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TRANSCRIPT
Meeting of the Presbytery of Riverside
June 11, 201610:00 a.m.
Beaumont Presbyterian ChurchBeaumont, California
PRESBYTERY CONVENEDThe stated meeting of the Presbytery of Riverside was called to order by Moderator Rev. Tina Blair at 10:15 am on Saturday June 11, 2016, at Beaumont Presbyterian Church, Beaumont, California, and was opened with prayer by Moderator Rev. Blair.
ENROLLMENT –The roll was taken by registration as follows:(Tan shading indicates in attendance)
CONGREGATION TEACHING ELDER & ECCL # RULING ELDERS
Beaumont Scott Mason (101) 3 Marty Mangan Warren SimmonsBig Bear Roger Beukelman (158) 2 Cathedral City Lee Ireland (101) 2 Jeffrey Kramer Esther Shin (797) Corona Henry DeGraaff (299) 2 Terrie Burbank Pete MittelstadtCrestline Bruce Myers (108) 2 Bob Holding Alt Grace HoldingFontana Bruce Myers (108) 2 Marie De Lus HernandezHemet Sylvia Karcher (105) 3 Pat Shetler Susan Gray Joyce EmeryIdyllwild Richard Olson (101) 2 Warren Monroe Jerry BuchananIndio Michael Wallman (101) 2 Malinda Becerra Desiree Coulson Alt Steve StilesLake Arrowhead Bill Stanley (101) 3 Cathleen Coombs-Stephens Gary Tompkins Mary-Justine Lanyon Alt Carol Stanley Alt Carrie BlackOntario Curtis Webster (105) 2 Ginny Mansfield Beverly Johns Alt Jesse RosePalm Springs Christine Dickerson (101) 2 Virginia Ross Pauline Greg Alt WM MillerRancho Cucamonga Martin A. Smith (101) 2 Pam Sickman Ronn Campbell Norman BaldersRedlands Community CRE Jan Opdyke (107) 2 Connie BrennanRedlands First Tom Rennard (105) 3 Grace Baldwin CRE Hart Tan (107) Al Polchow Hameed Barkat (797) Marcia Fagan
Alt Jack Brennan Alt Wilson KayangeRialto Andrew Parnell (108) 2 Peggy Hill Wendy HillRidgecrest Ralph Mueller (101) 2 Jo MuellerRiverside, Calvary Erin Thomas (101) 3 Daniel Alldredge Alfred Graise (103) Jeff Heath Sam Hynds Riverside, Magnolia Timothy Avazian (105) 3 Laura Medrano Claire Schlegel (103) Alt Jason NicholsonRiverside, Victoria Vacant 2 James AndersonSan Bernardino, First Sandy Tice (101) 3 Melodee Kistner Lynette DNClos Adelson Amy SmithSan Bernardino No Pastor / Vacant 2 Margarito RamosGood Shepard Andy RamirezTemecula, Grace Lynn Stone (105) 3 Jeff Mague Julie Stouse Larry LibeuTemecula Valley Peter Kwon (101) David LeeKorean Kyungyun HwangTwentynine Palms Les Bishop(108) 2 Cynthia Libby Larry LibbyUpland First Noel Anderson (101) 3 Jim Smirl Jim RichardsonUpland Taiwanese Joshua Hsieh (101) 2 Sue ChenWildomar Joe Mazzela (101) 2 Jerry BaynardYucca Valley Wayne Morrow (105) 2 Dave JenskinsOTHER TEACHING ELDERS
permanently excused in attendanceAlam Azeem 797 Allen Dan 797 Barkat Hameed 797 Berry Sue 299 Blair Tina 797 Budi Musiko 797 Choi Mickie 405 Christy Wilbur 299 ExcusedCopeland Brad 299 Davis Steven Jay 797 DonJuan Galdino 299 Duvall Ronald 797 Eisenhower Will 299 ExcusedFalconi Noe 299 ExcusedFrasher Diane 303 Gamm Marilyn 304 Gammons Kenneth 299 George Matthew 797 Grande Nelson 797 Griffin Darel 299 ExcusedHangen Jerry 299 Harrison Rick 305 Hodges Julie 797 Huffstutler James 299 Excused
Huntley William 644 Ibrahim Rafik 797 Jackson Julius 644 Johnson William 299 Karcher James 299 Kennedy Lynne 797 King Thelma 299 ExcusedKovar Albin 299 ExcusedLee William 751 Lloyd Karen 795 Loleng David 403 McGuigan William 299 ExcusedMunyi James 791 Nelson William 299 Park Noah 797 Rassieur Charles 299 Richmond Nancy 701 Roberts Sam 771 Schutte Jack 299 Stolte Scott 299 ExcusedStout John 299 ExcusedStout Patricia 797 ExcusedTaulbee Sandra 797 Tucker Narcissis 797 Wang Chai Seng 299 ExcusedWillette Jan 299 ExcusedWilliamson Don 299 ExcusedWright Diana 299 Wu Caleb 301 Wu Paul 703 Yang In 797 Yu Thomas 701 OTHER VOTING RULING ELDERS Craig Linda PWP ModeratorEntler Carol Past ModeratorLaflin Patricia Past ModeratorMartinez Izar Polity and Records ChairpersonMerhoff Margaret Property & Finance ChairpersonMittelstadt Marilyn Past ModeratorMueller Jo COR ChairpersonReierson Don Past ModeratorRichardson Ian Past ModeratorRodewald Jerri Nominations ChairpersonShepard Jim Past ModeratorSimmons Warren P R TreasurerSkoglund Susan Past ModeratorSmith Anne Past ModeratorSpitzer Robert COM ChairpersonStanley Carol Certified Christian EducatorCORRESPONDING MEMBERS
Leydens Rev.Kent Sierra Blanca Presbytery, 1st Roswell, NM
Cobb Rev.Clayton BOPMbaabu Rev. Elias J. Namobi North Presbytery, Kenya
Kiara Rev.George Kenya - Live in Temecula/Grace Presbyterian
GUEST Johnson Joyce E. IndioFust Vickie HemetMc Neil Diana HemetBlack John LACPC / YAVMwangi Joyce E. TMFLyman Jacquie HemetNord Carol HemetTerayoh Olvse Triennium YouthCraig Morgan Triennium - GA CommissionerStephens Miles Triennium Youth / LACPCOchart Laure Triennium parentJang Halim Triennium Youth/ BeaumontSiedschlag Savahana Triennium Youth / LACPCSiedschlag Madison Triennium Youth / LACPCJohnston Katrina Triennium YouthPerez Benjamin Triennium Youth/ BeaumontFletzhor Stephanie Triennium Youth / San BernardinoClark Jeanne Triennium Youth / San BernardinoMason Karya Triennium Youth / San BernardinoValverde Airel Triennium Youth/ BeaumontValverde Candice Triennium Youth/ BeaumontWickenson Heather Triennium Youth/ MagnoliaOchart Kennen Triennium Youth / LACPCStanley Benjamin Triennium Youth / LACPCGuth Ryan Triennium Youth / LACPCPark Andrew Triennium Youth / Cathedral City
Total in attendance: 101, Total voting present: 71
GATHERINGGreeting & Prayer Moderator, Rev. Tina BlairQuorum and Docket Approval Stated Clerk, Rev. Diane FrasherIntroductions Moderator
New CommissionersCorresponding membersGuests
All new commissioners, corresponding members and guests are listed within the enrollment section.Presbytery moved and VOTED to APPROVE to seat and grant voice to the Corresponding Members.
