one hundred ninth stated meeting minutes of …one hundred ninth stated meeting minutes of salem...

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ONE HUNDRED NINTH STATED MEETING MINUTES OF SALEM PRESBYTERY

February 9, 2016

The One Hundred Ninth Stated Meeting of Salem Presbytery, held on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church, Greensboro, North Carolina, was called to order with prayer by the Presbytery Moderator, the Rev. Dianne Givens-Moffett at 9:00 a.m. ENROLLMENT Commissioners Commissioned Ruling Elders 13 Elders 75 Christian Educators 3 Ministers 109 Corresponding Members 0 Administrative Staff 3 Stated Clerk 1 TOTAL: 204 The following Ministers were enrolled: (+visitors – 29) 233 A-F: Kaye Barrow-Ziglar, Timothy Bates, Sidney F. Batts, Frederick Beck, Joe Blankinship, Erin Bowers, Steve Braswell, Kenneth L. Broman-Fulks, Kellie Browne, Kathryn Campbell, Gray Clark, W. Kevin Conley, Lindsay Conrad, Clyde Cook, Frank Covington, Newton Cowan, William Reid Dalton, III, Brian Daoust, Franklin M. Dew, James Dunkin, Neil Wayne Dunnavant, David Ealy, Lou McAlister East, John Elam, Robert O. Freeman. G-L: Jonathan Gaska, Brian Gawf, Diane Givens-Moffett, Kyle Goodman, Phillip Hagen, J. Randy Hall, William Hamilton, John Hartman, Marti Hazelrigg, Jennie Leake Hemrick, Eulando Henton, Frederick R. Horner, Charles H. Howell, Felicia Stewart Hoyle, William M. Hoyle, Dorothy C. Jacobs, James Robert Jackson, Karen Ware Jackson, John Johnson, Barrie Miller Kirby, Randal V. Kirby, Jacqueline Lynn Kunkle, Thomas J. Labonte, Thomas K. Lane, Jay Lambeth, Emily Schlaman Larsen, Eric Paul Larsen, Debbie Layman, Bob Lee, Ruth B. Lenger, Mitzi Lesher-Thomas, Troy Lesher-Thomas, Amanda Davee Lomax, Joel M. Long. M-R: Amanda Maguire, Inger Manchester, Eustacia Marshall, Sam Marshall, Touré Marshall, Donald McCann, Bryan F. McFarland, Douglas S. McLeroy, Judson J. Milam, Raymond P. Mims, Alfredo Miranda, Stephen A. Moss, Arnold Nuckles, Glenn Otterbacher, Jo Nygard Owens, Carl Parsons, Samuel Perkins, Floyd Peter Peterson, Matthew D. Randolph, Paul L. Rhodes, Grier Booker Richards, Paul N. Ridolfi, James M. Rissmiller, David Rockness, Jeannette G. Rodenbough, Brian Kenneth Rummage. S-Z: Mark Alan Sandlin, Stephen W. Scott, John Senior, Burwell Shore, Jay Dale Smith, Peter N. Smith, Stevan A. Snipes, Jeffrey Sockwell, Laura M. Spangler, William Stacey Steck, Courtney Stevens, Frank Stewart, Kathryn Summers, John Stuart Taylor, III, Ernest T. Thompson, III, Peter A. Thompson, Benton J. Trawick, E. Dale Walker, Connie S. Weaver, Randolph T. Wellford, Norman M. Whitney, Sr., Nancy Cole Williams-Berry, Virginia Wood, A. Lee Zehmer.

