of the James upon receipt of their formal request for her transfer.

23. THAT Peter Goetschius of the Southminster Presbyterian Church be enrolled as an Inquirer for the Ministry of Word and Sacrament.

24. THAT Dorothy LaPenta of the First Presbyterian Church of Annapolis be enrolled as an Inquirer for the Ministry of Word and Sacrament.

25. THAT Lisa C. Rzepka of the Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church be enrolled as an Inquirer for the Ministry of Word and Sacrament.

26. REPORTS that the Committee on Aging has nominated George Wenzel (Fallston) for the Synod Older Adult Award and has proposed Elsie Hegwood (Govans), Ruth Koegel (First of Cumberland), Charlotte Perry (Madison Avenue), and Stanley Rotz (Hamilton) for Honorable Mention. All five persons will be honored by the Presbytery at this meeting.

Each church of the Presbytery had been invited to nominate an older adult for this award. The criteria they used were any faithful member of a church within the Synod 60 years or more of experience in the art of living service in church and/or community positive impact upon others in church and/or community creativity love of God, self, and neighbor.

Abstract of the Nomination of GEORGE WENZEL: Whether it's a job for a layman in the church or a neighbor in the community, George Wenzel has probably done it. In the church, he has served on numerous committees; taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School; and been an Elder, a Deacon, a Trustee, and a Commissioner to Presbytery. In the community, he has volunteered with Meals On Wheels (for 15 years), Habitat For Humanity, Glen Meadows Retirement Home, and the Rockwood Park Project. George is always available to help transport people to the doctor's office, hospital appointments, the drugstore, the mall, and restaurants. In his "spare" time, he likes to play a little golf. George and Essie Wenzel have been married for 48 years. They have two daughters and four grandchildren. After serving in World War II, George, who is 75, worked at the Sparrows Point Steel Plant for 31 years. He retired in 1976.

Abstract of the nomination of ELSIE HEGWOOD: Reciting the long list of Elsie's activities at Govans since 1962 does not begin to capture her role in the congregation. She is always the first to respond to any call for help. She is the creative energy in many of the church's innovative programs. And she is the organizer behind many short-term projects ranging form cleaning the church kitchen to planning the annual women's retreat. Her spiritual life is no less active. In 1977 she joined a Bible Study and has attended every week since then. She provides a model of faithfulness across generational lines as she easily communicates and demonstrates her love of God and her commitment to Jesus Christ. To every function she attends Elsie brings a spark and a joy. She is always quick to share a word of encouragement. Her physical energy is amazing whether she is involved in Christian clowning, the local Senior Network, elderhostel, toastmasters, or a bowling league. A writer of hymns and poems, Elsie has even published her autobiography: "Rearview Mirror."

Abstract of the Nomination of RUTH KOEGEL: Last year, at 82, Ruth Koegel went on a group tour to Scotland. When her son continued to express concern about her ability to keep up with the tour, she finally tired of his "fussing around" and told him to "bug off" because she could take care of herself, thank you very much. That is Ruth - independent, direct, forceful. She also has a smiling face, a quiet laugh, alert eyes, and a sincere and strong faith. As a member of First, Cumberland for 69 years, Ruth taught Bible School and remains active in the Pastoral Care Team putting her faith to work virtually every day. Besides tending her garden, Ruth tends to her neighbors and friends by making telephone and personal calls; running errands; checking up during bad weather; sending cards and letters; and listening. Over the years she has been a volunteer in a camp for underprivileged children, in the League for Women Voters, and at the local hospital. Asked how she is feeling, her usual response is, "I'm deteriorating even as we speak!"

Abstract of the nomination of CHARLOTTE PERRY: Charlotte Perry began attending Madison Avenue at the age of 4. Now in her 70's, she has served her church in every possible role imaginable: Elder, Trustee, Deacon, Church School Teacher and Superintendent, Christian Education Director, member of Presbyterian Women, Financial Secretary, etc. Her leadership in community organizations has been no less impressive: the Evergreen Protective Association, the City Fair, the Summer Youth Corps, the Mayor's Drug Advisory Board, the Encore Dinner Theater, Edmondson Community Organizations, and the Western District Community Relations Council, etc. A native Baltimorean, Charlotte is the proud mother of a daughter and a son, and grandmother of three grandchildren. She retired in 1983 after a full teaching career in the Baltimore City Public School System. In recognition of her contributions to the community, Charlotte has received many honors including the Citizens Planning and Housing Association Service Award.

Abstract of the nomination of STANLEY ROTZ: Stanley Rotz joined Hamilton in 1957 with a desire to serve, and he is still serving today. At 82, he is a member of Session and a teacher in Sunday School. For many years he was also a Trustee. When they were younger, Stanley and his wife started a married couples group and often entertained the Mariners in their home. He also initiated and led a program for Senior Citizens of the church and community, including many trips. Stanley is a powerful source of wisdom for the whole church family. His life has exemplified totally true Christian commitment.