WELCOME FROM HOST PASTOR Rev. Scott MasonThe Presbytery prayed for Jan Richards, whose husband recently passed.
QUORUM AND DOCKET APPROVAL: Stated Clerk, Rev. Diane Frasher reported. The Stated Clerk declared that a quorum was met. The docket has three (3) additions: 1) receive the Holy Currencies Report and Recommendation; 2) amendment of COM Motion regarding Rev. Kent Leydens; and 3) consider a request for the Presbytery to co-sponsor a Presbytery Disaster Assistance event in San Bernardino. Presbytery moved and VOTED to APPROVE the revised docket and consent agenda.
CONSENT AGENDASTATED CLERK – The Stated Clerk moves that the Presbytery: 1
1. Approve the minutes of the February 20, 2016 stated meeting of Presbytery held at Calvary Presbyterian Church of Riverside.
2. Express the Presbytery’s thanks and appreciation to the session, staff, and volunteers of Beaumont Presbyterian Church for their warm hospitality and assistance in hosting this meeting of Presbytery.
3. Receive the written report of the Stated Clerk. The report follows. (1A)4. Receive the written report of the Committee on Polity & Records. The report follows:
One of the responsibilities of the Committee on Polity and Records is to “Review annually the Session Minutes, Rolls and Registers of the churches within the Presbytery”. During the current year Polity and Records has conducted two Review sessions (April 9th and April 30 th). A third Review session is scheduled for July 9th. The following churches presented their Session Minutes and Church Registers for review:
CHURCH YEAR REVIEWED Hemet 2015Lake Arrowhead 2015Westminster, Ontario 2014/2015Palm Springs 2010Calvary, Riverside 2014/2015Magnolia, Riverside 2015Victoria, Riverside 2010/2011Grace, Temecula 2015Upland Taiwan, Upland 2015Desert Hills PC, Yucca Valley 2015
5. Receive the written report of the AC for New Worshiping Communities. The report follows. (1B)
6. Receive the written report of EMAT. The report follows. (1C)7. Receive the written report of the Spring Synod Meeting in April, 2016. The report comes from
our Synod Commissioners. The report follows. (1D)8. Committee on Ministry items for the Consent Agenda:9. Recommend that Presbytery approve the request of Reverend Dr. Hameed Barkat to be
transferred to Honorably Retired from active ministry, effective October 1, 2008; and that Rev. Dr. Barkat be thanked for his 20 years of service with the Pakistani-Urdu community worshipping at First Presbyterian Church, Redlands.
10. Recommend that Presbytery approve the request of Rev. Matthew George to be transferred to Honorably Retired status, effective May 1, 2016.
STATED CLERKS REPORT: Rev. Diane Frasher reported.Information items:1. All correspondence has been referred to the appropriate Presbytery person or entity.2. Remaining 2016 Presbytery Meetings: (All Saturdays, beginning at 10:00 AM)
a. September 17, 2016 @ Bethany Presbyterian Church, Rialtob. November 12, 2016, @ First Presbyterian Church of Hemet
3. Necrology:a. The Rev. Robert Thomas died on November 16, 2015 in Dayton, Ohio. Please pray for his
daughter, Carol Greenwald and the rest of his family as they grieve his loss. He was 89 years old at the time of his death and had been on our inactive list as he moved first to Colorado and then to Ohio quite some time ago. He transferred his membership to this presbytery from
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the San Diego Presbytery in 1985. You may remember him as Parish Associate at Calvary Presbyterian Church, Riverside and pastor at Victoria Presbyterian Church, Riverside before that. He was ordained on 7/10/1952 and retired in 1991. He had led a long and faithful life in the service of the Lord.
4. Thanks to all the Clerks and office personnel in our congregations for their dedication in getting the statistical information for their congregations to GA. The presbytery had a 74% rate of participation on the General Assembly Statistical Report. The congregations that did not comply with this Book of Order requirement are:
a. Community Presbyterian Church of Crestlineb. Palm Springs Presbyterian Churchc. Ridgecrest Presbyterian Churchd. Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church of San Bernardinoe. First Presbyterian Church of Uplandf. Temecula Valley Korean Churchg. Mountain View Community Church of Wildomar
5. 2016 Required Minimum Salary for Full-Time Pastoral Relationships:a. Effective Salary (includes salary and housing) $47,460.00b. Pension (35%) of Effective Salary (TE only) $16,611.00 orc. Pension (36.5%) of Effective Salary (TE+family) $17,322.90d. Car Allowance (Reimbursable at IRS approved
Rate for 2016) or minimum allocation of $ 3,000.00e. Professional/Business Expense $ 650.00f. Study Leave (2 weeks/yr accruable
According to Terms of Call) $ 600.00g. Vacation (31 days/yr with a maximum of 5 Sundays. Pastor required to use vacation time
each year)h. Part-Time Pastor Relationships are prorated except for Study Leave and Vacation.
6. Board of Pension Amounts remain the same in 2016 as last year:a. Pension (35%) of Effective Salary for the TE only.b. Pension (36.5%) of Effective Salary for the TE plus dependents.
7. The Board of Pension rate will be 36.5% for all Installed TEs in 2017.8. REDRESS OF RULING ELDER – TEACHING ELDER BALANCE - 2016/2017
No changes are required to Ruling Elder Commissioner assignments for the presbytery to achieve parity for the 2016/2017 year. The report follows:G-3.0301
The presbytery is the council serving as a corporate expression of the church within a certain district and is composed of all the congregations and teaching elders within that district. The presbytery shall adopt and communicate to the sessions a plan for determining how many ruling elders each session should elect as commissioners to presbytery, with a goal of numerical parity of teaching elders and ruling elders. This plan shall require each session to elect at least one commissioner and shall take into consideration the size of the congregations as well as a method to fulfill the principles of participation and representation in F-1.0403 and G-3.0103. Ruling elders elected as officers of the presbytery shall be enrolled as members during the period of their service. A presbytery may enroll or may provide by its own rule for the enrollment of ruling elders during terms of elected service to the presbytery or its congregations.
There are 81 resident teaching elder members of the Presbytery of Riverside.