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The following Ministers asked to be excused from this meeting of Presbytery: Jay Banasiak, Donald Barbour, Mark Brainerd, Samuel Dansokho, Melissa Davis, Christopher F. East, Terri Engle, Dana Fruits, Sandra Lee Greene, Stephanie Hankins, Randy Harris, Hye Jin Hwang, Vicki Jones-Johnson, Walter W. King, Kathryn Conlan Lee, Jeffrey Paschal, Russell H. Ritchel, Jr., Kristi Mills Rolison, Jeffrey S. Smith, J. Grantham Sutphin, William Waterstradt. The following Ministers were not present and did not request an excuse from this meeting of Presbytery: A-L: Margaret Almeida, Amanda Anderson, Jonathan Barker, Kent Berry, Thomas A. Brown, Olen Bruner, Thomas Burleson, Hilton J. Cochran, Jill Yvette Crainshaw, Judith Dellinger, Mindy Douglas, Lee Ellenwood, Carlton A. G. Eversley, Jonathan H. Freeeman, Larry W. Freeman, Kenneth Griffin Gatewood, Carter B. Gillespie, Robert J. Goforth, William Stephen Hannah, Peter Hazelrigg, William B. Heyward, Elizabeth Inman, Scott Jeffreys, Cynthia Douglas Keever, Ki Seok Kim, Khelen Rhodes Kuzmovich, William F. Lawrence, Jr., David Yeon Lee, Insook Lee. M-Z: Mary C. McNeal, Francis Rivers Meza, Rosa Miranda, Richard R. Osmer, Rebecca Todd Peters, Steve Macon Pharr, Andre Resner, Jr., Lynn Rhoades, William Robinson, Howard Sherrill, Ronald Lowell Shive, Paul Irving Sink, Mark Wallace Sinnett, Erich W. Thompson, Laurie Ann Valentine, Elinor Ware Wilburn. The following Churches were enrolled by the attendance of their elected Elder Commissioners: A-D Alamance Michael L. Holt, Kitty Wells, Asheboro First Susan Watson, Doug Aitken, Bethany (Graham) Nancy Purcell, Bethany (Statesville) Pattie Templeton, Bethel Jackie Burney, Burlington First Elizabeth Bailey, Beth Hooten, Dick Cannon, Chapel in the Pines Heather Bogan, Church of the Cross Josaiah Mclean, Clemmons Gail Sharpe, Bill Teller, Community in Christ, W. James Penrod, Concord Joyce Ervin, Covenant W-S Ralph Cauthen, Cross Roads James Wells, Danbury Community Andrew Mathys. E-J El Bethel Watt Dyer, Elkin Rusty Tysor, Fairmont Ralph Young, Faith Bonnie Maredddy Fellowship Julie Davis, Forest Hills Monie Plueger, Graham Carole Boviall, Greensboro First, Brian Pierce, Kelly Harrill, Holly Albright, Art Winstead, Erwin Fuller, Dan Goley, Guilford Park Donna Barrier, Gulf Bob Kelly, Hawfields James Cain, High Point First Diane Spencer, Sara Kelly, Highland Judy Bass, Alice Milam, Immanuel David L. Foster, Jamestown Kathy Coolidge, John Calvin Mark Curran. K-R Lexington First Bill McMurray, Lloyd Rachel P. Jackson, Mebane First Thomas Vinson, Mooresville First Paul Trimble, Mount Tabor Vanessa Chunn, Mount Vernon Dorothy Culbertson, Mount Vernon Springs Gerald W. Smith, New Creation Community Stephanie Berry, North Wilkesboro Beth Huie, Oak Ridge Floyd Jackson, Pittsboro Richard W. Peterson. S-Z Saint Andrews Frances Hester, Saint James Charles Knox, Eric Hoskins, Saint Paul (Greensboro) James A. Tewes, Saint Paul (High Point) Doris T. Davis, Salisbury First Chris Bradshaw, Bill

