791st STATED MEETING

OF THE

PRESBYTERY OF BALTIMORE

MARCH 22, 2001

1:00 P.M.

Perry Hall Presbyterian Church

8848 Belair Road

Baltimore, Maryland 21236

410-256-6780

791st STATED MEETING

OF THE

PRESBYTERY OF BALTIMORE

Perry Hall Presbyterian Church Thursday, March 22, 2001

Baltimore, Maryland 1:00 p.m.

Visit the Perry Hall Manse where interesting collections, unique memorabilia, and beautiful antiques are on display. Open House hours are noon til 1 pm and for 1/2 hour following adjournment of this meeting.

12 noon Registration and Reading of White Books

1:00 Call to Order, Roll Call (by enrollment sheets) Margaret Ferguson

Welcome by Host Pastor George Demass

Introductions of new ministers, elders, and visitors

1:10 Report of the Stated Clerk p 2

1:15 Worship

1:45 Committee on Preparation for Ministry p 4 Bob Ferguson

2:00 Unity in the Midst of Our Diversity Phil Sorensen

The Rev. Dr. Sterling Morse, Keynote Speaker

3:30 Report of the Stated Clerk, continued p 10

Amendment 00-A

3:40 Committee on Evangelism and Church Growth Aaron Lee

Recognition of "The Hammers" Dan Melton

3:50 Council p 4 George Farmer

4:05 Committee on Peace and Justice p 6 Bill Turner

4:25 Committee on Stewardship and Mission Interpretation Joan Berry

Wills Emphasis Tom Page

4:30 Committee on Mission Ted Durr

4:40 Global Mission Committee Stephanie Trobaugh

4:45 Nominating Committee p 9 George Farmer

4:50 Committee on Youth Adrienne Knight

4:55 New Business

5:00 Adjournment

The Report of the Committee on Ministry appears on page 3.

The Consent Motion consists of actions not considered to be controversial, nor likely to require explanation or discussion. They will be voted on as one motion made by the Stated Clerk. Members and Commissioners may request the removal of any item from the Consent Motion by contacting the Stated Clerk prior to the meeting or so requesting when the Motion is made. Removed items will be considered at the report time of the agency presenting the motion.

From the Stated Clerk:

1. THAT the minutes of the 790th Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Baltimore, January 25, 2001, be approved as appended to these minutes.

2. THAT the Administrative Commission appointed by the Committee on Ministry to install the Rev. Alison Halsey as Pastor of the First and Franklin Street Presbyterian Church--consisting of Elders William Starke (Good Shepherd), Chair, Marion Schilder (First, Annapolis), and James D. Schroll (First and Franklin Street); Ministers William L. Hathaway, Harry L. Holfelder, John Calvin K. Jackson, and Donald E. Stroud; and Corresponding Members Elder Virginia Coon (University Presbyterian Church, Buffalo, NY), Rev. Joyce Krajian (Philadelphia Presbytery), Elder James C. Peters (First and Franklin Street) and Rev. Douglas Ronsheim (Pittsburgh Presbytery)--be dismissed in that Rev. Halsey answered the constitutional questions in the affirmative and was duly installed on December 3, 2000.

From the Committee on Ministry:

3. THAT Presbytery approve the following change in terms of call for the Rev. Stephanie D. Graham on the General Assembly staff: Annual salary (including manse and utilities allowance of $14,028) from $40,655 to $42,078.

4. THAT Presbytery continue the authorization of Elder Peter Goetchius to preside at the Lord's Supper at Barrelville and Southminster churches (BO, G-11.0103z).

5. REPORTS

A. Necrology

Rev. Sherman Roddy, Pastor Emeritus of Granite Presbyterian Church, ordained December 29, 1949, died on January 23, 2001.

Elder Rodney Dale Obaker, ordained January 7, 1979, at Towson Presbyterian Church, died on October 30, 2000.

Elder Richard McCaslin, ordained January 20, 1974, at Towson Presbyterian Church, died on January 13, 2001.