1. Almost all churches are assigned two ruling elder commissioners and some have been given an additional commissioner based on their membership size. Commissioners from each congregation are:Beaumont – 3 Ontario – 2 Riverside, Victoria - 2Big Bear – 2 Palm Springs - 2 Temecula, Grace - 3Cathedral City – 2 Rancho Cucamonga - 2 Temecula Valley Korean - 2Corona – 2 Redlands, Community- 2 Twenty-nine Palms - 2Crestline – 2 Redlands, First – 3 Upland, First - 3Fontana – 2 Rialto - 2 Upland Taiwanese - 2Hemet – 3 Ridgecrest - 2 Wildomar - 2Idyllwild – 2 San Bernardino, First - 3 Yucca Valley - 2Indio – 2 Riverside, Calvary – 3 San Bernardino, Gd Shprd - 2Lake Arrowhead – 3 Riverside, Magnolia - 3Total from churches: 67
2. Ruling elders serving an office (VCT or presbytery): 33. Commissioned Ruling Elders serving in pastoral service: 24. Certified Christian Educator: 15. Former Presbytery Moderators still active: 8
Resident teaching elders 81 ruling elders 81
9. The 2015 Statistical Report for the presbytery follows:
Presbytery Report 2015
Presbytery Number 360568
Name Riverside
Address 1875 N D St
City/State San Bernadino, CA 92405-3909
Phone 909-881-1595
Email [email protected]
Web Site
Fax 909-881-1596
Membership
Prior Active Members 4383
Gains Losses
17 & Under 16 Certified 679
18 & Over 95 Deaths 69
Certified 15 Other 162
Other 13
Total Gains 139 Total Losses 910
Total Active Members 3612
Baptized 107
Other Participants 252
Total Adherents 3971
Female Members 2198
Average Attendance 1709
Affiliate Members 21
Baptisms Officers
Child Baptisms 23 Male Session 94
Adult Baptisms 12 Female Session 94
Male Deacons 55
Female Deacons 135
Age Distribution of Active Members Male Femaie
25 & Under 246 113 133
26 - 45 322 114 208
46 - 55 354 141 211
56 - 65 409 161 243
Over 65 1424 478 884
Total Distribution 2755 1007 1679
People with DisabilitiesHearing 150
Sight 154
Mobility 140
Other 113
Christian Education
Birth 3 54 Grade 7 21
Age 4 27 Grade 8 21
Kindergarten 27 Grade 9 26
Grade 1 20 Grade 10 32
Grade 2 33 Grade 11 23
Grade 3 37 Grade 12 20
Grade 4 32 Young Adults 37
Grade 5 28 Over 25 505
Grade 6 30 Teachers/Officers 165
Total 1138
Racial Ethnic Breakdown
Membership Elders Deacons Male Female
Asian 215 8 8 89 126Black 18 1 7 11
African American 23 0 3 7 10African 7 2 0 4 3Middle Eastern 2 1 2 1 1Hispanic 140 5 10 59 80Native American 8 2 6
White 2330 146 134 836 1442Other 12 2 4 8
Totals 2755 163 159 1009 1687
Potential Giving Units 1,784
Budgeted Income 4,170,939
Budgeted Expense 4,478,503
Receipts
Regular Contributions 3,599,267 Bequests 139,990
Capital Building Fund 22,641 Other Income 919,643
Investment Income 199,912 Subsidy or Aid 44,000
Expenditures
Local Program 3,952,980 Per Capital Apprt 78,961
Local Mission 128,882 Validated Mission 106,953
Capital Expenditures 101,793 Theological Fund 4,569
Investment Expenditures
8,446 Other Mission 25,640
AC for New Worshipping CommunitiesReport for the Presbytery
June 11, 2016
Successfully hosted Vera White and Sean Chow for a 1001 Worshipping Communities gathering at Claremont Pres on April 2. We had prayed for 50 in attendance and we met this goal. It brought together representatives of Riverside, San Gabriel, San Fernando and Los Ranchos Presbyteries. It was a good time of networking and being reminded that we need to know our communities better.
The AC is talking with Synod about how to work through finances for an individual NWC, since they do not have Sessions. Some do not have sponsoring church entities either. We are looking into bringing the finances into the Presbytery office for streamlining.
Further discussions on what constitutes a “new worshipping community” vs. an established church that wants to re-form or re-charter. Advice received from Synod and 1001 National leadership.
Working with CPM to help get several into the candidacy process for “Commissioned Ruling Elders” (recently changed to CLP – Commissioned Local Pastor).
Korean Presby Palm Springs Fellowship will send a delegation of 6 students and 2 adults to Triennium.
Submitted by Rev. Julie E. Hodges
Evangelism, Mission, and Advocacy Team – Presbytery of Riverside June 11, 2016Completed grant application forms for the following funds:
Evangelism Grants New Beginnings Process Grants New Worshiping Community Grants Advocacy Project Grants
Awarded Transformational Multi-cultural Ministries Fellowship $16,510.00 to allow Rev. James Munyi to devote one full day a week to community building efforts.
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Approved $6000.00 in matching funds in support of the work Noah Park and Esther Shin will be doing in Egypt as Mission Co-workers through the PCUSA. EMAT transferred funds from line 50620 of the Presbytery budget for this support.
Approved $2000.00 in matching funds in support of John Black as a Young Adult Volunteer in Mission to Zambia. These funds were also transferred from line 50620 of the budget.
EMAT voted to postpone the Summer 2016 El Salvador Trip until a time to be announced. With GA and the Youth Triennium both happening this summer EMAT felt that it was too much to try to juggle.
EMAT distributed the second installment of $7500.00 to support the ministry of El Buen Pastor in San Bernardino. The total amount given for this ministry between 2015 and 2016 has been $15000.00.
EMAT approved financial support for the 1001 New Worshiping Communities event held in Claremont on April 2nd. Submitted by the Rev. Bruce Myers
Report to the June 11, 2016 Meeting of Riverside Presbytery of the Synod of Southern California and Hawaii 2016 Spring Assembly
The Synod assembly met on Saturday, April 16, at Westminster Gardens in Duarte, CaliforniaThis was the first Synod Assembly operating under revised Synod Bylaws that specify:
a) A majority of the members of the two Ecclesiastical Committees (Polity and Records, and Representation and Nominations) must be comprised of a majority of active Synod Commissioners.
b) At least two members of all other committees, work groups and subgroups should be Synod Commissioners.
c) The term of commissioners is set at two years and renewable once so that the commissioners bring continuity to the meetings of the Synod.
All of the Riverside Presbytery Synod Commissioners are presently serving on at least one committee or workgroup:
Susan Skoglund – Hanmi Executive Commission Christine Dickerson – Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Work GroupSam Roberts – Commission of AssemblyJim Shepard – Committee on Representation and Nominations, Congregational Partnering
Grants Work Group, and Commission of Assembly
Actions taken by the Assembly:1. Approved a grant of $25,000 to Presbytery of the Pacific and CARECEN (Central American
Resource Center of Los Angeles) to support Central American refugees with legal service providers as well as social, mental health, and medical service providers.
2. Approved a grant of $3000 to the Cathedral City Church in Riverside Presbytery to be used to cover some of the costs of participating in The New Beginnings consultation service offered by our denomination.
3. Elected commissioners to committees and work groups.4. Approved beginning a search process for a new Synod Executive and Stated Clerk following
Doska Ross's report that she will not be seeking another term and hopes to retire at the end of
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2016.
Other highlights of the Assembly:1. Presbyterian Women announced their summer conference at Chapman University in Orange
from July 15-17, 2016. The Reverend Judy Siker will be featured and share insights into the 2016/2017 Bible Study she authored: Who is Jesus, What a Difference a Lens makes. The Reverend Eugenia Gamble will also speak and lead worship.
2. The Hanmi Executive Commission reported that four of the original twenty congregations are still under its jurisdiction. One is expected to leave the denomination, the other three are expected to be accepted by Pacific presbytery.
3. Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Work Group announced that they will sponsor a Climate Crisis Conference on September 17 at Knox Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles. They also reported on grants from the Synod's share of the annual Peacemaking offering of $6000 to Union Church Los Angeles to help with their Urban Garden Project, and $2000 to the Peace Kids Mission/Service Trip at United University Church.
4. A team from Mideast Evangelical Presbyterian Church showed a video and reported on their recent mission trip to Iraq that was sponsored in part with a $5000 grant from JPIC.
