packet, february 13, 2020 presbytery gathering

Packet, February 13, 2020 Presbytery Gathering

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STATED GATHERING SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2021

Via Zoom

Connecting and equipping congregations to bear witness to the overwhelming hope, audacious joy, and contagious love of Jesus Christ.

Litany of Re-Committal: One Step Forward

It is a new day, and we are not alone. And so, into this new year, and with the courage of our faith: Together, we take one step forward. After a year that threatened to immobilize us together we take one step forward in the face of all the challenges still looming together we take one step forward among many ideas of where we should be headed: Together, we take one step forward. One step towards justice one step towards understanding one step towards hope one step towards wisdom one step towards our future one step towards each other one step towards God. Together, we take one step forward.

Whether we come skipping forth or dragging slow whether our steps are sure or whether we stumble: together we take this step together we mark the path together we seek the journey together we follow Christ. Together, we take one step forward. One determined step one courageous step one faithful step one bold step along the way— God’s way— to lead us kingdomward. Together, we take one step forward. Together, today. In the name of Christ who walks among us, before us, and beside us, Amen.

Docket, February 13, 2020 Presbytery Gathering

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2021 STATED MEETING OF THE PRESBYTERY TIME ITEM Pages MODERATING

Presenting 8:30 ZOOM MEETING ROOM OPENS

ZOOM INSTRUCTIONS (?) Erwin Goedicke

9:00 CALL TO ORDER & WELCOME OPENING PRAYER: “Litany of Recommittal: One Step Forward”

1 CAROL PRICKETT

9:05 VOTE: FORMATION OF ROLL - QUORUM

WELCOMING NEW COMMISSIONERS SEATING CORRESPONDING MEMBERS WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS:

9:10 VOTE: ADOPTION OF AGENDA 2 - 3

9:15

VOTE: CONSENT AGENDA: ITEM FOR ACTION Presbytery Minutes APPROVE Minutes & Roll of November 17, January 4 Gatherings 4 - 34 Stated Clerk Dismiss Ordination Commissions 35 ITEM FOR INFORMATION Stated Clerk 2020 Communion; Former RE Moderators; PJC Roster, Statistics 36 Presbytery Council Minutes of 12/15/20 37-38 COM – I Actions taken on behalf of Presbytery 39-42 CPM Updates on Candidates and Inquirers 43 Trustees Report 44 Center for Learning Progress Report 45-46 Executive Presbyter Report 47

9:25 STATED CLERK: Annual Statistics Awards Erwin Goedicke

9:30 SYNOD UPDATE 48 Chip Hardwick

9:35 VOTE: PRESBYTERY TRANSITION TEAM 49-60 Adam Fronczek

9:45 VOTE: COUNCIL Presbytery Policies Bylaws Amendments

61-74 75-76

Bill Bogdan

10:10 VOTE: COM Part 2 77 Stacey Midge

10:20 VOTE: COR: Nominations Barbara Jean Havens

10:30

MISSION PARTNER UPDATE OFFERING Designated for:

Rev. Selvis and Nancy Smith-Mather, South Sudan Rev. Jonathan and Emily Seitz, Taiwan

78 CAROL BUCKHOUT

10:45 THE LORD’S SUPPER Rev. Monnie Caine Rev. Kate Mauch

VOTE: ADJOURNMENT AFTER WORKSHOPS CAROL PRICKETT

11:00 BREAK

12:00 WORKSHOPS (In Separate Zoom Meetings) SEE NEXT PAGE

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12:00 WORKSHOPS (In Separate Zoom Meetings)

1. Congregational Faithfulness and Sustainability CHIP HARDWICK

2. Pastoral Self Care DEE COOPER

3. Working Toward One New Humanity in Christ: What Scripture Teaches Us RE&J TASK FORCE

2021 PRESBYTERY GATHERINGS: May 11 6 PM Sycamore or Via Zoom August 8 9 AM Crestview November 9 6 PM Northminster 2021 PRESBYTERY LEADERSHIP: Moderator The Rev. Carol Holbrook Prickett [email protected] Vice Moderator Elder Carol Buckhout [email protected] Chair of Council Elder Bill Bogdan [email protected] Executive Presbyter Elder Lisa Allgood [email protected] Stated Clerk The Rev. Erwin Goedicke [email protected] Treasurer Elder Bill Maney [email protected] Office Administrator DawnMarie Hayes [email protected]

Provisional Minutes Presbytery of Cincinnati Stated Meeting November 17, 2020

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PRESBYTERY OF CINCINNATI STATED MEETING

Via Zoom November 17, 2020

CALL TO ORDER & OPENING OF MEETING

Elder Bill Bogdan, moderator, convened a stated meeting of the Presbytery of Cincinnati via Zoom at 6:00 PM with the call to order and opening prayer.

FORMATION OF THE ROLL AND DECLARATION OF QUORUM The roll (ATTACHMENT) was formed as presbyters and guests connected via Zoom and was confirmed by the Zoom Participants List. Informed by the stated clerk, the moderator declared a quorum present.

WELCOME OF NEW PRESBYTERS AND GUESTS SEATING OF CORRESPONDING MEMBERS

The moderator welcomed all new elder commissioners and guests. MOTION PREVAILED to seat as corresponding members:

• the Rev. Charles (Chip) Hardwick, Interim Executive of the Synod of the Covenant, as a corresponding member,

• the Rev. Robert Wood (HR), member of the West Virginia Presbytery. The presbytery welcomed as a returning member of the presbytery, The Rev. Nathaniel Manzo (pastor, Williamsburg), transferring from Scioto Valley Presbytery, and Dr. Jonathan Sparks-Franklin, director of presbytery’s UKirk Campus ministry.

AGENDA Elder Bill Bogdan, moderator

MOTION PREVAILED to adopt the meeting agenda as presented.