27. NOMINATES

Officers of the Presbytery

Moderator Fred Spigler (E, Havenwood)

Vice Moderator Margaret Ferguson (M, W)

28. NOMINATES

Council

Class of 2002 Carl vom Eigen (M)

Florence Henderson (E, W, R/E, Grace)

Committee on Administration

Chair Valeria Tocci (E, W, R/E, Trinity)

Class of 2002 Jaki Westmoreland (E, W, R/E, Cherry Hill)

Joseph Crawford (M, R/E)

Sherman Roddy (M)

Committee on Education and Congregational Nurture

Chair Patricia Aaserude (E, W, First of Bel Air)

Class of 2002 (vacancy)

(vacancy)

(vacancy)

(vacancy)

(vacancy)

Global Mission Committee

Chair Pat Byerly (E, W, Catonsville)

Committee on Ministry

Chair Bruce Barstow (M)

Class of 2002 Anita Hendrix (M, W)

Stephen Mann (M)

Bruce Barstow (M)

Betty McGinnis (E, W, First of Annapolis)

Alfred Tyler (E, R/E, Lochearn)

Barbara Clark (E, W, St. John United)

Committee on Mission

Chair Steve Shussett (M)

Class of 2000 Ted Durr (M)

(vacancy)

(vacancy)

Committee on Mission, continued

Class of 2002 Allen Thompson (E, Perry Hall)

Frank Couper (E, Harundale)

John McGinnis (E, First of Annapolis)

Jennifer McKenna (M)

Carolyn Nabet (E, Chestnut Grove)

Robert Bower (M)

(vacancy)

Committee on Peace and Justice

Chair William Turner (E, Churchville)

Class of 2002 Jean Ruddock (E, W, Towson)

Jamie Hardin (E, Govans)

Committee on Preparation for Ministry

Chair Robert Ferguson (M)

Class of 2002 Janet Williams (E, W, R/E, Lochearn)

Corinne Baker (M, W)

Linda Nepstad (M, W)

John McLucas (E, First & Franklin St.)

Committee on Representation

Chair Ward Parham (M, R/E)

Class of 2002 Ruth En-Jen Kuo (M, W, R/E)

Charles Thomas (M, R/E)

Dorothy Vanderlipp (E, Y, First of Howard County)

Committee on Stewardship and Mission Interpretation

Chair Joan Berry (E, W, Ark and Dove)

Class of 2002 Sue Meekins (E, W, Granite)

Mike Adams (E, Dickey Memorial)

Mark Kearney (Springfield)

(vacancy)

Committee on Youth

Chair Mark Sandell (M)

Class of 2002 Nancy Holbrook (E, W, St. John United)

(vacancy)

(vacancy)

Committee on Church Growth and Evangelism

Chair Aaron Lee (M, R/E)

[Note: In anticipation of a Manual change in election procedures for the three subcommittees under Church Growth and Evangelism, the Nominating Committee prepared a slate of nominees. Since the Manual change has not yet be accomplished, the nominees were officially appointed by the Council. Their names are reported here.]

Vision 2000

Chair John R. Sharp (M)

Enhancement Committee

Chair (vacancy)

Class of 2000 David Mock (E, Brown Memorial Park Avenue)

(vacancy)

(vacancy)

Class of 2001 Louis Dudrow (E, First & Franklin St.)

(vacancy)

(vacancy)

Class of 2002 (vacancy)

(vacancy)

(vacancy)

New Church Development Committee

Chair J. Davis Patterson (M)

Class of 2000 Robert Anderson (M)

(vacancy)

(vacancy)

Class of 2001 J. Davis Patterson (M)

Tom Niblock (E, Frederick)

Mark Harp (E, Central)

Class of 2002 Stephanie Spangler (M, W)

John Ailstock (M)

Jerry Bishop (E, First & Franklin St.)

Trustees

Class of 2002 John Lawson (E, Hope)

Robert Pratz (E, Christ Our Anchor)

Carolyn Donkervoet, (E, W, Brown Memorial Woodbrook)

United Presbyterian Ministries - Westminster House

Class of 2000 Ruby Harding (E, W, Harundale)

Class of 2002 Richard Fravel (E, Towson)

Gary Geisel (E, Woods Memorial)

Paulette Bowman (E, W, R/E, Cherry Hill)

29. REPORTS that the Session of Highland Presbyterian Church has adopted the Commitment to Peacemaking and has been duly recognized by the Peacemaking Program of the General Assembly.

30. REPORT of the Care of the Earth Task Group: The following Bible passages are provided to underscore that God created the earth and that the creation belongs to God.