5. TE Wayne Morrow, Interim Pastor of the Desert Hills Church in Riverside Presbytery, reported on their new church program “Partners in Wellness” made possible in part with a Dream Grant from the denomination. The program is designed to reach people who are spiritual but not necessarily religious.
6. The Moderator of the REPL (Racial Ethnic Pastoral Leadership) program introduced their new staff person, TE Narcissis Tucker of Riverside Presbytery. REPL provides scholarship aid to racial/ethnic candidates for the ministry.
7. RE Maurice Caskey reported on recommendations being sent to the General Assembly Mid Council Committee addressing the proposed reduction in the number of synods. The report, written and approved by representatives of the sixteen synods, recommends that the existing synod boundaries remain as they are. He noted that the diversity of the church is supported better at the synod level than anywhere else, and was a major theme at the meetings of the synod representatives.
8. TE Elizabeth Gibbs-Zehnder reported on her work as the Presbyterian chaplain at LAC+USC Medical Center, a position supported by the Synod and four of its presbyteries.
Monthly Financial Statements for April, 2016Operating Account:
Balance Sheet .................................... Page 1Income & Expenses .......................... Page 3
Restricted Account:Balance Sheet..................................... Page 6
Balance Sheet Recap ..................................... Page 8Mission Support & Per Capita Summary ...... Page 9
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VISION COORDINATING TEAM: Marilyn Mittelstadt reported.FOR ACTION:1. Motion from the Holy Currencies Task Force: Rev. Tom Rennard moderating
discussion of motionPast and future money received from departing congregations, after deducting per capita payments, is to be invested with the Presbyterian Foundation (with the investment strategy to be determined by the Property & Finance Committee) for the sole purpose of mission, with preference to visioning grants for ministries for youth, leadership development, new worshipping communities, and experimental ministries. Funds are not to be used for the operating budget, with the exception of the TEP through May 31, 2017. Grants are to be funded from the interest generated from the principal, to be administered jointly by the Evangelism, Mission, Advocacy Team (EMAT) and the Nurture, Discipleship, Stewardship Team (NDST), with the grant year to begin in January 1, 2017. A 2/3 vote by Presbytery is required to change this directive.
Friendly amendment received from the floor. Discussion heard regarding amendment. Presbytery VOTED to APPROVE the amendment. Resulting motion:
Past and future money received from departing congregations, as of January 1, 2015, after deducting per capita and general mission payments, is to be invested with the Presbyterian Foundation (with the investment strategy to be determined by the Property & Finance Committee) for the sole purpose of mission, with preference to visioning grants for ministries for youth, leadership development, new worshipping communities, and experimental ministries. Funds are not to be used for the operating budget, with the exception of the Transitional Executive Presbyter, through May 31, 2017. Grants are to be funded from the interest generated from the principal, to be administered jointly by the Evangelism, Mission, Advocacy Team (EMAT) and the Nurture, Discipleship, Stewardship Team (NDST), with the grant year to begin in January 1, 2017. A 2/3 vote by Presbytery is required to change this directive.
Presbytery VOTED to APPROVE the amended motion.
2. Motion from VCT to take an offering during worship for Rev. Esther Shin, Rev. Noah Park, and Andrew Park for their mission to Cairo. Presbytery VOTED to APPROVE.
3. VCT has approved requests from the Personnel Committee, and we now present the following motions to the Presbytery: (Rationale for recommendations found in Personnel Report below.)
a) Recommend: The bylaws for electing a stated clerk (4.06 and 4.09) be set aside. Presbytery VOTED to APPROVE.
b) Recommend: The Rev. Diane Frasher be elected for a one year term beginning June 12, 2016 and ending June 10, 2017. Presbytery VOTED to APPROVE.
c) Recommend: The approval of the attached new terms of call for Stated Clerk Diane Frasher June 12, 2016-June 10, 2017 which include a $500/year raise. The terms of call were approved by the Committee on Ministry May 19, 2016. Presbytery VOTED to APPROVE.
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d) Recommend: The bylaws for electing a treasurer (4.03 and 4.07) be set aside and Ruling Elder Warren Simmons be reelected Volunteer Treasurer for a one year term ending beginning June 12, 2016 and ending June 10, 2017 Presbytery VOTED to APPROVE.
INFORMATION ONLY:1. Received a report from the Gracious Dismissal Discernment Team for Temecula Valley
Korean Presbyterian Church. A final settlement document is needed and will need to be voted upon by the congregation.
2. TEP Marilyn Gamm reported on the progress of Holy Conversations. She is also workingon a map of the current committee/team structures and will return in the fall with suggestionsfor a new structure.
3. Approved the following requests from Personnel Committeea. To present a motion to Presbytery for the re-election and new terms of call for Stated
Clerk Diane Frasher.b. To present a motion to Presbytery that the bylaws be suspended in order to re-elect
Warren Simmons as Volunteer Treasurer for a 1-year term. 4. Personnel had the proposed personnel policy revisions legally reviewed and learned the
committee has quite a bit more work to do. Therefore, despite having brought the proposedrevisions for a first read by the Presbytery in February 2016, the committee will not bring thethe policy for a second read to the June 2016 Presbytery meeting. The committee plans to incorporate the recommendations and bring the policy for a first read in September 2016.
5. A report from EMAT notes that more publicity is needed to generate matching grant moneyfor Kristi Van Nostrom.
6. VCT voted to elect Ruling Elder Susan Skoglund as chair of the Nominations Committee. 7. Thanks was expressed to Marilyn Mittelstadt for her 3 years of service as Vice-Moderator,
Moderator, and Moderator of VCT.8. Voted to grant permission to the youth to hold a bake sale for Triennium during lunch at the
Presbytery meeting.
Holy Currencies Task Force Report May 11, 2016, Rev. Tina Blair reported.At the August 27 2015 meeting of the VCT, the Moderator, Tina Blair, was asked to “convene a broadly representative task force to discern and propose a means to distribute reserve funds to support the missional growth of the Presbytery, to report to the 2016 Feb. meeting.”
The Moderator chose to lead a process of discernment at the September 2015 and November 2015 meetings of Presbytery to identify current ministries that were highly valued and possible future ministries that were hoped for by the members of Riverside Presbytery. She then convened a task force of those who volunteered to be a part of this working group. At their first meeting, this task force decided to name itself “the Holy Currencies Task Force.” Members are: Lee Ireland, Jo Mueller, Ralph Mueller, James Munyi, Carol Stanley, Bill Stanley, Erin Thomas, Sandy Tice, Marilyn Gamm, TEP and Tina Blair, Moderator.
The Holy Currencies Task Force met several times, made a report to Presbytery in February, 2016 about the ongoing process, and achieved the following: 1. A review of the Presbytery discernment discussions and outcomes; 2. The crafting of a biblical-theological understanding of the stewardship of money; 3. A motion for VCT to bring to Presbytery, as seen below.
Motion (Note: This motion was amended during the meeting of the Presbytery)Past and future money received from departing congregations, as of January 1, 2015, after deducting per capita and general mission payments, is to be invested with the Presbyterian Foundation (with the investment strategy to be determined by the Property & Finance Committee) for the sole purpose of mission, with preference to visioning grants for ministries for youth, leadership development, new worshipping communities, and experimental ministries. Funds are not to be used for the operating budget, with the exception of the TEP through May 31, 2017. Grants are to be funded from the interest generated from the principal, to be administered jointly by the Evangelism, Mission, Advocacy Team (EMAT) and the Nurture, Discipleship, Stewardship Team (NDST), with the grant year to begin in January 1, 2017. A 2/3 vote by Presbytery is required to change this directive.