CONSENT AGENDA Elder Bill Bogdan, moderator

MOTION PREVAILED to approve the consent agenda which included the following action items and reports: Minutes and Roll of the August 11 called meeting of the presbytery Minutes and Roll of the August 15 stated meeting of the presbytery Report and actions items of the Stated Clerk Presbytery Communications Policy recommended by Council. Minutes of the September 15, 2020 meeting of presbytery council Report of the One Hopeful Fund Report of the UKirk Director Jonathan Sparks-Franklin Report of the Racial Justice and Equity Task Force Committee on Ministry report of actions taken on behalf of the presbytery Report of the Congregational Renewal and Vitality Committee Report of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry Report of the chair of the Presbytery Youth Committee, Ashley Ross Trustees report, including actions taken on behalf of the presbytery Report of the moderator’s initiatives and activities for 2020


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Listing of 2021 Meeting Locations: Saturday, February 13 – Zoom Tuesday, May 11 – Sycamore (conditions permitting) Saturday, August 14 – Crestview (conditions permitting) Tuesday, November 9 – Northminster (conditions permitting) Board of Pensions update from the Rev. Edward Thompson, Church Consultant Flier from the Synod of the Covenant, about recorded services for Advent and Christmas

MINUTES AND ROLL (action approved in consent agenda)

ACTION APPROVED the minutes and roll of the August 11, 2020 called meeting of the presbytery, and the August 15, 2020 stated meeting of the presbytery.

STATED CLERK Rev. Erwin Goedicke

(actions approved in the consent agenda) ACTION Administrative Commission DISMISSED with thanks the administrative commission that ordained Kate Mauch to the ministry of Word and Sacrament as a Teaching Elder and Chaplain at Crossroads Hospice of Blue Ash.

The Administrative Commission appointed by Moderator Bill Bogdan for the purpose of ordaining Kate Mauch to the ministry of the Word and Sacrament as a Teaching Elder and Chaplain of Crossroads Hospice of Blue Ash met at Sycamore Presbyterian Church at 2:00 p.m on Sunday, September 20, 2020. The moderator of the presbytery presided and opened the meeting with prayer. The roll of the Administrative Commission was formed: Rev. Tim McQuade, Interim Pastor (Sycamore) Rev. Trent Holden, Chaplain (Cincinnati TriHealth) Ruling Elder Carol Burnett (Sycamore) Ruling Elder Erin Focke, Clerk of the Commission (Bond Hill) Ruling Elder Bill Bogdan, Moderator of the Presbytery and Commission (Mt. Auburn) The commission and other worship leaders proceeded to the service. At the conclusion of the service, the Rev. Kate Mauch, having answered the constitutional questions in the affirmative, and being duly ordained, adjourned the meeting with the benediction.

Authorization to celebrate the Lord’s Supper AUTHORIZED the celebration of the Lord’s Supper by the following groups during 2021: Presbytery Council and groups appointed by Council Committee on Ministry Presbyterian Youth Connection Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery Presbytery mission trip teams If one of these groups celebrates the sacrament, a PC(USA) teaching elder shall preside and report the celebration to the presbytery via the stated clerk. INFORMATION Minutes Review


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The Synod of the Covenant reviewed the 2019 minutes of the presbytery and approved them with exception for not including a report of the presbytery review of the minutes of sessions. Corrections to 2019 Minutes Presbytery minutes are required to include parcel descriptions of all property which is purchased or sold by the presbytery and its congregations. I neglected to include that information in 5 instances of the 2019 presbytery minutes. Therefore, the descriptions of the following parcels will be included in the November 2020 minutes of the presbytery: Elmwood-Carthage Presbyterian Church AC Minutes, in 2/16/19 Presbytery Minutes Parcel Number 661-0001-0018-90 Hamilton County, OH. Property description (APPENDIX A). Reading-Lockland Presbyterian Church AC Report in 5/14/19 Presbytery Minutes Parcel Numbers 641-0007-0070-90, 641-0007-0131-00, 641-0007-0132-00, 641-0007-0073-90, Hamilton County, OH. Property description (APPENDIX B). Presbytery Office, 1323, 1327 Myrtle Ave. Council Report in 5/14/19 Presbytery Minutes

Tract I, Parcel 1: No. 061-0002-0019-90 (1327 Myrtle Avenue) Hamilton County, OH Tract I, Parcel 2: No. 061-0002-0020-90 (1323 Myrtle Avenue) Hamilton County, OH Tract II, Parcel 1: No. Q6521-037-000-060 (Vermont Street) Butler County, OH Tract II, Parcel 2: No. Q6521-037-000-061 (Seventeenth Avenue) Butler County, OH Tract II, Parcel 3: No. Q6521-037-000-063 (Seventeenth Avenue) Butler County, OH Tract II, Parcel 4: No. Q6521-037-000-064 (705 Seventeenth Avenue) Butler County, OH Tract III, Parcel No. 042-0A07-0098 (2115 Crane Avenue) Hamilton County, OH

Property descriptions (APPENDIX C). Sardinia Presbyterian Church Trustees Report in 8/17/19 Presbytery Minutes Parcel No. 43-901016-0000 and Parcel No. 43-901015-0000. Property descriptions: Situated in the Village of Sardinia, Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lots 62 and 63 of the Village of Sardinia as show on Plat Book A1, Page 87 of the Brown County, Ohio Plat Records. Springdale Presbyterian Church Trustees Report in 11/12/19 Presbytery Minutes Parcel Numbers 599-0060-0178, 599-0060-0297 and 599-0060-0267. Property description (APPENDIX D).


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COUNCIL Rev. Adam Fronczek, chair

(action approved in consent agenda) (reports received in consent agenda)

ACTION Communications Policy APPROVED an updated Presbytery Communications Policy (APPENDIX E).

INFORMATION Actions performed on behalf of the Presbytery Minutes of the September 15, 2020 Presbytery Council Meeting were distributed which included the following actions Council took on behalf of the Presbytery:

• ENCOURAGED Providence Presbyterian church to apply for funding from the One Hopeful Fund for emergency needs related to the COVID-19 crisis, to cover their request for a reduction in their per capital payments.

• RENAMED the Antiracism Policy Work Group as the “Racial Equity and Justice Task Force” with expanded membership, goals, mission and vision.