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Wagoner, Sedgefield Bruce Bingham, Shady Side Rebecca Jo Peoples, Springwood Cynthia Ingle, Starmount Parks O. Williams, Statesville First Beth Setzer, David Parker, Stony Creek Janet A. Barker, Third Creek Pam Horne, Thomasville First Carolyn Bennett, Thyatira Keith Townsend, Unity James C. Moore, Westminster (Greensboro) Phillip Motley, Bobby Payne, Sally Royster, Denise Booe. The following Churches were not present and did not request an excuse from this meeting of Presbytery: A-L: Allen Temple, Baird’s Creek, Bethesda (Statesville), Beulah, Bixby, Boonville First, Calvary, Cameron, Christ Presbyterian, Church of the Covenant, Cleveland, Collinstown, Cooleemee, Dellabrook, Dogwood Acres, Eben-ezer, Ebenezer, Eden First, Fieldstone, Fifth Creek, Francisco, Franklin, Freedom, Glendale Springs, Glenwood, Grace, Greenwood, Griers, Hills, Joyce, Kernersville First, Korean First, Lake Norman Fellowship, Lansing, Laurel Fork, Lexington Second, Logan, Love Valley. M-Z: Madison, Milton, Mocksville First, Mocksville Second, Mt. Airy First, Mount Jefferson, New Salem, Oakland, Oakview, Old Providence, Piedmont, Pilot Mountain First, Pine Hall, Pine Ridge, Pleasant Grove, Prospect, Red House, Reid Memorial, Reidsville First, Riverview, Rumple Memorial, Saint Paul (Greensboro), Saint Paul (High Point), Salisbury Second, Sandy Ridge, Shallowford, Shiloh (Burlington), Shiloh (Statesville), Siler City, Smyrna, Speedwell, Stoneville, Tabor, Taylorsville, Trinity (Elon), Trinity (Salisbury), Trinity (Winston-Salem), Vandalia, Wentworth, Yadkinville, Yanceyville. The following Church Educators were enrolled: Darryl Ray, Lynn Turnage, Dianna Wright The following Commissioned Ruling Elders (Lay Pastors) were present: Jim Beard, David Boger, Steve Braxton, Doug Brinkley, William Browder, Joseph T. Brown, Richard Cram, Sue Flippin, John Groff, Nita Henderson, Harold McElroy, Rick Purcell, David Stratton. Stated Clerk present: David Vaughan There were no Corresponding Members present. The following Administrative Staff were present: Chris Campbell, Laurie Scott, and Peggy Trenchard.

CALL TO ORDER AND OPENING PRAYER

The Moderator, the Rev. Diane Givens-Moffett, called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and delivered the opening prayer.

QUORUM

The Stated Clerk declared that a quorum was present for conducting the business of Presbytery.

MORNING WORSHIP AND CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

Salem Presbytery was led in worship by the Rev. Sid Batts and the Rev. Dolly Jacobs. The Rev. Grier Booker Richards, Executive Director and Chaplain with UKirk Campus Ministry, Greensboro, preached a

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sermon, “Awake My Soul”, using the text from Ezekiel 37: 1-14. The Lord’s Supper was celebrated following the message.

WELCOME FROM HOST CHURCH

The governing body was welcomed by the Rev. Sid Batts, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Greensboro, North Carolina. Information regarding the arrangements for this meeting was presented.

APPROVAL OF DOCKET

The docket was presented by the Moderator of Salem Presbytery, the Rev. Diane Givens-Moffett.

ACTION: 1. Presbytery approved the docket. (Appendix A).

CONSENT AGENDA

ACTION: 2. Salem Presbytery approved the Consent Agenda which consisted of one item on the Commission on Ministry Report. (Appendix B).

WELCOME FROM THE MODERATOR AND

INTRODUCTIONS

Corresponding Members and Elders attending Presbytery for the first time were recognized and welcomed by the Moderator.

GREETINGS AND PRESENTATION FROM SALEM PRESBYTERY STAFF

Executive Presbyter, Sam Marshall; Associate Presbyter Bryan McFarland; Associate Presbyter Dianna Wright; and Hispanic Mission Evangelist Alfredo Miranda brought prayers, greetings and announcements to Salem Presbytery. ____________________________________________________________________________________

STATED CLERK’S REPORT

Elder David Vaughan, Stated Clerk

The Stated Clerk, David Vaughan, greeted Salem Presbytery, and announced that Clergy ID cards were available at registration. The dates of the next Presbytery meetings, April 30 at Elkin Presbyterian, August 9 at First Presbyterian Boone, and November 9 (TBA) were announced. The deadline for the annual statistical report, February 18, was emphasized. ___________________________________________________________________________________

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COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY

Rev. Margaret Almeida and Rev. John Senior, Co-Moderators

ACTION: 3. Salem Presbytery approved the enrollment of Katherine Lamb, a member at John Calvin Presbyterian Church, a graduate of Union Presbyterian Seminary in Charlotte, as a Candidate for the Ministry of Word and Sacrament as a Teaching Elder following her successful examination.