"The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for God has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers." (Psalm 24:1-2)

"O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all: the earth is full of your creatures." (Psalm 104: 24)

"And God said, 'Let the earth put forth vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each accoding to its kind, upon the earth.' And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good."

(Genesis 1:11-12)

The questions that need to be asked are: "Is it still good?" "Is God pleased with how we have cared for creation?" "When Jesus comes again, how will we answer Jesus when we are asked how we handled our responsibility as stewards of creation?"

31. REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (I)

Having received the resignation of the Rev. Aaron Lee to be Commissioner to GA, and the two elected alternates being unable to serve, the Stated Clerk requested a conference call meeting of the Executive Committee to elect a Commissioner to GA, on behalf of the Presbytery. Attending the call on April 22, 1999, were Jim Kirk, Fred Spigler, Charles Forbes, Valeria Tocci, and Morton Harris, constituting a quorum, the others having been notified, and Herb Valentine, ex officio. The Rev. Charles Gyle was elected and has accepted. Additional alternates were elected and will be reported in the case of additional resignations.

32. REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (II)

On May 6, 1999, the Executive Committee met by polled telephone call, at the request of Executive Presbyter Herb Valentine, to respond to a problem at Second Presbyterian Church. The Committee, acting on behalf of Presbytery, authorized Dr. Valentine, under the general authority of the Presbytery for Administrative Review of a particular church, to moderate the Session of Second Presbyterian Church. All polled individuals voted YES; these included Nancy Saarlas, Jim Kirk, Fred Spigler, Charles Forbes, Bruce Barstow, and Valeria Tocci. The others were called but not reached; a quorum was polled. The authority granted was not used.

33. REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (III)

At the request of the Stated Clerk, who had received a complaint under the Rules of Discipline, D-10.0l02b, the Executive Committee acted for the Presbytery and established an Investigating Committee consisting of Ministers Mary Gaut, Chair, Webster Brenner, Howard Newman, and Corinne Baker and Elder Sally Robinson (Brown Memorial Park Avenue) to carry out the responsibilities of an Investigating Committee under D-10.0202. The action was taken by telephone poll on May 20-24, 1999, with all members concurring except Rev. Kirk who could not be reached.

34. REPORTS the following actions regarding Second Presbyterian Church:

A. [Action contained in the Resolution presented by Committee on Ministry on page 7.]

B. That, in response to a pastoral crisis at Second Presbyterian Church, including the possibility that the Session may not be able to effectively deal with the crisis, the Presbytery of Baltimore, acting through its Council, which is so authorized to act when a delay would be to the detriment of a particular church of the Presbytery, hereby appoints the Rev. Terry Schoener as Moderator Pro Tem for the meeting of the Session on May 11, 1999, and any adjourned session thereof.

35. REPORTS:

A. Council appointed the following Overture Advocates:

Overture 99-2 On Removing Amendment B Don Stroud

Overture 99-20 On Peacemaking Teams Pat Byerly

Overture 99-22 On Funding the Washington Office Herb Valentine

Overture 99-25 On Disorders in the Church Ted Durr

Overture 99-26 On Reporting Presbytery Votes in Minutes Herb Valentine

B. The Committee on Goals, Objectives and Strategies presented its first draft report which focused on the five key areas it had identified for significant recommendations. The Council discussed the report and will forward individual comments to COGOS.

C. The Council appointed to the three sub-committees of the Committee on Church Growth and Evangelism the slate of nominees prepared by the Nominating Committee upon their recommendation. The names of those nominees are reported in the Nominating Committee report on page 12.

36. NOMINATES the following persons to the Interim Executive Search Committee: Ministers Terry Schoener, Chair, Morton Harris, and Ward Parham; and Elders Pat Aaserude and Valeria Tocci.

37. THAT the Budget, enclosed with this White Book, be received for first reading.

June 19-26 General Assembly, Fort Worth, TX

June 20 Ordination of Candidate Betsy Baer, Faith PC, 3 p

June 26-July 3 Mission Trip to Pine Ridge Reservation, SD

July 15-17 Synod of the Mid-Atlantic, Mary Baldwin College, Staunton, VA

July 16-17 Chesapeake Center Work Camp

July 20 Interim Pastors Meeting, Presbytery Office

July 25-August 21 Mission Trip to Pine Ridge Reservation, SD

September 16 Educators Roundtable, Presbytery Office

September 23 Presbytery Meeting, Havenwood PC, 4 p

October 15-17 Middle School Retreat

Please call the Presbytery Office, 410-433-2012, for registration forms or additional information on any of the listed events.

DIRECTIONS

From Beltway, take Exit 12 East onto Wilkens Avenue (toward Baltimore City). Go to first traffic light (Maiden Choice Lane) and turn right. continue past shopping center and through traffic light at Westland Boulevard. Continue to Shelbourne Road and turn right. Church is on the right.

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