One Hopeful Fund A written report of the One Hopeful Fund (part of the presbytery budget funded by the shared mission giving of its congregations) was distributed, which highlighted some of the congregations and the mission and ministry passions which were supported by the fund. Thus far in 2020, 12 One Hopeful Fund grants, totaling $93,759.58 were approved. UKirk A written report of UKirk Director, Dr. Jonathan Sparks-Franklin, was distributed, describing the work he has done since beginning in the role in September – networking throughout the presbytery, connecting with students, preparing the UKirk website and UKirk room at Immanuel Presbyterian Church and defining UKirk’s core values, ministry and mission. Racial Justice and Equity Task Force Task Force facilitator, Elder Bill Bogdan distributed a written report of the work of the Task Force, which listed the names of the task force members:

• Rev. Dr. Erwin Goedicke • Ruling Elder DawnMarie Hayes • Rev. Dr. Andrew Hudson • Ruling Elder Lydia Morgan • Ruling Elder Darlene Nored • Rev. Amy Snow • Dr. Jonathan Sparks-Franklin • Ruling Elder Demetrius Springer • Rev. Dr. Charles Tinsley • Ruling Elder Bill Bogdan • Presbytery Staff Support, Ruling Elder Lisa Allgood • Synod Staff Support, Rev. Dr. Chip Hardwick


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and which outlined objectives and strategies to accomplish: • Task Force Goal - Assist congregations within the Presbytery of Cincinnati, from wherever place on

the continuum they are, to move along the continuum of becoming anti-racist, multicultural congregations;

• Short-Term Task Force Mission - Move the needle on racial equity, within and across the Presbytery of Cincinnati, supporting and executing the PC (USA) Matthew 25 principles in dismantling structural racism;

• Long-Term Task Force Mission (Vision) - The Presbytery of Cincinnati is a significant force across the Cincinnati region in the support of racial justice and dismantling structural racism.

COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY

Rev. Stacey Midge, chair (received in consent agenda)

INFORMATION The Committee on Ministry has taken the following actions on the behalf of the presbytery: Calls APPROVED the call of the Rev. Nathaniel Manzo (member, Scioto Valley) to serve as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Williamsburg, beginning November 15, 2020; further to enroll him as a member of the presbytery at that time. Rev. Manzo has signed a statement that he has received, read, understands, and will abide by the presbytery’s Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy. Terms: Effective Salary Vouchered Reimbursable Business Expense Allowances Salary $25,000 Auto mileage at IRS maximum rate $500 Housing Allowance $25,000 Continuing Education $2,000 Moving Costs (one time) up to $500 Other Terms BOP Full Vacation 4 weeks Study Leave 2 weeks Family leave and sabbatical policies in place. APPROVED the call of the Rev. Benjamin Shaw (member, Maumee Valley) to serve as pastor of the Montgomery Presbyterian Church, beginning December 1, 2020; further to enroll him as a member of the presbytery at that time. Rev. Shaw has signed a statement that he has received, read, understands, and will abide by the presbytery’s Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy. Terms: Effective Salary Vouchered Reimbursable Business Expense Allowances Salary $40,000 Auto mileage at IRS maximum rate Actual Housing Allowance $20,000 Continuing Education $2,000 Business/Professional Expenses $2,000 Moving Costs (one time) up to $5,000 Other Terms BOP Full Vacation 4 weeks Study Leave 2 weeks Family leave and sabbatical policies in place.


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APPROVED the call of the Mary Hayes to serve as pastor of Venice Presbyterian Church, beginning January 1, 2021, pending approval of ordination; further to enroll her as a member of the presbytery at that time. Ms. Hayes has signed a statement that she has received, read, understands, and will abide by the presbytery’s Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy. Terms: Effective Salary Vouchered Reimbursable Business Expense Allowances Salary $36,000 Auto mileage at IRS maximum rate Actual Housing: $18,000 Continuing Education $3,000 Business/Professional Expenses $2,100 Moving Costs up to $1,500 Expense for Laptop (VPC owned) $1,000 Other Terms SECA Supplement $4,131 BOP Full Vacation 4 weeks Sick Lunch 2 weeks Study Leave 2 weeks Family leave and sabbatical policies in place. APPROVED the call of the Rev. Russell Smith to serve as co-pastor of the Madeira-Silverwood Presbyterian Church, beginning January 1, 2021. Terms: Effective Salary Vouchered Reimbursable Business Expense Allowances Salary $59,091 Auto mileage at IRS maximum rate $500 Housing Allowance $26,000 Continuing Education $2,000 Business/Professional Expenses $3,500 YMCA Dues Supplement $1,000 Moving Costs (one time) up to $5,000 Other Terms SECA Supplement $6,510 BOP Full Vacation 4 weeks Study Leave 2 weeks Family leave and sabbatical policies in place. Temporary Pastoral Relationships APPROVED the extension of the interim pastor covenant between the Rev. Terry Washburn (UMC) and First Presbyterian Church of Hillsboro, part-time (30 hrs/week), for 6 months, to June 1, 2021. RENEWED the covenant of the Rev. Kathleen Daniels to serve part time (15 hrs/week) stated supply at Dry Ridge Presbyterian Church, for one year, effective August 14, 2020. Terms: Effective Salary Vouchered Reimbursable Business Expense Allowances Salary $20,600 Auto mileage at IRS maximum rate Actual Housing Allowance $26,000 Continuing Education $533 Other Terms Vacation 5 weeks Study Leave 2 weeks Family leave and sabbatical policies in place. Commissioned Ruling Elders RENEWED the covenant of David Eversole (member, Georgetown) to serve part-time (24 hrs/wk) as ruling elder commissioned to pastoral service and moderator of session of Wilson Memorial Presbyterian Church


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for the period of one year beginning February 1, 2020. Further, to authorize him to continue to administer the sacraments. The agreement may be terminated by either party with 30 days written notice. Terms:

Effective Salary Vouchered Reimbursable Business Expense Allowances Salary $3,000 Auto mileage at IRS maximum rate Actual Housing $11,000 Continuing Education $1,000 Other Terms Vacation 4 weeks Study Leave 2 weeks

RENEWED the covenant of Dori Martz (member, Hopewell) to serve part-time (20 hrs/wk) as lay leader of Hopewell Presbyterian Church for the period of one year beginning July 25, 2020. The agreement may be terminated by either party with 30 days written notice. Terms:

Effective Salary Vouchered Reimbursable Business Expense Allowances Salary $3,500 Auto mileage at IRS maximum rate Actual Housing $7,900 Other Terms Vacation 4 weeks Paid Sick Leave 1 week

Presbytery Rolls RECEIVED into membership of the presbytery:

• The Rev. Nathaniel Manzo from Scioto Valley Presbytery, effective November 15, 2020

Ministry Positions APPROVED the MIF from First Presbyterian Church of Hillsboro. VALIDATED the ministry of Rebekah Nolt as Pastoral Resident at Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church, pending approval for ordination.