Elder Mary Taylor, ordained February 13, 1972, at Brown Memorial Park Ave. Presbyterian Church, died on February 1, 2001

B. Resignations

Fritz Longabaugh from the Committee on Mission

Mark Harp from the New Church Development Committee

C. Ordination

The Presbytery of the James reports having ordained Candidate Robin Hogle in February, 2001. The ordination was done on our behalf and at the request of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry which acted with the authority of the Presbytery. Robin was transferred to the Presbytery of the James immediately following her ordination.

6. THAT the Docket be approved as printed with changes noted by the Moderator or Stated Clerk.

7. THAT the Consent Motion be adopted.

8. The Stated Clerk of the General Assembly has sent to the Presbyteries recommended Amendments to the Book of Order. The Presbytery has voted on all but Amendment 00-A which will be voted on at this meeting. The Committee on Representation and the Council recommend a "NO" vote on 00-A. The text of the amendment and background informa-tion supplied by the Stated Clerk on page 10.

9. REPORTS

A. The Committee on Ministry has appointed the following Session moderators:

First of Barton: Steve Shussett, effective January 1, 2001.

First of Lonaconing: Steve Shussett, effective January 1, 2001.

Barrelville: Morton Harris, effective January 25, 2001.

B. Acting on behalf of the Presbytery on February 6, 2001, the Committee

(1) approved the call of Woods Memorial to Rev. Pemberton Cooley to be their Associate Pastor, effective January 1, 2001; requested his transfer from Holston Presbytery; and approved the following terms of call:

(2) dissolved the pastoral relationships between Rev. Peter Leathersich and the First Presbyterian Churches of Barton and Lonaconing, and placed him on the roll of Members-at-Large because of disability, effective January 1, 2001.

10. THAT Inquirers Peter Goetschius (Southminster), Dottie LaPenta (First, Annapolis), John Markel (Central), and John Potter (First, Annapolis) be examined regarding their sense of call to the ministry and, if sustained, be enrolled as a Candidates for the Ministry of Word and Sacrament.

11. THAT Candidate Stephen Tisinger (Christ Memorial) be examined for ordination in accordance with Standing Rule VIII-13.1. His Statement of Faith will be published in a White Book Addendum.

12. REPORTS that, acting through its Enhancement Subcommittee, it approved a Flex Grant of $3,500 to Granite Presbyterian Church to employ a seminary intern.

13. REPORTS that the Council has appointed Jon Fregger to the Budget Committee (Class of 2001) and Harry Schill (Class of 2003). The Committee has elected Jon Fregger Chair.

14. THAT, in response to the request of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus (NBPC), directed to all Presbyteries, for support in funding the first two years of a new position of Executive Director, the Presbytery (1) pledged $5,000, conditional upon the NBPC employing an Executive Director, (2) direct the Trustees to advance the $5,000 to NBPC when the condition has been met, and (3) direct the Mission Committee and the Peace and Justice Committee to fund this at the level of $2,500 from their 2001 and/or 2002 budgets.

15. THAT, upon the recommendation of the Council and the Board of Trustees, the Presbytery adopt the Covenant Presbyterian Insurance Program in accordance with the following covenant, to which the Presbytery hereby subscribes:

I. The Presbytery of Baltimore herewith adopts the Covenant Presbyterian Insurance Program as its property and liability insurance provider for its member congregations. [This constitutes only a recommendation to the churches of the Presbytery.]

II. The Presbytery of Baltimore herewith endorses the current standards and coverages of insurance set forth in the master policy now used by Covenant Presbyterian Insurance Program, subject to amendment of said policy on an annual basis.

III. The Presbytery of Baltimore herewith subscribes to the principles of participation for member governing bodies in Covenant Presbyterian Insurance Program as now provided, and as may be amended from time to time.

IV. The Presbytery of Baltimore herewith promises its cooperation in and support of risk management principles and practices as shall be mutually agreed among all covenanting governing bodies in Covenant Presbyterian Insurance Program.

16. THAT the Presbytery adopt the following Standing Rule:

Guidelines For The Operation Of The

Herbert D. Valentine Millennium Fund For

Grants, Scholarships, And Mission Endeavors

I. Purpose and Objectives

Resources from the Herbert D. Valentine Millennium Fund ("the Fund") will enhance the mission of God's church. Support will be granted to individuals engaging in mission studies and to groups planning to strengthen their faith community's efforts to "care for the least of these."