ACTION:

4. Salem Presbytery approved the enrollment of Rebecca Cummings, a member of First Presbyterian Church in Burlington, attending Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA as a Candidate for the Ministry of Word and Sacrament as a Teaching Elder following her successful examination.

The appropriate questions were asked of the Candidates by the Moderator, John Senior, and the proceedings were closed with prayer.

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COMMITTEE ON REPRESENTATION

Rev. Ray Mims, Moderator ACTION: 5. Salem Presbytery approved the following nominations presented by the Committee on Representation:

Committee on Preparation for Ministry: Rev. Courtney Stevens, Highland for the class of 2016

Commission on Ministry (CENTRAL): Elder Sylvia Steele, Second Mocksville for the class of 2018

Property Committee: Elder Hugh Wright, Highland

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EXAMINATIONS COMMITTEE Rev. William Hoyle, Moderator

FOR INFORMATION:

The Examinations Committee met on January 28 and received the Reverend Eustacia Marshall from Charlotte Presbytery.

Rev. Marshall was introduced during the Commission on Ministry report.

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COMMISSION ON MINISTRY Rev. Kellie Browne & Elder Larry Hooker, Co-Moderators

I. COMMISSION ACTION REPORTED FOR THE INFORMATION OF PRESBYTERY

A. SECURING AN INTERIM PASTOR/TRANSITIONAL MINISTER

1. Concurred with the Session of Starmount Presbyterian Church, Greensboro, North Carolina, in securing the Reverend Ray Mims to serve as Interim Pastor for a period of one year, beginning March 1, 2016.

2. Concurred with the Session of Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, Greensboro, North Carolina, in securing the Reverend Mark Sandlin to serve as Interim Pastor for a period of 12 months, beginning December 8, 2016.

B. INTERIM PASTOR/TRANSITIONAL MINISTER RENEWAL 1. Concurred with the Session of the Prospect Presbyterian Church, Mooresville, North Carolina in

renewing the Interim Pastor contract with the Reverend Tom Labonte for a period of three months beginning March 16, 2016.

C. TEMPORARY SUPPLY RENEWAL

1. Concurred with the Session of the Collinstown Presbyterian Church in Westfield, North Carolina in

renewing the Temporary Supply contract with the Reverend Shaun D. Draughn for a period of twelve months beginning November 1, 2015.

2. Concurred with the Session of the St. Paul Presbyterian Church in High Point, North Carolina in

renewing the Temporary Supply contract with Ms. Laetitia Wells for a period of twelve months beginning January 1, 2016.

II. COMMISSION ACTIONS TAKEN ON BEHALF OF PRESBYTERY A. COMMISSIONED RULING ELDERS/LAY PASTORS (RENEWAL)

1. Concurred with the Session of the Mebane First Presbyterian Church, Mebane, North Carolina, in renewing the contract of Ms. Nita Henderson to serve as their Commissioned Ruling Elder–Lay Pastor for a period of one year beginning September 1, 2015.

2. Concurred with the Session of the Immanuel Presbyterian Church, China Grove, North Carolina, in renewing the contract of Mr. James Beard to serve as their Commissioned Ruling Elder-Lay Pastor for a period of one year beginning March 1, 2016.

3. Concurred with the Session of the Sandy Ridge Presbyterian Church, Sandy Ridge, North Carolina, in renewing the contract of Mr. David E. Stratton to serve as their Commissioned Ruling Elder-Lay Pastor for a period of one year beginning January 14, 2016.

B. STATED SUPPLY RELATIONSHIP (RENEWAL)

1. Concurred with the Session of Baird’s Creek Presbyterian Church, Vilas, North Carolina, in renewing the Stated Supply contract with the Reverend Keith Freeman for a period of one year beginning January 1, 2016.

2. Concurred with the Session of Spencer Presbyterian Church, Spencer, North Carolina, in renewing the Stated Supply contract with the Reverend Barrie Kirby for a period of one year beginning January 1, 2016.

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3. Concurred with the Session of North Wilkesboro Presbyterian Church, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina in renewing the Stated Supply contract with the Reverend Steve Snipes and Wilkesboro Presbyterian Chapel for a period of one year beginning January 1, 2016.

C. ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION APPROVED

1. Approved the Administrative Commission to install the Reverend Stacey Steck at Thyatira

Presbyterian Church on January 10, 2016.