Rationale“A Biblical-Theological Understanding of the Stewardship of Money - A Holy Currency”
(see below, p. 2)Procedures
The task force recognizes that both EMAT and NDST already have relevant grant application processes and guidelines, and may work together to develop others.
As appropriate, ordinarily grants must be endorsed by the Session of each congregation and signed by the Clerk or Moderator of Session.
Presbytery will offer workshops on writing grants and on available resources from the denomination -- presbytery, synod and General Assembly.
Awarded grants will be celebrated at Presbytery meetings. Grant recipients will be expected to share their learnings and outcomes with the appropriate
Presbytery entity. P & F is requested to establish a separate accounting of these monies to be communicated
regularly to the Vision Coordinating Team.
A Biblical-Theological Understanding of the Stewardship of Money - a Holy CurrencyMoney is an idol in our American culture: it is believed that success is not possible without it. And indeed, success, as measured in terms of monetary wealth and in bigness - such as large numbers - is also an idol in our culture. The Bible teaches us a very different understanding of money and how we are to be stewards of it.
Our foundational understanding is that money is not ours; it belongs to the Holy Triune God -Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We learn from Genesis 1 and 2 that God created and creates all that is. “The earth is the LORD’S and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it” (Psalm 24:1). This principle applies to all the money coming into the Presbytery. It is a holy currency and its use is to be guided by the Lord with the help of Holy Scripture. It is only one of many holy currencies that God provides the faithful. Holy Scripture teaches us that it is not even necessarily essential in God’s plan - for God overcame slavery and even death, providing salvation for all, not through the wealthy but through the faithful, as witnessed in the Exodus and in the life, death and resurrection of God’s Son, Jesus Christ.
The Creator God entrusts the care of creation to God’s human creatures (Genesis 1:28), while providing them with all that they need for fruitful lives. We are therefore stewards for God, partners in sustaining creation but also in joining in God’s new work, for God continues to create. “I am about to do a new thing: now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.... Do not fear or be afraid....” (Isaiah 43:19, 44:8). God is at work in our neighborhoods, running ahead of us: how will we join God in this work?
To trust in the Lord and not be afraid is important, for stewardship entails courage. Jesus teaches in his
parable of the talents that we are to have the courage to risk engaging in some investment with our money, rather than burying it out of fear (Matthew 25:14-30.) We are not to be anxious about giving of our resources, but instead to seek first the kingdom of God - and everything will be provided to us by our God (Matthew 7:25-34; Luke 12:22-31). Although we may feel as if we walk through the dark wood of uncertainty and fear, Jesus Christ walks with us (Matthew 28:20), and he is the light that the darkness will never put out (John 1:5). We can trust the Holy Spirit to guide us and sustain us (John 14:16-17).
Furthermore, this investment, this act of risk does not have to be large, but rather be as a small seed planted in fertile ground, or as a little yeast used to leaven a large batch of dough (Matthew 13:31-33, Mark 4:1-9). We are accountable to the Lord for our work. God does not demand perfection of us, but faithfulness. Then when we do well with a little, we are rewarded with more resources, hearing “Well done, good and trustworthy servant, your have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master” (Mt. 25:23).
We Christians are in truth sent out to serve the Lord, and we are sent together. Stewardship and service are communal in nature, for we are part of a whole, the whole Body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:12-31). In this Body, with the Lord Jesus Christ as our Head, we have different gifts for different service that all work together for Christ’s mission (I Cor.12:4-11). As some have said, we work together so that “Jesus may walk on this earth again.” Stewardship, the use of holy currencies, is a collaborative process, as members of the Body of Christ pray and work with each other. We are joint heirs with Christ of the Gospel, that we might together use the gifts and resource entrusted for us (Romans 8:17; Galatians 4: 6-7). God will do more with our gifts if we use them together in community. It is koinonia work. We build on those who have gone before, and work to plant so that those to come after us may harvest. As Paul reminded the Corinthians, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.... For we are God’s servants, working together...” (I Corinthians 2:6, 9).
Creative stewardship is beautiful, resulting in joy, as we strive to fulfill Christ’s commission to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you” (Mt. 28:19-20). To do this work is to sing with joy in the shadow of God’s wings (Psalm 63:7). We sing our praises to the Lord God, in the name of Jesus Christ, who has promised that he is with us, “even to the end of the age ” (Mt. 28:20).
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE: Rev Sue Berry reported.Action Items:The following recommendations from the Personnel Committee were approved for recommendation to the Presbytery by the Vision Coordinating Team (VCT) at its March 15 and May 17, 2016 meetings. (Note: Items 1-4 were actioned during the VCT Report)
1. Recommend: The bylaws for electing a stated clerk (4.06 and 4.09) be set aside.Rational: There is no explicit language in the present Manual or Personnel Policies regarding how to re-elect a stated clerk. Diane Frasher's term ends June 2016.
2. Recommend: The Rev. Diane Frasher be elected for a one year term beginning June 12, 2016 and ending June 10, 2017.
Rational: June 2017 will be the end of the Transitional Executive Presbyter's term, as it is stated now, and at that time the Presbytery will know what kind of staff configuration will be determined as most effective for Riverside Presbytery.
3. Recommend: The approval of the attached new terms of call for Stated Clerk Diane Frasher June 12, 2016-June 10, 2017 which include a $500/year raise. The terms of call were approved by the Committee on Ministry May 19, 2016.
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4. Recommend: The bylaws for electing a treasurer (4.03 and 4.07) be set aside and Ruling Elder Warren Simmons be reelected Volunteer Treasurer for a one year term ending beginning June 12, 2016 and ending June 10, 2016.
Rational: Volunteer Treasurer Warren Simmons’ re-election is past due.In March Personnel recommended to VCT that Stated Clerk Diane Frasher be re-elected to a one year term to coincide with the conclusion of Transitional Executive Presbyter Marilyn Gamm’s term ending May 31, 2017. In this way all three elected Presbytery staff positions would be up for election in June 2017 in conjunction with an anticipated new Presbytery structure and possibly a new Presbytery staffing pattern.
Information Item:1. After a legal review of the proposed Personnel Policy revisions the committee has quite a bit
more work to do. Therefore, despite having brought the proposed policy revisions to the February 2016 Presbytery meeting for a first read, the committee will not bring the policy for action to the June 2016 Presbytery meeting. The committee plans to incorporate the recommendations and bring the policies for a first read to the September 2016 Presbytery meeting.
Presbytery of Riverside
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position title Stated Clerk
Exempt or non-exempt Exempt
Full time or hours per week 1/3 Time (17hrs./wk)
Term Three-Year
Vacation 31 days as per COM policies
Continuing Education 14 days
PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION The Stated Clerk shall perform all duties prescribed in the Book of Order and the Manual of Administrative Operations of the Presbytery pertaining to documents, records, and meetings, and act as parliamentarian of the Presbytery.
RELATIONSHIPS1. Work in a cooperative and collegial relationship with the Executive Presbyter.
2. Give advice and counsel to the Presbytery, Committee on Ministry, and Vision Coordinating Team (VCT). 3.. Be available to other staff of Presbytery, committees of Presbytery and pastors and clerks of session as needed or requested.