Proposals with potential for promoting growth of mission endeavors in the Baltimore Presbytery and proposals related to national or global mission will be considered. The scope of the fund may include scholarships, interfaith and/or ecumenical projects.

Grantees may include the following:

* Individual members of the churches of the Presbytery

* Clergy of the Presbytery

* Congregations and organizations related to the Presbytery or of which the Presbytery is a member

* Members of other religious communities and faith-based organizations

II. Management of The Fund

Overall implementation of these Guidelines is the responsibility of the Presbytery Council according to the following procedures:

A. The Council shall request the Trustees of the Presbytery to establish an initial capitalization endowment of $100,000 by September, 2001 from revenues derived from the May, 2000 retirement event honoring Dr. Herbert D. Valentine and from other sources as determined by the Trustees.

B. The Fund shall be managed by the Trustees in the same manner as other designated portfolios.

C. Disbursements shall be made only from endowment earnings on an annual percentage basis as determined by the Trustees.

D. Individual grants or scholarships under this program shall not exceed $5,000.

E. A Subcommittee on the Council, composed of the chairs of the Mission, Global Mission, and Peace and Justice Committees, will assume specific responsibility for ongoing operation of the Fund and maintenance of the guidelines.

F. Initial disbursements from the Fund will be made beginning on and no later than September 1, 2002.

G. The Council shall report annually to the Trustees regarding grants awarded during the year past.

III. Application Instructions

A. A cover letter should accompany applications for individual scholarships and proposals from local churches and organizations.

B. A proposal should contain the following information:

1. A description of the proposed mission ministry. Identify the focus of the mission ministry, the number of people to be directly and indirectly served, and the needs to be met by this ministry. Include a list of names and addresses of members of any over-sight group for this project.

2. A list of specific objectives and a description of the procedures for accomplishing each objective. Include a time line for the accomplishment of objectives with benchmarks to evaluate and measure progress, success, or completion. Also include job descriptions of any positions to be funded by the HDV Millennium Fund grant.

3. A proposed budget. Include committed and potential income from other sources. If potential income is pending, indicate when a decision is expected. Indicate how a grant from the HDV Millennium Fund would be used.

4. A statement of how the project relates to the mission of the Presbytery, the sponsoring church, or the faith-based organization. Include the church's or organization's mission statement. The Presbytery's Mission Statement is as follows:

The Mission of the Presbytery of Baltimore is to glorify God and express God's inclusive grace by embodying God's justice, mercy, and love; by nurturing the body of Christ through the development of healthy congregations and leaders; and by accomplishing together in mission, by the power of the Holy Spirit, what no one congregation could do alone.

17. REPORTS that because of time constraints due to a postponed meeting, the Committee is presenting the following two overtures here for information only. Motions to adopt them will be made by the Committee at the Presbytery meeting if the Committee has decided to do so by that time.

18. That the Presbytery adopt the following Overture to the General Assembly:

PROPOSED OVERTURE TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

On Affirming The Great Ends of the Church as the definitive statement of priorities for the PC(USA)--from the Presbytery of Baltimore.

The Presbytery of Baltimore overtures the 213th General Assembly (2001) to affirm that The Great Ends of the Church (G-1.0200) is the definitive statement of the priorities of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and, on the basis of this affirmation, specifically:

(1) to instruct the agencies of the General Assembly (GA) not to take any action based upon placing a greater importance on one Great End of the Church over another;

(2) to acknowledge that the GA Council's program and budget actions which are based on the two priorities of evangelism and discipleship violate this affirmation of the equality of all The Great Ends of the Church;

(3) to reverse the GA Council's recent reordering of the 2002 Mission Budget which reordering was based on higher priorities for evangelism and discipleship.

1. During the past year the General Assembly Council has engaged in a process of program prioritization based upon an affirmation of the priorities of evangelism and discipleship. While it has been publicly stated by officers of the General Assembly Council that these two priorities are based upon "clear mandates" [PCUSA News Release, 2/20/2001, quoting Mr. John Detterick], a search of the Minutes of the General Assembly and multiple inquiries to the General Assembly Council Executive Director's Office, have not yielded any basis in General Assembly actions establishing evangelism and discipleship as higher priorities than others listed in The Great Ends of the Church.