CONGREGATIONAL RENEWAL AND VITALITY COMMITTEE Rev. Shawn Barkley, chair

(report received in consent agenda)

INFORMATION A written report was distributed which described the CRV funded program for congregations working to work for renewed vitality and growth in 2020. The program initially had nine congregations participating, but has seven who are at various points in five-part process which includes:

• Clergy leadership assessment and coaching, led by Skillsource – a local company that works with churches, non-profits and for-profit corporations.

• Congregational assessment tool that helped leaders gain a picture of where they are at this particular moment in time. The CRV partnered with another local company, Elemental Churches, that specializes in assisting local churches find and fulfill their God-given mission.

• Additionally, Elemental Churches provided our congregations with three tools to facilitate visioning, measure “guest/visitor impressions”, and engage in strategic planning:

o EnVision, designed to unlock the congregation’s vision, mission and values. o Vibe, helps the congregation see how they appear to those who attend a worship service or other

event at the church. o Focus, a team-based process for developing a master plan for the next 12-24 months.


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The seven congregations participating in this project, which has become part of the pilot for the Lily Grant funded Center for Learning, are:

• Blue Ash • Covenant First • Crestview • Kennedy Heights • Mowrystown • Northminster • Union

Once the CRV is operating under the umbrella of the Center for Learning, it will assist in facilitating the next group of congregations to work through this congregational renewal process.

COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY Rev. Edward Goode, chair

(report received in consent agenda) INFORMATION A written report was distributed which provided an update on the candidates and inquirers currently under care of the presbytery:

• Mary Hayes (Certified ready to receive a call, Heritage) • Sharon Clegern (Candidate, Knox) • James Dillaman (Inquirer, Northminster) • Violet Sears (Inquirer, Northminster) • David Paulik (Inquirer, Pleasant Ridge)

PRESBYTERY YOUTH COMMITTEE Elder Ashley Ross, chair

(report received in consent agenda) INFORMATION A written report was distributed about how PYC is seeking to organize and plan for the coming year, given the limitations on meeting currently due to COVID-19 restrictions.

TRUSTEES Elder Robert Heidenreich, president (report received in consent agenda)

INFORMATION Presbytery Investments Trustees completed a review of the Presbytery’s investments with our investment manager, Jon Bresnen from Mariner Investments. Although this has been a very volatile year in the investment markets, the Presbytery’s portfolio continues to perform well and our income and gains continue to exceed our regular disbursements to the Presbytery’s operating budget. Transfer of Property AUTHORIZED the transfer of the former Hopkinsville Church cemetery to Hamilton Township. Parcel ID 160540001. Situate in Hamilton Township, Warren County, Ohio, in Military Survey No. 1548, and described as follows:


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Beginning at a point in the centerline of Montgomery Pike, also known as U.S. Route No. 22, at its intersection with the East line of grantor herein; said point being 568.03 feet southwest along said centerline from its intersection with centerline of State Route No. 48 at Hopkinsville; thence North 2°00' west along the grantor’s east line and the west line of property owned by Dora Nunner Snider and Geneva Snider Carpenter as the same appears in Deed book 138 page 271 of the deed records of Warren County, Ohio, 853.33 feet to the the grantor’s northeast corner and the south line of Russell W. Frederick and Ruth Frederick as appears in Deed Book 231 page 159 of the deed records of Warren County, Ohio; thence with the said Frederick’s south line and grantor’s north line shou 88°00' west 239.68 feet to a point; thence on a new division line, parallel with this description’s first line, south 2°00' east 1042.32 feet to a point in the centerline of said Montgomery Pike; thence with said centerline north 50°29'20" east 302 feet to the place of beginning; containing 5.000 acres of land, exclusive of the highway right-of-way, which is 33 feet wide from the centerline and the above parcel being subject to said legal highway.

Although the Township has managed and maintained this property for decades, the actual sale and transfer was never formally completed.

MODERATOR’S REPORT Elder Bill Bogdan

(report received in consent agenda)

FOR INFORMATION Moderator Bill Bogdan distributed a written report, charting his activities as moderator over the past year, and providing this summary reflection:

“What a year it has been! I assumed that the moderator role would evolve over the year, but with the onset of COVID 19, I never expected to see our world turned upside down. In March, our churches, schools, gyms, and businesses were shuttered, changing our lives beyond anything we might have imagined. But, this time has also afforded us, through our faith and the grace of God, to hear a new message, one that opens the possibility to live “church” differently and dream expansively. I have had the honor to observe amazing changes in the way we worship, the way we serve our communities, and the way we conduct our business as a unified, connectional church. Who would ever have imagined our bi-annual General Assembly quickly transition from a seven day, face-to-face gathering to a virtual experience where commissioners were tethered together through Zoom and PC-Biz. In turn, our own Presbytery and church meetings, committee meetings, and worship services have become virtual events. And, how much we have adapted to this “new normal.” We have so much for which to be thankful and much hope as we continue to work together to see God’s vision unfold for our Presbytery. I have always believed God places us where God needs us to serve. It has been a sincere honor to have served as moderator of the Presbytery of Cincinnati.”

ADDITIONAL REPORTS (received in consent agenda)

FOR INFORMATION Board of Pensions A written update on the Board of Pension was provided by The Rev. Edward Thompson, church consultant. Synod of the Covenant A flier announcing video recorded Advent and Christmas services prepared by member presbyteries of the Synod of the Covenant was distributed.

SYNOD OF THE COVENANT The Rev. Charles Hardwick, interim synod executive

Rev. Chip Hardwick shared a power point presentation –


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• highlighting the 61 Higher Education Scholarships awarded by the synod, to students of its member presbyteries, including Noelle Scheper (member, Westwood First);

• informing the presbytery of additional scholarships available for post-high school students for unexpected expenses related to COVID-19;

• reminding the presbytery of video recorded worship services available through the synod for Christ the King Sunday, Advent, and Christmas;

• providing contact information for the synod and for himself personally. Rev. Hardwick then prayed for the presbytery and its congregations, pastors, and leaders.