ACCOUNTABILITY Accountable to the Presbytery through the Personnel Committee.
EVALUATIONAnnual performance review and compensation review by the Personnel Committee in consultation with the Executive Presbyter. Recommendations are forwarded by Personnel to Stewardship, Property and Finance Committee for presentation to Presbytery.
RESPONSIBILITIES1. Presbytery Meetings
a. . Develop the Presbytery docket In coordination with the Moderator, Vice Moderator, and Executive Presbyter.
b. Determine that a quorum is present. c. Assist the moderator as parliamentarian. d. Receive correspondence to the Presbytery and direct it as appropriate.
e. Call to the attention of Presbytery those actions of General Assembly that relate directly to the Presbytery.
f. Supervises work of Minute Clerk.
2. Presbytery positions a. Serve as the secretary to the Corporation.
b. Serve as a member ex-officio without vote and Provide staff counsel to the Presbytery Committees upon request. This may be accomplished without attendance at meetings.
3. Records(as defined by the Book of Order G-3.0305) a. Is responsible for the Presbytery's minutes and records including minutes, rolls, and
other official records b. Assists in the collection and Is responsible for the submission of the Annual Statistical
Reports from congregations to General Assembly. the Annual Statistical Reports from congregations with assistance of Office Manager. Is assisted by the Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper in this task.
4. General Relate to stated clerks of the General Assembly, Synod, and other Presbyteries as time allows.
b. Perform all functions and duties as set forth in the Book of Order relevant to the Stated Clerk's office. {G-3.0305} included above
5. Respond to inquiries from other mid-councils and agencies within the PC(USA) as deemed appropriate.
Section 111-8-b2
Revised 2/1/2016
Approved by Presbytery ________________
PASTORAL CALL FOR STATED CLERK FOR THE PRESBYTERY OF RIVERSIDE
Name of Stated Clerk: Rev. Diane Frasher
Service From June 12, 2016 To June 10, 2017
Responsibilities of Stated Clerk (check those which apply):
The Stated Clerk will be responsible to: (please add or delete from this list) Please see attached Position Description
The Presbytery and VCT shall be responsible to: (please add or delete from this list) support the Stated Clerk in ministry provide regular financial compensation as outlined below provide a performance review to the Stated Clerk at least annually negotiate goals for the covenant period pray for the Stated Clerk
Review of these terms of call prior to renewal or termination will be by the VCT through the Personnel Committee and the Stated Clerk.
Provision for termination of call relationship prior to expiration: 30 days notice by either party.
TERMS:
Approximate Time Expectation: 1/3 time (17 hours/week)
Effective Salary: Reimbursable expenses (by voucher): Housing: $16,500 Professional Expenses: $ $ 3,000 Board of Pensions: Pension: N/A
TOTAL: $19,500
Vacation – 31 days per year (no more than 5 Sundays)
Continuing Education – 14 days
APPROVALS:
The Presbytery of Riverside approved these terms of call and its conditions:
____________________________________ Date: _________________Presbytery Moderator
I accept these terms of call and its conditions. In signing this agreement I understand and agree that I must abide by the Presbytery of Riverside “Prevention and Response Policy: Sexual Misconduct.”
_______________________________________________________ Date: _________________________________________Stated Clerk
The Committee on Ministry approved these terms of call and its conditions:
_________________________ Date: ________________________________COM Chair
Sign each of the original three copies. When completed one copy goes to the Stated Clerk for personal files, one to the Personnel Committee, one to the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery Riverside’s official files.
Adopted 6-11-2016
NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE: Jerri Rodewald reported.Action items:Nominate committee members for re-election:
Nurture, Discipleship and Stewardship Team, Class of 2019:For re-election:Joyce Mwangi, RE, Transformational Multi-Cultural Fellowship
Evangelism, Mission and Advocacy Team, Class of 2019:For re-election:Emaline Dhaliwal,RE, Calvary, RiversideClaire Schlegel, TE, MagnoliaWilson Kayange, RE, First Pres., RedlandsSteve Davis, TE
Property and Finance Committee:For re-election:Mickie Choi, TE, Class of 2017 Ralph Mueller, TE, Class of 2019New members for election:David Baird, RE, Class of 2019, Northkirk, Rancho Cucamonga
Committee on Ministry, Class of 2019:
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For re-election:Anne Smith, RE, Desert Hills, Yucca ValleySylvia Karcher, TE, Hemet
Committee on Preparation for Ministry:For re-election:Hart Tan, CLP, Class of 2019, Indonesian Ministry, First Pres., RedlandsJean Vieten, RE, Class of 2019, First Pres., RedlandsNew member for election:Rv. William Huntley, TE, Class of 2018Patrick Shetler, RE, Class of 2019, Hemet
Personnel Committee:For re-election:Irene Sandoval, RE, Class of 2017, First, San BernardinoJames Munyi, TE, Class of 2019
Committee on Representation:New member for election:William Lee, TE, Class of 2019
Committee on Polity and Records:For re-election:Melanie Nelson, RE, Class of 2017, Magnolia, RiversideWilliam Lee, TE, Class of 2019
Permanent Judicial Commission, Class of 2021Nancy Richmond, TE, Class of 2017
Motion from Nominating Committee to re-elect those above who are indicated for re-election. Presbytery VOTED to APPROVE.
Motion from Nominating Committee to elect those above who are indicated for new member for election. There were no nominations from the floor. Presbytery VOTED to APPROVE.
Committee Chairs: (FOR INFORMATION)EMAT: Claire Schlegel, TENDST: Bill Stanley,TE, Dick Olson, TE, co-chairs P & F: Ralph Mueller, TECOM: Lee Ireland, TE, Chair, Don Reireson, RE, Vice-ChairCPM: Tom Rennard, TEPersonnel: Sue Berry, TECOR: Jo Mueller, REP & R: Jeff Mague, RE
Election of Vice Moderator: to be announcedAdditional nominations will be presented to the Presbytery at its June 11 meeting.
Information items:
1. We are still looking for members (3) for the Committee on Representation. Please see one of the members of the Nominations Committee if you are willing to serve, OR if you have a suggestion for us.
REPORT FROM SAN BERNARDINO FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: Rev. Marilyn Gamm reported on behalf of Sandy Tice.Motion for the Presbytery to co-sponsor with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Program on Resiliency event at First Presbyterian Church in San Bernardino, as part of the healing process of the shootings of December 2015. Presbytery VOTED to APPROVE.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION FOR NEW WORSHIPPING COMMUNITIES: Rev. Julie Hodges reported.The AC reported on their work overseeing several new worshiping communities. They have been tasked with new promoting and overseeing new worshiping communities as well as thinking how to grow the Presbytery. They hosted an event on April 2nd with Claremont Presbyterian Church in San Gabriel Presbytery and the 1001 New Worshiping Communities Initiative of PC(USA), where several Presbyteries were representative. One exercise was to go into the community and converse with local businesses on their needs and hopes. The AC is also celebrating with Korean Presbyterian Fellowship on their one year anniversary.
EVANGELISM, MISSION AND ADVOCACY TEAM: Rev. Claire Schlegel reported.The team awarded a $16,000 transformational grant to the multi-cultural ministry for Rev. James Muni to continue his ministry is Apple Valley. Two matching grants were also approved: up to $6,000 for Revs. Noah Park and Esther Shin for their missionary work in Egypt, and up to $2,000 grant for John Black to be a Young Adult Volunteer in Zambia. The team also distributed funds to the Del Buen Pastor ministry in San Bernardino. The El Salvador trip has been postponed. Rev. Schlegel prayed for all those ministries that EMAT was able to support.