D. MINISTER TRANSFERRING TO SALEM PRESBYTERY

1. That the Reverend Eustacia Marshall, a member of Charlotte Presbytery, was received as a member of Salem Presbytery and signed the book of Ministerial Obligations.

E. MINISTER PRESENTED TO SALEM PRESBYTERY

1. That the Reverend Ernest Trice Thompson, III, was presented to Salem Presbytery, his previously

approved call to Westminster Presbyterian Church was placed in his hand, and the book of Ministerial Obligations was signed.

II. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE ACTION OF PRESBYTERY

A. TERMS OF CALL EXTENDED TO A MEMBER OF SALEM PRESBYTERY ACTION:

6. The revised terms of call of the Logan Presbyterian Church, Scotts, North Carolina to the Reverend

Sandra Kaye Barrow-Ziglar to serve as Pastor were found in order; and the terms of call (printed below were approved. The effective date is July 1, 2015.

Salary $30,000 Housing $8,769 FICA Reimbursement $2,966 Board of Pensions Provided Pension & Disability (12%) Medical (23%) Automobile expense IRS rate Continuing Ed / Books $1,125 Vacation 4 weeks Study Leave 2 weeks Paternity Leave with Pay 1 month Sabbatical Leave with Pay 3 months after 7 years B. PERMISSION TO APPROVE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION CA 1. That Salem Presbytery grant the Stated Clerk, David Vaughan, permission to approve the

Administrative Commission selected for the installation service of the Reverend Ernest Trice Thompson, III, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Greensboro, North Carolina.

E. WELCOME LITURGY

Salem Presbytery welcomed the Reverend Eustacia Marshall and the Reverend Ernest T. Thompson, III into the Presbytery with a Welcome Liturgy.

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EXECUTIVE COUNCIL REPORT Elder David Boger, Moderator

The Executive Council (EC) met on December 17, 2015. The January 2016 meeting was cancelled due to inclement weather. Regular reports were received from Sam Marshall, Executive General Presbyter; Bryan McFarland, Alfredo Miranda, and Dianna Wright, Associate Presbyters; David Vaughan, Stated Clerk. For Information – The Executive Council:

Approved changes, prepared by the Personnel Committee, in the description of the staff position held by Rev. Bryan McFarland, and observed that Rev. McFarland’s title would change to Associate Presbyter/Hunger Action Advocate/Communications Coordinator;

Received notice from the Personnel Committee that the vacation eligibility of the Office Manager has been clarified in the Personnel Manual;

Authorized the establishment of a Communications Committee, which would report to the EC. ACTION:

7. Salem Presbytery adopted the changes to the Presbytery Manual proposed by the EC to the Presbytery Manual, as reflected by the following document. These changes were recommended by Presbytery’s Committee on Representation (COR). The COR observes that the work of some EC committees could be enhanced by the service of individuals who may not be ordained to the office of teaching elder or ruling elder but who possess particular gifts for service on the Budget and Finance, Personnel, and Property committees.

PROPOSED CHANGES TO

PRESBYTERY MANUAL

February 9, 2016

The Executive Council recommends adoption of revised language in Section 4.09 of

the Presbytery Manual as outlined below:

Section 4.09 Standing Committees of Salem Presbytery Executive Council. In order

to fulfill its purpose, Executive Council shall establish standing committees. Membership

may include any member of Presbytery or any Congregation of Salem Presbytery in good

standing, nominated by the Committee on Representation and elected by Presbytery. The

terms of each Committee Member shall be three (3) years. The Standing Committees of

Presbytery Executive Council shall be:

(a) Budget and Finance Committee.

(i) Membership. The Finance Committee shall consist of no fewer than three (3) and no more

than nine (9) members, including the moderator, who are teaching elders and ruling elders.

These members shall ordinarily be teaching or ruling elders, though active members (of a

Salem Presbytery congregation) with particular gifts for service on this committee shall be

considered for membership upon the endorsement of the Session of the particular church in

which the individual’s membership resides. The members of the committee shall be

nominated from each neighborhood if possible and elected by Presbytery.