COMMITTEE ON REPRESENTATION – PART I Elder Bob Northcutt, chair

MOTION PREVAILED to elect: • The Rev. Carol (nee Ferguson) Holbrook Prickett (pastor, Crescent Springs) as moderator of the

presbytery • Elder Carol Buckhout (Crescent Springs) as vice-moderator of the presbytery • Elder Bill Bogdan (Mt. Auburn) as chair of presbytery council

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

Elder Bill Bogdan, moderator The outgoing moderator led the installation of newly elected moderator the Rev. Carol Holbrook Pricket, and vice-moderator, Elder Carol Buckhout. A video was shared of the exchange of moderator’s crosses, stole, and gavels, which included expressions of thanks for the leadership of the Rev. Adam Fronczek as chair of council for the past year, and prior to that, moderator and vice-moderator.

ELECTION OF PRESBYTERY EXECUTIVE The Rev. Adam Fronczek, chair of the General Presbyter Nominating Committee

Rev. Adam Fronczek shared a power point presentation, summarizing the work of General Presbytery Nominating committee. Upon unanimous recommendation of the committee, MOTION PREVAILED to elect Transitional Executive Presbyter, Lisa Allgood, to a three-year term as the presbytery executive, with the following terms:

• Salary: $94,000 • Retirement Contribution: $10,340 (11%) • Vacation: 4 weeks (20 days) • Study Leave: 2 weeks (10 days)

Rev. Fronczek led the presbytery in a prayer of thanksgiving for the election of Elder Lisa Allgood and for blessing on her continued ministry. The GPSC will bring a recommendation to the February meeting of presbytery to change title of the position to “Executive Presbytery” and to amend the bylaws accordingly.

PRESBYTERY COUNCIL Elder Robert Heidenreich, president of Trustees

MOTION PREVAILED to approved the proposed 2021 presbytery budget (APPENDIX F).


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COMMITTEE ON REPRESENTATION – PART 2

Elder Bob Northcutt, chair MOTION PREVAILED to elect the following individuals to committees and terms as listed:

Committee on Ministry Jim Brazell (TE, HR) Class of 2021 – 2nd Term Dan Johnson (RE, Providence) Class of 2023 – 2nd Term Trent Holden (TE, Validated Ministry) Class of 2023 – 2nd Term Tim Sakelos (CRE, Calvary) Class of 2023 – 1st Term Trustees Douglass Duckett (RE, Knox) Class of 2022 – 2nd Term Bob Obermeyer (RE, Batavia) Class of 2022 – 2nd Term Personnel Committee Shawna Meachem (RE, West Cincinnati) Class of 2022 – 1st Term Don Smith (TE, HR) Class of 2022 – 1st Term

Committee on Preparation for Ministry Tyler Pettigrew (TE, West Chester) Class of 2021 – Chair Lee Sanders (RE, Greenhills) Class of 2022 – 2nd Term Rhonda O’Reilly (TE, HR) Class of 2022 – 1st Term Center for Learning (Network Resource Committee) Kathy Angi (TE, HR; Winton) Class of 2022 – 2nd Term Carol Buckhout* (RE, Crescent Springs) Class of 2022 – 2nd Term Don Hoffman* (RE, Wyoming) Class of 2022 – 2nd Term *Designates m ember for the Center for Learning Board of Advisors Center for Learning (Congregational Renewal and Vitality Committee) Tom Sweets (TE, Madeira-Silverwood) Class of 2022 – 2nd Term Jim Goff (TE, Loveland) Class of 2022 – 2nd Term Beth Doebereiner (RE, Montgomery) Class of 2022 – 2nd Term Jeff Colarossi* (TE, Westwood) Class of 2022 – 1st Term Greg Kennedy (TE, Northminister) Class of 2022 – 1st Term *Designates member for the Center for Learning Board of Advisors Council Bob Northcutt (RE, Aurora) At-Large Class of 2022 – 2nd Term Abby King-Kaiser (TE, Validated Ministry) At-Large Class of 2022 – 1st Term

Presbytery Youth Committee Ashley Ross (Mt. Washington) Adult Class of 2022 – Chair Nina Jackson (RE, West Cincinnati) Adult Class of 2022 Patty Schnetzer (Heritage) Adult Class of 2022


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Tracie Long (Crestview) Adult Class of 2022 Ella Knellinger (Knox) Youth Class of 2022 Jack Knellinger (Knox) Youth Class of 2022 Committee on Representation (Nominated by Council) Barbara Jean Havens (CRE, Easter Area Council) Class of 2021 – Chair, 1st Term Judy Cunningham (RE, Mt. Auburn) Class of 2021 – 1st Term

COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY

Rev. Stacey Midge, chair Dissolution of Springdale Presbyterian Church In addition to a written narrative provided to presbytery in advance of the meeting (APPENDIX G) Elder Joseph Salvato, Clerk of Session of Springdale provided a brief history of the decision that led the session of the Springdale Presbyterian Church to request to be dissolved as a congregation and thanked the presbytery for its help through this process; following which, MOTION PREVAILED:

a) To dissolve the Springdale Presbyterian Church upon request of its session and recommendation of the Committee on Ministry, effective November 17, 2020;

b) That Presbytery of Cincinnati oversee the proper allocation of the Springdale Presbyterian Church escrow investment account funds, including $2,000 per year to Mary Smith in 2020, 2021 and 2022. (Checks to be made out to Cru and sent to Donation Services, 100 Lake Hart Drive, Orlando, FL 32832, with a note attached designating the gift to: Mary Louise Smith, 0640872, Serving with Jesus Film.

c) That Presbytery of Cincinnati join with members of the Springdale Presbyterian Church session to formally dedicate the Springdale Presbyterian Church plaque to be installed on the 1801 church foundation in the Springdale Presbyterian Cemetery on Springfield Pike in Springdale, at a date and time to be determined.

The moderator led the presbytery in a prayer of thanksgiving for the faithful ministry of the Springdale Presbyterian Church. Examination for Ordination Having reported that Rebekah Nolt is certified ready for ordination by their presbytery of care (Carlisle) the committee presented them for examination. After they shared a brief message based on Exodus 14:15-22 and Ephesians 2:1-10, the presbytery examined them on their Christian faith and views in theology, the Sacraments, and the government of this church, MOTION PREVAILED to ordain Candidate Rebekah Nolt, to the validated ministry of Pastoral Resident at Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church. The moderator gave thanks in prayer for Rebekah’s call and the beginning of her ministry.