2. The Great Ends of the Church is the classic statement of who we are as Christians and what we see as our Christian responsibility. There is no Biblical, Confessional, nor polity basis for saying that one Great End is more important than another.

3. Just as the General Assembly Council has been tempted in the past year to elevate certain Great Ends over others, the same is sometimes true of individuals, congregations, and presbyteries. To the extent that we pay lesser heed to some of the Great Ends, we ignore one or more of the commissions which our Lord has placed upon us. To the extent that the General Assembly does this, it appears to be favoring or disfavoring certain constituencies of the church, sowing the seeds of disharmony.

4. The 213th General Assembly has the power to stop this tendency, to affirm all of The Great Ends of the Church, and to reverse the budget shifting that was based upon the erroneous notion that the Great Ends are not equal in importance.

19. That the Presbytery adopt the following Overture to the General Assembly:

On Adopting a Resolution Enunciating Ethical Guidelines for Fetal Tissue and Stem Cell Research--From the Presbytery of Baltimore.

The Presbytery of Baltimore overtures the 213th General Assembly (2001) to adopt the following Resolution in accordance with the General Assembly Guidelines "Forming Social Policy" paragraph 4:

Whereas, the following Policy Statements of previous General Assemblies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) provide general guidance that may be considered to apply to fetal tissue and stem cell research:

(1) 'The Covenant of Life and the Caring Community,' (1983) which states, 'The 195th General Assembly (1983): ... Discourages development of human embryos and their use for experimentation except in those cases of clearly demonstrable benefit where no other substitute could accomplish the same end.' The Statement continues, 'As society looks to the benefits of biotechnology, there must be more serious social and ethical discussion about its applications, especially human applications. Abuses in eugenics programs in the recent past make the establishment of guidelines for the applications of biotechnologies to human beings mandatory. The deepest issues of life and its meaning must not be obscured in the rush to profits and benefits promised by new biotechnologies.' [GA Minutes, I, 365]

(2) 'Do Justice, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly,' (1992) which included the following response to a referral from the 1989 General Assembly: 'The [General Assembly] concurs with the intent of the resolution to oppose abortions for the express purpose of selling or providing tissues for research or transplantation, and is opposed to the sale of fetal human tissue obtained in elective abortion. However, we are opposed to, and cannot concur with, calling on Congress to prohibit the use of federal funding for research using fetal tissue.'; and

Whereas, since these statements were made, both the possible benefits of and the complicated moral issues involved with stem cell and fetal tissue research have greatly increased and demand the specific attention of Presbyterians and the larger society; Therefore, Be It

Resolved by the 213th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (2001), that it adopts for itself, commends to governing bodies and individual Presbyterians, and presents to the larger society for its consideration the following 'Statement on the Ethical and Moral Implications of Stem Cell and Fetal Tissue Research':

Contemporary medical research and technologies have presented humankind with complex ethical and moral realities never before envisioned. These realities bear careful review and consideration as new therapies are developed to cure diseases and illnesses. As people of faith we are called to be partners with God in healing and in the alleviation of human pain and suffering.

Human pluripotent stem cells, more commonly known simply as stem cells, are derived through two different methods: one uses early-stage embryos in excess of clinical need and donated by women undergoing in vitro fertilization; the other method isolates stem cells from aborted fetuses. Stem cells have the ability to divide for an indefinite period in culture and can develop into most of the specialized cells and tissues of the body such as muscle cells, nerve cells, liver cells, and blood cells. The use of stem cells has far-reaching possibilities including 'cell therapies.' Stem cells stimulated to develop into specialized cells could be used to treat diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, spinal cord injuries, stroke, burns, heart disease, and diabetes. Using stem cells could reduce the dependence on organ donation and transplantation.

Moral issues raised by stem cell research include whether the cells come from aborted fetuses or embryos that have resulted from in vitro fertilization but that are not longer needed for infertility treatment.