(ii) Duties. The Finance Committee shall:

1) review and recommend approval of requests from particular churches for permission to

encumber their property,

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2) oversee Presbytery’s investments, trusts, and all other financial matters, and

3) consult and negotiate with the particular churches of Presbytery concerning per capita

payments and general benevolences.

(b) Church Growth and Transformation Committee.

(i) Membership. The Church Growth and Transformation Committee shall consist of twelve

individuals, including the moderator, who are teaching elders and ruling elders. The

members of the committee shall be elected by Presbytery.

(ii) Duties. The Church Growth and Transformation Committee shall:

1) Be concerned with church growth and transformation, new church development, and

oversight of small churches;

2) review and recommend to Executive Council an annual budget for program needs of the

committee.

(c) Personnel Committee.

(i) Membership. The Personnel Committee shall consist of no fewer than three and no more






nominated from each neighborhood if possible and elected by Executive Council.

(ii) Duties. The Personnel Committee shall:

1) review and recommend amendments to Presbytery's Personnel Policies;

2) support the administration of Presbytery in accordance with Presbytery's Personnel Policies;

3) approve recommended person and job descriptions as provided by the Executive Presbyter;

4) review and recommend to Executive Council an annual salary budget.

5) serve as resource for developing appraisal procedures for reviewing the work of the Stated

Clerk and all staff positions;

6) ensure that the performance reviews and compensation recommendations for all staff

including the Executive Presbyter, associate Presbyters, and Stated Clerk are in accordance

with the Personnel Policies of Presbytery; and

7) respond to Human Resources activity requests from the Executive Council, committees,

commissions, ministry teams and congregations as needed.

(d) Property Committee

(i) Membership. The Property Committee shall consist of no fewer than three (3) and no more






nominated from each neighborhood if possible and elected by Executive Council.

(ii) Duties. The Property Committee shall:

1) review and recommend approval of all Presbytery and congregational property gifts and

sales,

2) make recommendations concerning the utilization of all properties

3) be responsible for the oversight and maintenance of the physical grounds, building, and

vehicles owned by Presbytery, and

4) make recommendations to the Executive Council regarding disposition of all properties

coming to Presbytery from dissolved or dismissed congregations.

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ACTION:

8. Salem Presbytery approved the sale of .73 acres of land and a 1000+ square foot dwelling owned by New Salem, not contiguous with the church property and of no further use to the ministry and mission of the church.

ACTION:

9. Salem Presbytery approved the request for “relief of conscience” for the Rumple Memorial

Presbyterian Church, Blowing Rock.

BILLS AND OVERTURES COMMITTEE

Rev. Steve Scott, Moderator

A report was made regarding the work of the Bills and Overtures Committee. There were no overtures to bring before Salem Presbytery.

RECOGNITION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Rev. Diane Givens-Moffett encouraged all churches in Salem Presbytery to study and celebrate Black History Month by looking at racial issues in their own communities and churches. Her remarks are included as follows:

“Celebrating Black History Month”

By

The Reverend Dr. Diane Givens Moffett

Presented at the 109th Meeting of the Salem Presbytery

Held at First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, North Carolina

February signifies the celebration of Black History Month in the United States. Some people

wonder why we should take the time to study black history. Why do we have a Black History Month?

What about Polish history? Danish history? Greek history? Chinese history, Korean history or Native

American history?” Indeed every race and ethnic group has contributed something positive to the

American saga. But, the story of African Americans in this country is unique and Black History in

particular needs to be celebrated for many reasons. Today, I want to lift up two important reasons of why

we celebrate Black History Month.

[First reason] It is essential that every American understand and remember African American

history simply because slavery was such an ugly part of the collective history of America. And, there is a

saying that “if you do not know your history, you are bound to repeat it.” In order to transcend history, or

move beyond history negative aspects of history, we must be aware of what happened and stop the kind

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of behavior—hatred, racism, injustice and prejudice that leads to brutal and inhumane institutions, such

as slavery.

What distinguishes African Americans from other races and cultures that flowed onto the shores

of America is that these groups came to America by their own will and volition. Some may have been

fleeing dire circumstances at home, but they came to America seeking a better life. Some may have been

packed on ships and in terrible conditions, but they were not packed with chains on their legs, necks and

arms. They came to fulfill the American dream, but for African slaves, the American dream was a

nightmare.