CENTER FOR LEARNING

Elder Lisa Allgood, presbytery executive Presbytery executive, Lisa Allgood shared a power point presentation announcing the presbytery’s award of a Lilly Foundation Thriving Congregations Grant of $997,412 over 5 years, which will fund the emerging Presbytery of Cincinnati’s Living Churches Initiative under the Center for Learning. The Center for Learning is a new structure within the organization of the presbytery, designed to bring together the work of our learning, resource, and relational teams:

• Matthew 25 teams (Racial Equity and Justice Team, others)


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• Network Resource Committee • Congregational Renewal and Vitality Team • Ruling Elder and Youth Preaching Institute • Presbytery Training • Living Churches Initiative

OFFERING

The Rev. Carol Holbrook Prickett, moderator The moderator invited the generosity of the presbytery in presenting an offering by checks mailed to the presbytery office, designated for the One Hopeful Fund of the presbytery budget.

NECROLOGY The Rev. Carol Holbrook Prickett, moderator

Elder Carol Buckhout, vice-moderator The moderator and vice moderator read the names of ruling elders and teaching elders whose earthly life and service to the Lord ended in the past year (APPENDIX H).

ADJOURNMENT MOTION PREVAILED to adjourn the meeting at 8:04 PM with prayer by the moderator, the Rev. Carol Holbrook Prickett, to the next stated meeting of the presbytery:

Saturday, February 13, at 9:00, via Zoom

The Rev. Erwin Goedicke, Stated Clerk

ATTACHMENT: Roll of Presbytery of Cincinnati Stated Meeting November 17, 2020

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TEACHING ELDERS Validated – in congregation Installed P E A Barkley, Shawn x Bella, Roberta x Brazelle, Michael x Brewer, Michael x Brumfield, Rhoda x Caine, Stephen x Canizaro, Bonnie x Carter, Sharon x Colarossi, Jeff x Fronczek, Adam x Goedicke, Erwin x Goff, James x Hudson, Samantha x Kennedy, Greg x Lang, Jeffrey x Long, Joshua x Marshall, Anne x Marshall, Gary x Midge, Stacey x Moore, Kristin x Nolt, Rebekah x Pettigrew, Tyler x Holbrook Prickett, Carol x Reister, Jana x Ross-Zimmerman, Nancy x Sheppard, Brad x Smith, Russell B x Stainton, Kevin x Stenner, Lisa x Sweets, Thomas x Uchtman, Deborah x Umphres, Louisa W x Waters, Kevin x Whaley, Debra x Yebuah, Ebenezer x Yoda, K Nicholas x

Temporary – interim P E A McQuade, Timothy x Sarchet, Dawne (HR) x Webster, Terry (HR) x

Temporary - stated sup P E A Angi, Kathy (HR) x Annett, David x Bronsink, Troy x Daniels, Kathleen x

1 Excused, unless otherwise marked

Dunlap, Tom (HR) x Mason, Cynthia M. (HR) x McClanahan, Linda (HR) x Robertson, Holly x Webster, Marsha (HR) x White, Christine (HR) x

Validated - outside cong. P E A Caine, Monnie x *Goode, Edward x Hardy, William x Holden, Trent x Jones, Rich x Kim, Sung Nam (TX) x King-Kaiser, Abigail x Mauch, Kate (Chaplain) x Snow, Amy x

Members at-large P E A Corum, Lisa x Dunavant, Lloyd x Eisenlohr, Teresa Lockhart x Reed, Peter S. (TX) x Schafer, Randy (AZ) x Tesorero, Barbara x

Honorably Retired 1 P E A Albright, Cecil Anderson, Robert Beran, David Bernard, James Brazell, James x Bryan, Susan Quinn (TX) Clary, D. Robert Clary, Patricia Crank, James Dalton, Yvette Davies, Alfred DiEgidio, James Doerbaum, G Richard (FL) Duker, Susan Dunn, Ruth x Eddy, James Eyre, Stephen Fouse, Kimberly Buechner Fouse, Richard Gallagher, Jan Hamann, Allen (OR) Hartoin, Gary Hawley, G. David

Holm, Duane Holmes, Jean Horvath, Nancy (WI) Hupp, George Jewett, Gordon Jones, William Kalsbeek, Theodore Kent, Larry Kirk, Jerry Kranzley, Richard League, Robert Ledford, Janice (OH) Linnemann, Patricia Love, William Lowry, David McClanahan, Linda Miller, Richard Mitchell, Maurice Mullin, Michael Myser, Chuck Olson, Richard O’Reilly, Rhonda Petersen, Alice (VA) Pinkowski, Jacquelyn Pitman, Jerry Porter, Harold (MI) Purdom, Daniel Rand, Ronald (FL) Reed, George Rogers, Glenn Sivalee, Michael (TN) Smith, Donald H Stout, Dana Strain, Robert L (DE) Torrey, J Christopher Wheatley, Michael White, Arthur (NS, Canad.) Youst, JoAn Zuidema, David (MI)

TEMPORARY MEMBERS P E A Hambleton, Cherie (UCC) x Hill, Jerry (UMC) x Jeong, Tom (KPC) x Sugarbaker, David (Discip.) x Terry Washburn (UMC) x


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RULING ELDER COMMISSIONERS CONGRGATION COMMISSIONERS P E A Aurora First x Batavia x Beecher x Bethel Murdoch x

Blue Ash Sherry Clayton x Bill Bretz x

Bond Hill Erin Focke x x

Calvary x Calvin Steve Van Eman x

Carmel x x

Cherry Fork x Christ Martha Enriquez x Cleves Holly Peter x Community of Faith Bill Lindsay x

Covenant-First Mike Millhaem x Rick Hopkins x

Cranston Memorial Ruth Saylor x Crescent Springs Katie Cook x

Crestview Deede LaPlant x Bruce Fairbairn x

Dayton First x Dry Ridge x Eastminster Dave Gulden x

Ft. Thomas First Roger Neff x x

Georgetown x Glendale First Karen Reynolds x Greenhills Commun. Jim Hadley x Harrison First Tom Steuver x Hartwell x