The ethical acceptability of deriving stem cells from the tissue of aborted fetuses is closely connected to the morality of abortion. Those who oppose using stem cells derived from aborted fetuses argue that abortion for any reason is wrong. Those who so believe also fear that the possibility of donating the fetus for stem cell research will encourage women to have more abortions or will justify abortions that otherwise could not be justified. They believe that researchers would be complicit in an immoral act. In addition, they may believe that a woman seeking an abortion should not have the right to give consent to the use of the tissue because she has forfeited her maternal trusteeship by aborting the fetus.

The General Assemblies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have consistently supported a woman's right to choose an abortion based on conscience and religious beliefs. We believe that a woman's right to evaluate her life situation and the impact of her pregnancy on her own health and on her obligations to other family members, is an essential element of her personhood and her status as a moral being. We view abortion as not only protected under U.S. law, but also as morally justifiable in certain circumstances.

We believe that the use of tissue derived from fetuses is morally and ethically acceptable, provided that the procurement of that tissue is subject to appropriate limitations, and we believe that such limitations should be incorporated into regulatory law. Regulation of donations needs to assure that the decision to have an abortion is separated from the decision to donate fetal tissue. The sale or commercialization of fetal tissue should be legally prohibited.

Research with stem cells obtained from human embryos poses moral difficulties that do not exist in the case of fetal tissues. The life of the fetus has already been terminated when the researcher receives tissue from an aborted fetus, while the life of embryonic tissue resulting from infertility treatment must be terminated. The morality of ending the life of embryos rests on how one views the moral status of the embryos. We believe, as do most authorities that have addressed the issue, that human embryos do have the potential of personhood, and as such they deserve respect. That respect must be shown by requiring that the interests or goals to be accomplished by using human embryos be compelling and unreachable by other means. Indications are that human embryonic stem cell research has the potential to lead to life-saving breakthroughs in major diseases. Currently, this knowledge cannot be obtained from cells derived from other sources such as adult stem cells and cadaveric fetal tissue. Prohibiting the derivation of stem cells from embryos would elevate the showing of respect to human embryos above that of helping persons whose pain and suffering might be alleviated. Embryos resulting from infertility treatment to be used for such research must be limited to those embryos that do not have a chance of growing into personhood because the woman has decided to discontinue further treatments and they are not available for donation to another woman for personal or medical reasons, or because a recipient is not available. Again the sale or commercialization of embryonic tissue should be legally prohibited.

Therefore the 213th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 2001, affirms the use of fetal tissue and embryonic tissue for vital research. Our respect for life includes respect for the embryo and fetus, and we affirm that decisions about embryos and fetuses need to be made with responsibility. Therefore, we believe that the Presbyterian Church and other faith groups should educate their members in making these very difficult ethical decisions. With careful regulation, we affirm the use of human stem cell tissue for research that may result in the restoring of health to those suffering from serious illness. We affirm our support for stem cell research, recognizing that this research moves to a new and challenging frontier. We recognize the need for continuing, informed public dialogue and equitable sharing of information of the results of stem cell research. It is only with such public dialogue and information sharing that our diverse society can build a foundation for responsible movement toward this frontier that offers enormous hope and challenge.

1. The present political climate, especially with the change of national administrations, suggests that we may see serious attempts to limit or eliminate fetal tissue and stem cell research.

2. While the General Assembly has previously opposed the commercialization of fetal issue and the creation of embryos for research purposes, it has not directly addressed the specific research issues addressed here, though the conclusions stated here can logically be derived from existing policy statements.

3. The ethical and medical issues are specifically addressed in the Resolution.

4. The proposed statement is based in part on a similar statement adopted by the Board of Directors of the Religious Coalition for Reproduction Choice, August 24, 2000.

20. NOMINATES the following Commissioners to the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic:

MINISTERS ELDERS

Keith Paige (C,M,R/E) Howard Jackson (E,M,R/E, Knox)

Joseph Condro (C,M) Barbara Pour (E,F, Second)

21. NOMINATES to the New Church Development Committee:

Class of 2001: William Henderson (E,M)

Alison Halsey (C,F)

Class of 2002: Michael O'Brien (C,M)

Iris Tucker-Lloyd (C,F,R/E)

Class of 2003: Christa Burns (C,F)

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Please note the following corrections in the White Book as printed. They will be corrected before the White Book is appended to the Minutes of this meeting.