NURTURE, DISCIPLESHIP & STEWARDSHIP TEAM: Rev. Dick Olson reported.See committee report below. Motion to add to the agenda a motion to elect a representative from Riverside Presbytery to ARMSS and POAMN. Presbytery VOTED to APPROVE.
Motion to elect Rev. Dr. William Johnson for a three year term as the Representative from Riverside Presbytery to the Association Retired Ministers Their Spouses or Survivors (ARMSS) and the Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry Network (POAMN). Presbytery VOTED to APPROVE.
BOARD OF PENSION OF THE PC(USA): Rev. Dr. Clayton Cobb, Regional Representative reported. Work cell: 267-844-2411
Rev. Dr. Clayton Cobb reported on the 2017 Benefit Plan Redesign.
Information to know: Installed pastors (Teaching elders) are required by the Book of Order to be in the Pastor’s
Participation Plan. Other Teaching Elders ( e.g. interims, temporary supplies) may be in either the Pastor’s Participation Plan or be enrolled in the Menu-based Plan (right side of chart)
Dues for 2017 for the Pastor’s Participation Plan will be: 24.5% for medical, 11% for pension, and 1% for Death and Disability for a total of 36.5% of Total Effective Salary.
Employing churches may offer other employees all, some, or none of the benefits listed on the right side of the chart.
The PPO and EPO will be managed by Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield. The PPO is a “gold” level plan. The EPO is a “silver” level plan priced about 15% less than the PPO. The EPO will be an “in-network” only option, with higher deductibles.
Medical dues on the menu-based plan will be priced as: member only, member-child, member-partner, and member-family. PPO and EPO costs will vary by geographic region and age.
Medical dues on the menu-based list can be made contributory, as long as the employer pays at least 50% of member only coverage.
Employers may offer employees the defined pension or contributions to the Retirement Savings Plan, or both. Any employee receiving a W-2 may participate in the Retirement Savings Plan.
Transitional medical pricing will be available for three years for lay employees currently in the Traditional Plan, (in the member-partner, and member-family categories) come January 1, 2017.
Dates to remember: July 11, 2016 the medical pricing for the PPO and EPO will be available through Benefits Connect. Employers will have an Online Tool to help estimate costs, make benefit choices, and try different scenarios, etc. From July 11 to early September employers will
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make their benefit selections for their employees. From early October to mid November employees will go to the employer page on Benefits Connect and make their benefit choices.
Presbytery recessed for a lunch break.Members of the Presbytery gathered for Service of Worship. During the Service of Worship, Rev. Tina Blair preached the Word of God in a sermon based on Psalm 36:5-9 and Matthew 6:25-34, which was heard in multiple languages. There were also installation and commissioning services.
Installation of Presbytery Moderator:Rev. James Munyi was installed as Moderator of Riverside Presbytery to serve from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017, and commissioned by the Presbytery.
Commissioning of Missionaries:Rev. Esther Shin, Rev. Noah Park, Andrew Park and John Black were commissioned as mission co-workers in Africa.
Commissioning of Presbyterian Youth Triennium Delegates: (Adult leaders are in italics)
Beaumont Presbyterian Church Jessica MezzieYezenia Gutierrez Tomas MezzieHalim Jang Benny PerezAracely Luevano Airel ValverdeLily Luevano Candice ValverdeKavya Mason Rev. Scott Mason
Calvary Zane MontgomeryJosiah Aaron Deborah PlattDestiny Boyer Chelsea YoungloveBrie Bradshaw Caroline YoungloveIzzy Gordon Morgan Craig – Work CrewConnor Lesch Rev. Erin ThomasDaniel Marquez
Lake Arrowhead Community Presbyterian ChurchRyan Guth Chole RamspergerKennen Ochart Madison SiedschlagMiles Stephens Savannah SiedschlagJohn Black Ben StanleyCarol Stanley
First Presbyterian San Bernardino Magnolia Presbyterian ChurchLily Boianos Johannah DickensonKatrina Johnston Nick OrtizAbigail Willis Cathedral City Presbyterian ChurchAmy Rueda Andrew Park
Korean Presbyterian Fellowship of Palm SpringsDaniel Lee Hanull JohNathan Lee Hansull JohTimothy Lee Hyundai JohMichong Lee
During the Worship Services $866 was offered by those attending for the ministry of Revs. Esther Shin and Noah Park, which will be matched by the Presbytery.
Presbytery was reconvened after worship at 1:40 by outgoing Moderator Tina Blair.
TRANSITIONAL EXECUTIVE PRESBYTER’S REPORT: Rev. Marilyn Gamm reported.Rev. Gamm reported on the first year of the two year ministry with Riverside Presbytery, and of progress of the Holy Conversations Spring Tour. To date, 15 of 22 scheduled holy conversations about shaping the Presbytery we are becoming have been held with congregations. There has also been an initial conversation with a neighboring presbytery about a possible merger and possibility about redrawing presbytery boundaries within the Synod. She reports that she has learned we are resilient, strong in our faith and commitment in serving in the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ. There is a hunger for new, creative and innovative ministries, and a desire for the Presbytery to support them. A Fall Holy Conversations Tour in September and October will follow up to what has been learned from the congregations.
PROPERTY AND FINANCE: Rev. Ralph Mueller reported.Action items:NoneInformation items:
1. Financial Report: The final financial report for April 2016 was posted. 2. Per Capita Apportionment: As of April 30, 2016, the Presbytery has received
$51,884.52 of the total $99,547 per capita apportionment. Per the Presbytery policy, we remit the total Per Capita due to the General Assemly and to the Synod whether the funds were received or not.
3. 2015 Audit of Financial Records – KMJ Corbin & Company has been contracted to audit the 2015 financials. The Company will begin the audit later in June, and we expect to report the result to the Presbytery at the September meeting.
4. Presbytery Committee Expenditures: The Property and Finance committee recommends that committees of the Presbytery use the stimulus and/or restricted funds attached to their committees whenever possible, and requests that committees identify the specific funds in their motions. Committees will be provided monthly updates of the balances of stimulus and restricted funds available for their use.
5. Transformation Multicultural Fellowship Grant: The members of the Property and Finance Committee want to express their joy, that the grant received by TMF will allow Teaching Elder James Munyi to commit one full day per week to the ministry of the fellowship, in addition to providing funding for ½ of the facility rent. Praise and thanks to God!
COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY (CPM): Rev. Tom Rennard reported.
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1. The committee has met with all people who interested in becoming either an Inquirer for the office of Teaching Elder (minister of Word and Sacrament) or Commissioned Local Pastor or Chaplain in the last six months. Three people have submitted their applications and been endorsed by either their Session or the Committee on Ministry (in the case of one ministry which needs to be validated since it outside the jurisdiction of a local Session or Administrative Commission). The committee therefore asks for the following:
a. That Ruling Elder Wendy Lamb be enrolled as a Seeker/Learner to be a Commissioned Local Pastor in our presbytery. Presbytery VOTED to APPROVE.
b. That Ruling Elder Joyce Mwangi be enrolled as a Seeker/Learner to be a Commissioned Local Chaplain in our presbytery. Presbytery VOTED to APPROVE.
c. That Ashley Reese Childress be enrolled as an Inquirer in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Presbytery VOTED to APPROVE.