Heritage Roger Rude x Aaron Ewing x

Hillsboro First Sally Rogers x Hopewell Dorie Martz x Immanuel Bill Dean x

Indian Hill x x

Kennedy Heights Don Johnson x x

Knox

Blair Battistini x Joyce Steiner x Maggie Gieseke x Jack Knellinger x

Korean x x

Lakeside Clay Deye x Jim Eck x

Loveland x

Madeira-Silverwood John Teller x x

Montgomery Pam Koester Hackman x Susie Lewis x

Mt. Auburn Pete Tuff x Margaret Champion x

Mt. Washington Sally Sieger x Tom McAllister x Steven Bruening x

Mowrystown x North Glen Kinder x

Northminster Lynda Caster x x

Northwest Comm’ty Lynn Bradley x Oak Hills x Pleasant Plain x

Pleasant Ridge x x

Pleasant Run Wes Bella x Providence Daniel Johnson x Red Oak x Richwood Sharon Wilcox x St. J’s Westminster Paul Jordan x Seaman x Springdale Joe Salvato x

Sycamore

Clay Daniel x Carol Burnett x Bob Broersma x Fran Blaylock x

Third x x

Trinity Debbie Johnson x

Union Lynn Jasensky x x

Venice Kim Young x

West Chester Don Chain x x

West Cincinnati Rob Sullivan x x

West Union First x

Westwood First Beth Kochheiser x x

Williamsburg First Linda Jacob x Wilson Memorial x Winchester John Robson x

Winton Hills x x

Wyoming Donald Hoffman x x


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ADDITIONAL RULING ELDERS WITH VOTE Officers / Elected Council Members

P E A

Bogdan, Bill x Bronaugh, M. x Buckhout, Carol x Maney, Bill x Sullivan, Robert* x

Former Moderators P E A Battle, Lynn x Brown, Patricia x Cowgill, Ron x Gaines, Patsy x *Heidenreich, Rob x

Kleier, Jack x Legg, David x Lindsay, Rebecca x Moormann, Jill x Schmidt, Nancy x Young, Robert x

Committee Chairs or Designees

P E A

*Focke, Erin x Heidenreich, Rob x Northcutt, Bob x Ross, Ashley x

Special Reps: PW P E A Focke, Cynthia x

Commissioned to Pastoral Service

P E A

Behm, Norine x Eversole, David x Havens,Barbara Jean x *Northcutt, Robert x Obermeyer, Robert x Robson, John x Sakelos, Tim X

+ corresponding member while serving with a congregation in the presbytery

VISITORS Congregation VISITORS Congregation Karen Chamis Cayuga Syracuse Lynn Hailey Mt. Auburn Erron Prickett Crescent Springs Van Ackerman Mt. Auburn Crystal Harden Crescent Springs Michael Adee Mt. Auburn Norman & Fran Ferguson (Carol H P’s Parents) Rebekah Nolt Mt. Auburn Faye Burdick Mt. Auburn Earnest Elliot Dave Simon Mt. Auburn John Teller Susan Ingmire Mt. Auburn Tim Reed

PEOPLE WITH PRIVILEGE OF FLOOR AND VOICE (without vote) Corresponding Members Presbytery Staff +Adams, Garth (TE, Stated Supply Carmel, Miami Valley) x Allgood, Lisa x +Tinsley, Charles (TE, Stated Supply West Cin’ti, San Francisco) DawnMarie Hayes x Chip Hardwick (TE, Synod of the Covenant) TE x Jonathan Sparks-Franklin x Robert Wood (TE, HR, West Virginia Presbytery) x Recognized Christian Educators Hill, Jennifer

*Asterisks denote persons who are registered in two or more categories. Each is counted only once in the attendance below, in the category where they are listed without the asterisk. Quorum = 10 teaching elders members of the presbytery + ten ruling elders, each from ten different congregations + Moderator or Vice Moderator and Stated Clerk.

REGISTERED ATTENDANCE Teaching Elders 39 Recognized Christian Educators Ruling Elder Commissioners 47 Corresponding Members 3 Ruling Elder Officers/Council 3

Visitors (including ruling elders in training to be commissioned to pastoral service) 15

Ruling Elder Certified Christian Educators Ruling Elder Former Moderators 5 Ruling Elder Committee Chairs 3 Ruling Elder Special Representatives Presbytery staff without vote 3 Ruling Elders commissioned to pastoral service 2 TOTAL VOTING 99 TOTAL NON-VOTING 21 Number of Congregations Represented 49

Appendices, Provisional Minutes of the Presbytery of Cincinnati, November 17, 2020

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APPENDIX A: PROPERTY DESCRIPTIONS FROM THE QUITE CLAIM DEED OF ELMWOOD-CARTHAGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Hamilton County Auditor’s Parcel No. 661-0001-0018-90 (Consolidated Parcels 19, 20, 21) The following real estate in Section 12, Millcreek Township, Hamilton County, Ohio, viz: All those four certain lots or parcels of land known, numbered and designated as Lots Number 871, 874, 875, and 878 of Bofinger and Hopkins 4th Subdivision of Elmwood as shown on the plat of the said subdivision as recorded in Plat Book 6, page 191, Hamilton County Records. APPENDIX B: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION FROM QUIT CLAIM DEED OF READING-LOCKLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Parcel One: Number 641-0070-90 (Consolidated Parcels 70, 71, 72) Situate in the City of Lockland, County of Hamilton, State of Ohio to wit: Beginning at the point of intersection of the westerly right of way line of South Cooper Avenue and the southerly right of way line of Cooper Court a dedicated 20 foot wide public right of way; thence with the southerly line of said Cooper Court N. 54°21'30" W., 150.00 feet to a point in the easterly right of way line of South Cooper; thence with the easterly line of said South Cooper S. 35°00'00" W., 115.00 feet to a point in the southwest corner of Lot No. 4 of John Martin’s Subdivision, as recorded in Plat Book 58, page 164, of the Land Records of Hamilton County, Ohio; thence with the southerly line of said Lot No. 4, which is also the northerly line of the return South Couper Cooper Court S. 54°21'30" E., 150.00 feet to a poin in the westerly right of way line of said South Cooper Avenue, said point being in the southeast corner of said Lot No. 4; thence with the westerly line of said South Cooper Avenue N. 35°00'00" E., 115.00 feet to the place of beginning. Parcel Two: Situated in Section 2, Town 3, Entire range 1, Springfield Township, Village of Lockland, Hamilton County, Ohio and being the legal description for an alley vacated by Ordinance no. 75-1881, recorded in Deed Book 3241, Page 396, Hamilton County Recorder’s Office and being more particularly described as follows: Commencing at the northwest corner of South Cooper Avenue and Lock Street; thence along the north line of said Lock Street, north 34°30'00" West 143.05 feet and the Real Place of Beginning; thence continuing along said north line of Lock Street, North 34°30'00" West, 17.10 feet; thence leaving said north line and along the north line of said vacated alley, North 35°00'00" East, 113.60 feet to a point in the south line of South Cooper Court; thence along the said south line of South Cooper Court, South 54°21'30" East, 16.00 feet; thence leaving said south line and long the south line of said vacated alley, South 35°00'00" West, 119.40 feet to the place of beginning. Containing 0.0426 acres and being subject to all highways and easements of record. Being the same property described in Deed Book 3241, Page 396 of the Hamilton County Recorder’s Office and being Tax Parcels 641-7-131 & 132. Parcel Number: 641-0007-0073-90 (Consolidated Parcels 73, 74, and 75) Situated in Section 2, Town 3, Entire Range 1, Springfield Township, Village of Lockland, Hamilton County, Ohio, and being described as follows: All of Lots 1, 2, and 3 of the John Martin Addition to Lockland as set forth at Plat recorded in Deed Book 58, Page 164 of the Hamilton County, Ohio Record.