5A. Elder Mary Taylor died February 1, 2001, and was a member of Brown Memorial Park Avenue.

9A. The Committee [on Ministry] appointed the Session Moderators

13. The correct spelling is Jon Fregger.

20. The correct spelling is Keith Paige.

Please add the installation of the Rev. Iris Tucker-Lloyd at Knox Presbyterian Church on April 1, 2001, at 5:00 p.m.

There is an envelope for each church containing several very important papers:

1. Memorandum on Board of Pensions Benefits Plan updates.

2. Covenant Presbyterian Insurance Program Information (See White Book Item 15).

3. "Changing Families," a new Churchwide Study Document.

4. Earth Day Sabbath materials from the Care of the Earth Task Group.

25. REPORTS that Harundale Presbyterian Church has acted to dissolve the position of Associate Pastor.

The Task Force appreciates those Churches that replied promptly to the questionnaire/survey mailed to them by the GA Office of Research. This survey will be used to determine the future role of the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic. Jamie Dale and George Farmer represent Baltimore Presbytery on the Task Force.

We have been notified that many of our churches have not yet responded and we respectfully request prompt action so that we may avoid tedious follow-up efforts. The following churches have not yet submitted their completed surveys:

Ark and Dove

Ashland

Babcock

Brown Woodbrook

Brown Park Avenue

Catonsville

Central

Cherry Hill Community

Chestnut Grove

Christ Our King

Christ Our Anchor

Christ Memorial

Covenant

Dickey Memorial

Faith

Fallston

First of Lonaconing

First and Franklin Street

First of Howard County

First of Barton

First of Annapolis

Frederick

Granite

Hagerstown

Hamilton

Harundale

Havre de Grace

Havenwood

Hunting Ridge

Kenwood

Knox

Lakeland

Lochearn

Madison Avenue

Mt. Hebron

Northminster

Second

Springfield

St. John United

Towson

Trinity

Woods Memorial

21. Continued; NOMINATES:

Ruby Harding (E,F, Harundale) to Committee on Mission Class of 2003.

22. REPORTS that the Committee signed on to the following Open Letter to Baltimore Hospital Administrators, sponsored by the Service Employees International Union, which will appear shortly in the Baltimore Sun (further information is on the Registration Table):

To provide high-quality patient care, our hospitals need to maintain a stable and experienced workforce. But many workers are leaving Baltimore's hospitals because pay and benefits are so low.

Some workers at Johns Hopkins make just $7.52 an hour. That's not enough to keep a family of four above the poverty line.

We support workers at Johns Hopkins, Greater Baltimore Medical Center and Sinai Hospital in their effort to negotiate a contract with wage and benefit improvements that will stabilize staffing and protect patient care.

We are disappointed that management is refusing to offer a living wage to every worker. Management is also refusing to establish a fair process in which workers can choose to join the union.

At Sinai Hospital, management has pulled workers away from their patient care duties to attend meetings where their supervisors pressured them not to join with co-workers to gain a voice at work.

It is time for hospital administrators to work with employees to achieve a fair wage, affordable health care and secure retirement for every worker.

23. THAT Presbytery endorse the Citizens Call for a Moratorium on Executions in Maryland, which will run as an ad in the Baltimore Sun. The copy follows:

24. THAT Presbytery concur with the following Overture from the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area endorsing a Global Nonviolent Peace Force:

The Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area overture the 213th General Assembly (2001) to:

1) Endorse and support the Global Nonviolent Peace Force

2) Educate and encourage its members through its publications to participate in the GNPF.

3) Encourage financial support of the GNPF through all existing governing bodies.

11. Continued. Candidate Stephen Tisinger's Statement of Faith follows:

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The 791st Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Baltimore, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), was called to order with prayer at 1:00 p.m. on March 22, 2001, by the Moderator, Margaret Ferguson.