In his book, What Makes You So Strong?” The Reverend Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. Pastor

Emeritus of the Trinity United Church in Chicago, speaks of how people of African descent were able to

break the mold shaped by the oppressors hand, and resist the assaults on our humanity which would

cause us to think less of ourselves despite the devastating history of the North Atlantic slave trade and

racism in America. He makes the point that no other race was brought to this country in chains. No other

race had laws passed making it a crime to teach them how to read. No other race had skin color as the

determining factor of their servitude and their employability. No other races were physically mutilated to

identify them as property, not people. Yet, despite the hard times, our ancestors were able to rise against

the forces that would define and diminish us. Because burning in their souls was a fire that could not be

quenched. Embedded in their hearts was a dream that would not die. As I quote in my book, Beyond

Greens & Cornbread:

Proud Africans were my fore parents.

Born in a rich, dark, fertile land.

A land flowing with precious jewels and valuable stones.

Born in a land where the sun shines bright and

Colors the skin of its people in a rainbow of black hues—

Suntan.

Copper.

Golden bronze.

Mahogany

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Chocolate.


Endowed with thick lips, thick hair, and thick bones

Endowed with great intellect, Great Spirit and great creativity

Alive with feet to dance, hips to swing and bodies to

Sway to the sounds of instruments celebrating the moments of life—

Celebrating birth.

Death.

Manhood.

Womanhood.

Marriage

Celebrating the rhythm of life.

The beat of the drum.

The music of our Maker.


Proud were they until the day

Our community—victim of clanship and rivalry was betrayed.

Betrayed by people who looked like us.

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Sold into the hands of white oppressors who enslaved us.

Sold like animals for economic gain.

Sold like objects to be owned and controlled.

Sold like Jesus for 30 shekels of silver.

Sold.


Forced to sail across the Atlantic Ocean

Packed as human cargo in the hull of ships.

Some committed suicide.

Some lost their mind.

Millions died.

Most held on to life

Allowing their sorrow to fuel a revolution of

Hope.

Hope for freedom.

Hope for a new life.

Hope for the future of humanity.

Hope in God.


Hope was hushed by the reality of slavery.

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It was a season to mourn.

Stripped of their family ties.

Stripped of their names.

Stripped of their culture.

Stripped of their native tongue—

Forbidden to speak their own languages.

Slavery.

Treble cleft wails rise from the bottom of emptied souls.

Slavery.

The icy, cold winter of life with no signs of spring on the horizon.

Slavery.

The pride of my African fore parents was diluted

Bathed in salty tears and the dark pool of grief.

Our white oppressors taught us to hate ourselves.

Could anything good be black?

Our dark skin and thick hair.

Our thick lips and thick bodies.

Our pidgined English…

All bore witness to their bigoted belief in our inferiority.

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War waged for the submission of our humanity.

The weapons?

Violence.

Hatred.

Abuse.

Women were raped.

Men were slaughtered.

Infants were snatched form their mother’s nursing breast.

Families split up and distributed like playing cards in a dealer’s hand

Proud African Americans were my fore parents.

A glimpse of deliverance came in 1863.

Slavery died.

We celebrated, Juneteenth style.

But the Black man’s hallelujah was the white man’s heartache

The death of slavery was not readily accepted.

Many grieved her passing.

And resisted.

The revolution had just begun.

The Ku Klux Klan flourished.

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Lynching spread.

Segregation thrived.

Hatred.

Rejection.

Jim Crow Laws.

The 13th Amendment changed the constitution.

But not the heart of our white oppressors…

The revolution had just begun.

The revolution continues. [That is the second reason to observe African American History month.

If you can’t face something, you can’t fix it.] We have come a long way as a nation, but we do not live in a

post racial world. The data supports this. There are double standards of people of color that are

documented and revealed in everything from access to adequate health care to the way we critique and

criticize African American athletes.

The criticism for Manning was much more tame in 2010 when his team, then the Indianapolis

Colts quarterback loss the Super Bowl. When he walked off the football field without shaking his

opponents’ hand, sports reporter Chris Chase argued on Yahoo Sports, that the no-handshake was a

testament to Manning’s “competitive spirit.”