The Presbytery prayed for the journeys and ministries of each of these enrollees.
2. The committee recommends the following be readers for the August 1-5 and November 7-11 Standard Ordination Examinations with Mid Council Ministries of the Office of General Assembly:
a. Ruling Elder Hart Tan, CLPb. Teaching Elder Erin Thomasc. Alternate: Teaching Elder Matthew George
Presbytery VOTED to APPROVE.
3. The CPM looks forward to more applications for commissioned or ordained ministry and to approving a new psychological assessment site. It will be working with enrolled applicants on Learning Covenants so that all agree to what needs to be done to lead to commissioning or ordination.
COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY: Robert Spitzer reported.Action Items:1. After examination, recommend that the Presbytery of Riverside welcome into
membership Teaching Elder Rev. Kent Donald Leydens, requesting transfer from the Presbytery of Sierra Blanca, New Mexico, to serve, if the way be clear, as the Called and Installed Pastor/Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church, Hemet. [Attachment A]Friendly motion received to include the terms of call within the above motion. Presbytery VOTED to APPROVE. Resulting motion:After examination, recommend that the Presbytery of Riverside welcome into membership Teaching Elder Rev. Kent Donald Leydens, requesting transfer from the Presbytery of Sierra Blanca, New Mexico, to serve, if the way be clear, as the Called and Installed Pastor/Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church, Hemet; and recommend approval of the Pastoral Terms of Call [commencing on July 15, 2016], if approved by the congregation at its meeting on June 12, 2016.
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Rev. Leydens was examined by the Presbytery. Presbytery VOTED to APPROVE. Presbytery and the members of Hemet PC attending prayed for the ministry of Rev. Leydens.
2. Recommend that Presbytery re-commission RE Hart Tan to serve as a commissioned local pastor to the Indonesian congregation at First Presbyterian Church of Redlands, a Validated Ministry within the Presbytery of Riverside, for a period of three [3] years, commencing on August 1, 2016. [Attachment B] Presbytery VOTED to APPROVE.
3. Recommend that the Presbytery of Riverside validate the ministry of RE Joyce Mwangi as a chaplain serving the community at St. Mary’s Medical Center, Apple Valley. [Attachment C] Joyce responded to questions from the Presbytery about her ministry at St. Mary’s. Presbytery VOTED to APPROVE.
Recognition of Teaching Elders departing Riverside Presbytery: Rev. Dr. Hameed Barkat and Rev. Matthew George will transfer to Honorably Retired status. Rev. Lynn Stone, has served as Interim Pastor at Grace for 3½ years, and will be leaving to assume a solo Pastor position at a church in Los Ranchos Presbytery. Rev. Mike Wallman has served as the Interim Pastor at St. Andrew in Indio for 18 months, and will be serving at a church in Oceanside.
Informational Items [since the last Called Meeting of Presbytery]:1. Approved Covenant for Interim Pastor extension between Rev. Henry
DeGraaff and First Presbyterian Church, Corona, for period of May 1, 2016 through April 30, 2017, 2/5 time [approx. 20 hrs./week]:Cash Salary $ 10,000.00 Reimbursable Expenses:Housing Allowance 10,000.00 Automobile/Travel $ 1,000.00Total Effective Salary $ 20,000.00 Professional Exp. $ 1,000.00
Cont. Education $ 1,000.00BOP Medical & Pension: BOP Waiver Vacation: 31 days Study Leave: 14 days
2. Conducted screening interviews with candidates for a new Pastor/Head of Staff at Grace Presbyterian Church on April 27 and 28, 2016.
3. Conducted screening interviews with candidates for a new Pastor/Head of Staff at FPC Redlands on May 9 and 27, 2017.
4. Worked with PNC at Little Church of the Desert, Twenty-Nine Palms, to screen candidates for a new Pastor/Head of Staff on April 8, 2016.
5. Met with session and PNC representatives from Magnolia Presbyterian Church, Riverside, on May 19, 2016, and approved proceeding with co-pastor model for ministry.
6. Met with Rev. Dr. Thomas Rennard, CPM Chair, on May 19, 2016, and endorsed the application of RE Joyce Mwangi to undertake training as a Commissioned Local Chaplain.
7. Met with Session and candidates for transitional ministry at Victoria Presbyterian Church, Riverside.
8. Approved Ministry Information Forms [MIF] for Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, Yucca Valley, for CLC publication on May 3, 2015.
9. Approved proposed Terms of Call between Rev. Kent Leydens and First Presbyterian Church, Hemet, for the position of Pastor/Head of Staff, full-time:Cash Salary $ 49,000.00 Reimbursable Expenses:Housing Allowance 21,000.00 Automobile/Travel $ 3,000.00Defer’d Comp. 0.00 Prof. Expenses $ 650.00Total Effective Salary $ 70,000.00 Cont. Education $ 600.00BOP Medical & Pension: $ 24,500.00Vacation: 31 days Study Leave: 14 days
10. Approved Covenant for Temporary Pastor between Rev. Les Bishop and Little Church of the Desert, for the period of June 1, 2016, through August 31, 2016; 2 days/week: $812.50/month.
11. Approved Pastoral Call for Stated Clerk Rev. Diane Frasher, for period of June 12, 2016, to June 10, 2017; 1/3 time [17 hrs/wk]:Housing Allowance: $ 16,500.00 Reimbursable Expenses: $ 3,000.00Vacation: 31 days Study Leave: 14 days
12. Attended conflict mediation sessions at Northkirk Presbyterian Church, Rancho Cucamonga.
13. Approved the expenditure of up to $4000 from Salary Sharing acct. to cover up to 3 months of BOP payments from Bethany Presbyterian Church, Rialto.
14. Approved additions to and removals from Pulpit Supply Listings on Presbytery website; recommended increase in suggested honorarium to $150 (+ $50 if TE preaches at more than one service).
15. Worked to resolve failure of Victoria PC to pay BOP assessments for Rev. Robert Stebe.
16. Conducted a listening session with the congregation at Crestline Community Presbyterian Church on November 7, 2015.
17. Conducted Exit interviews with Rev. Jake Kim [approved release to Presbytery of San Gabriel] and Rev. Adam Berkowitz of FPC Upland [approved release to the Presbytery of Boise].
18. Approved requests of the following TEs to labor outside the bounds of the Presbytery: Rev. Noah Park; Rev. Esther Shin; Rev. Paul Yu; Rev. David LoLeng; Rev. Julie Hodges; Rev. Diane Frasher; and Rev. Migili Hoe.
19. Approved the proposed transfer of Rev. Peter Kwon to ECO upon approval of a Gracious Dismissal Agreement by Presbytery; ECO acceptance letter, dated March 29, 2016, received.
20. Received report from Stated Clerk on proposed changes to the BOP medical benefits program and assessments.
21. Approved request of Rev. Matthew George to be transferred to Honorably Retired status, effective May 1, 2016.
22. Received Holy Currencies Task Force Report, dated May 11, 2016.23. Received annual report of Rev. Steven Davis regarding his ministry at First
Congregational Church, Redlands.
Presbytery adjourned with prayer and benediction by Moderator Rev. James Munyi at 2:45 pm.
Diane M. Frasher __________________________Stated Clerk