WELCOME: By the host pastor, Rev. George Demass. Visitors, new ministers and elders were introduced.

CONSENT MOTION AND REPORT OF THE STATED CLERK: Elder Charles Forbes, Stated Clerk, reported. The Consent Motion as printed in the White Book and Addendum was adopted. The Committee on Ministry did not report at this meeting, their business being included in the Consent Motion. [Overture on 2003 GA deadline; Overture on printing GA deadlines in calendar; Amendment votes--Affirmative except 00-O and 00-A voted separately]

WORSHIP: Participants in Worship: Organist, Elder Edward Roberts (Catonsville), Rita Garrity (Good Shepherd), Rev. Iris Tucker-Lloyd, Rev. Stephanie Spangler Trobaugh, and Rev. Muriel Burrows, preaching.

COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY: Rev. Robert Ferguson reported.

Presbytery examined Inquirers Peter Goetschius (Southminster), Dottie LaPenta (First, Annapolis), John Markel (Central), and John Potter (First, Annapolis) on their sense of call and enrolled them as Candidates for the Ministry of Word and Sacrament. Candidate Stephen Tisinger (Christ Memorial) was sustained in his examination for ordination, "if the way be clear" i.e. that he pass all of the ordination examinations.

UNITY IN THE MIDST OF OUR DIVERSITY: Rev. Phil Sorensen introduced the Rev. Sterling Morse, (National Capital Presbytery) who addressed the Presbytery regarding Amendment 00-A. Small group discussion and open debate followed. Presbytery voted "NO" on Amendment A.

COMMITTEE ON EVANGELISM AND CHURCH GROWTH: Revs. Aaron Lee and Dan Melton reported on their work as Organizing Pastors of the Presbytery. "The Hammers," a volunteer group from First of Howard County were recognized for their support of the Mt. Airy NCD and elsewhere in the Presbytery.

COUNCIL: Elder George Farmer reported. Presbytery approved the Guidelines for the Herbert D. Valentine Millennium Fund as printed in the White Book.

COMMITTEE ON PEACE AND JUSTICE: Elder Bill Turner, Chair, reported. Presbytery signed onto two public policy ads in the Sun: in favor of the death penalty moratorium and in support of service workers at area hospitals. Presbytery approved two overtures to the GA: A call for a statement of ethics regarding stem cell research (Rev. Mark Sandell asked that his "NO" vote be recorded in the minutes), and a call to the GA to honor equally all of the priorities cited in the Great Ends of the Church. It concurred with an overture to endorse a Global Nonviolent Peace Force. Beryl Smith spoke on Legislative issues in the recent Maryland General Assembly.

COMMITTEE ON STEWARDSHIP AND MISSION INTERPRETATION: Elder Joan Berry, Chair, reported. Tom Page reported on Wills Emphasis.

COMMITTEE ON MISSION: Rev. Ted Durr, Chair, reported.

GLOBAL MISSION COMMITTEE: Rev. Stephanie Trobaugh, Chair, reported. Rev. George Demass asked for prayers as we seek a continuing relationship with Dakota Presbytery, where he will shortly be visiting on behalf of the Presbytery.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Elder George Farmer, Chair, reported. Presbytery elected the following Commissioners to the 2001 Synod: Revs. Keith Paige and Joseph Condro, and Elders Howard Jackson (Knox) and Barbara Pour (Second). Presbytery elected all other nominees in the White Book and Addendum.

COMMITTEE ON YOUTH: Adrienne Knight, Chair, reported. Rev. Mark Sandell spoke about the Youth Rally on April 29th at Govans. Presbytery authorized the Committee to select our YAD to Synod.

ATTENDANCE: Commissioners 46; Ministers 67; Elder Officers 6; YADS 0; Continuing Corresponding members 1; Visitors 25.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no additional business, the Presbytery adjourned with prayer at 5:30 p.m., next to convene for a Stated Meeting at 4:00 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church of Cumberland, Maryland.

Respectfully submitted,

B. Dolores Melchior,

Assistant Stated Clerk

ATTEST:

__________________________

Charles P. Forbes, Stated Clerk

ATTACHMENTS: White Book and Addendum