A piece in Fox Sports at the time acknowledged the poor sportsmanship, but also seemed to

defend Manning's point of view. "Was it poor sportsmanship for not shaking hands with Saints players?

Sure. But after what had just transpired in Super Bowl XLIV, I wouldn’t want to look back either, the article

read.

These are decent, nuanced arguments in defense of Manning. They are also the sort of

arguments that are largely lacking today in defense of Newton, who, unlike Manning in 2010, met up with

his opposing quarterback at midfield immediately after the loss to offer his congratulations. And continued

to answer questions while he listened to taunts by the Denver Broncos located right next to his interview

site.

There is a double standard, in the criminal justice system. While all lives matter, the Black Lives

Matter movement came into being because of the continual murder and deaths of black men and women

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at the hands of misguided police. Travyon Martin, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, 12-year-old Tamir Rice,

John Crawford, Lacy Lennon Sandra Bland, Tanisha Anderson, Yvette Smith, Miriam Carey… the list

goes on and on.

In her book, The New Jim Crow, author and researcher, Dr. Michele Alexander reveals the

double standard seen in the rates of incarceration of African American men who represent 6% of the

population but 40% of the prison population. Tell me why African American men represent 6% of the

population, but 40% of the incarcerated when in fact the US Department of Health and Human Services

research reveals black men don't commit crimes at a greater rate than anyone else.

The double standard continues in the church when African American men and women, and

people of color are ordained to the PCUSA but our opportunity to serve in parishes outside our racial

group is restricted in too many cases because of the color of our skin. It is seen in the fact that Sunday

remains the most segregated hour of the week.

For this reason and more, I am here to appeal to all congregations –black and white—to observe

African American History in some way. Most of all, I am asking the church to be the prophetic voice we

have been called to be, and to get involved in erasing the great sin of racism starting right in our own

congregation and community. Access where you stand. What are you doing or will do to correct racism

and injustice? We are the people of God sent to fulfill the great ends of the church which includes social

justice. Let us work for justice and peace!

References include:

The New Jim Crow- Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. Michele Alexander. The New

Press, New York 2012

Beyond Greens and Cornbread –Reflections on African American Christian Identity. Diane Givens

Moffett. Judson Press, Valley Forge 2001

The Time Peyton Manning was a Bad Sport and Barely No One Cared. Erick Fernandez. The Huffington Post. February 2016 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/peyton-manning-cam-newton-poor-

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LUNCH ADJOURNMENT

Directions for lunch plans and a blessing of thanksgiving were given by the Rev. Sid Batts. Salem Presbytery was dismissed for lunch.

PRAYERS FOR INTERCESSION AND THANKSGIVING The Moderator, the Rev. Diane Givens-Moffett reconvened Salem Presbytery after lunch and led Salem Presbytery in prayers for intercession and thanksgiving.

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EQUIP Rev. Jo Owens and Rev. Eric Larsen, Co-Moderators

Rev. Jo Owens highlighted new educational resources and Lenten resources available on Salem Presbytery website.

ANNOUNCEMENT ON CARE NET COUNSELING

Ms. Barbara Saulpaugh , Regional Director in Winston-Salem for Care Net Counseling gave Salem Presbytery information about resources available for suicide prevention and upcoming workshops.

MONTREAT ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Eric Larsen, Montreat Bridge

Upcoming workshops at Montreat were highlighted, and members of Salem Presbytery were encouraged to register and attend.

INSTALLATION OF NEW MODERATOR

Rev. Diane Givens Moffett and Executive Presbyter, Rev. Sam Marshall, led the Presbytery in a litany of installation and prayer for Salem Presbytery’s new Moderator, Rev. Steve Scott. Rev. Marshall expressed the thanks of Salem Presbytery for Rev. Moffett’s service in the past year. The gavel was passed to the new Moderator.

ADJOURNMENT AND BENEDICTION The motion to adjourn was approved and the new Moderator, the Rev. Steve Scott, pronounced the benediction and the closing prayer. Salem Presbytery was dismissed, and Commissioners to the 2016 General Assembly were dismissed to a training session.

Recorded by:

Laurie Scott David Vaughan Office Manager Stated Clerk These minutes were approved by Presbytery Executive Council, 12/15/2016.

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