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APPENDIX C: PROPERTY DESCRIPTIONS FROM THE CLOSING BINDER OF THE SALE OF 1323 & 1327 Myrtle Avenue Hamilton County, Ohio Tract I, Parcel 1: No. 061-0002-0019-90 (1327 Myrtle Avenue) Hamilton County, OH Situate in the City of Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio, and being the west one half of Lot No. twenty-three (23) of C. M. Cook's Subdivision, as recorded in Plat Book 5,Page 117, Recorder's Office, Hamilton County, Ohio, fronting twenty-five (25) feet on the south side of Myrtle Avenue and extending back southwardly between parallel lines to the full depth of said Lot No. twenty- three (23) of said subdivision. Tract I, Parcel 2: No. 061-0002-0020-90 (1323 Myrtle Avenue) Hamilton County, OH Situate in the City of Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio, and more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot Numbered Twenty-four (24) and the easterly thirty (30) feet of Lot Numbered Twenty-five (25) of C. M. Cook's Subdivision of Walnut Hills Nursery, a plat of which is recorded in Plat Book 5, Page 117, Hamilton County, Ohio, records, said easterly thirty (30) feet of Lot Numbered Twenty-five (25) being described as follows: Beginning at a point in the south line of Myrtle Avenue at the northeast comer of said Lot Numbered Twenty-five (25) of said C. M. Cook' s Subdivision; thence South four degrees thirty- nine minutes (4°39') West along the east line of said Lot Numbered Twenty-five (25) two hundred forty and forty-eight-hundredths (240.48) feet to the south east comer of said Lot Numbered Twenty-five (25); thence North eighty-five degrees twenty-one minutes (85° 21') West parallel to Myrtle Avenue on the south line of said Lot Numbered Twenty-five (25) thirty (30) feet to a point; thence North four degrees thirty-nine minutes (4° 39') East parallel to the east line of said Lot Numbered Twenty-five two hundred forty and forty-eight-hundredths (240.48) feet to a point in the southerly line of Myrtle Avenue, being the northerly line of said Lot Numbered Twenty-five (25), thirty (30) feet west of the northeast comer of said Lot Numbered Twenty-five (25), thence South eighty-five degrees twenty-one minutes (85° 21') East along the south line of Myrtle Avenue and the north line of said Lot Numbered Twenty-five (25) thirty feet (30) to the northeast comer of said Lot # Twenty-five (25) and the point of beginning. The real estate above described fronting eighty (80) feet on the south line of Myrtle Avenue, and extending southwardly between parallel lines to the south line of said Lots #24 and #25, a distance of two hundred and forty and forty-eight hundredths (240.48) feet. Tract II, Parcel 1: No. Q6521-037-000-060 (Vermont Street) Butler County, OH Tract II, Parcel 2: No. Q6521-037-000-061 (Seventeenth Avenue) Butler County, OH Tract II, Parcel 3: No. Q6521-037-000-063 (Seventeenth Avenue) Butler County, OH Tract II, Parcel 4: No. Q6521-037-000-064 (705 Seventeenth Avenue) Butler County, OH Tract III, Parcel No. 042-0A07-0098 (2115 Crane Avenue) Hamilton County, OH


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APPENDIX D: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION OF SPRINGDALE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, SPRINGDALE, OH CONTAINED IN THE TERMINATION OF LAND INSTALLMENT AGREEMENT Situate in Section 18, Town 3E, Range 1, Springfield Township, Hamilton County, Ohio, being more particularly described as follows: Commencing in the easterly right-of-way line of Rose Lane as it intersects with the no1th line of said Section 18, said point also being in the centerline of Kemper Road; thence in said section line and centerline, South 76° 46' 45" East, for a distance of 600.00 feet to a point, said point being in the easterly line of a parcel now or formerly owned by Richard A. Fish and Dawn M. Fish as recorded in Official Record Book 8977, Page 3043 in the Hamilton County Recorder's Office, said point also being the TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING for this herein described parcel, THENCE 1) Leaving said section line and centerline and continuing in said Fish's li ne, South 13° 13' 15" West, passing a 5/8"

Iron Pin with cap set at 40.00 feet, a total distance of 435.00 feet to a 5/8" Iron Pin with cap set, thence; 2) Continuing in said Fish's southerly line, and in the southerly line of a parcel now or formerly owned by Mary A.

Weiler as recorded in Official Record Book 9317, Page 229 in the Hamilton County Recorder 's Office, North 76° 46' 45" West, a distance of 163.00 feet to a point, said point being witnessed by a found 3/4" iron Pin, 0.16 feet north and 0.28 feet east, thence;

3) Leaving said Weiler's line, and in the easterly line of a parcel of land now or formerly owned by Alice M. Lindon and Rhonda L. Lindon as recorded in Official Record Book 7138, Page 1937 in the Hamilton County Recorder's Office, South 13° 13' 15" West a distance of 100.00 feet to a 5/8" Iron Pin with a cap set in the northeasterly corner of Lot 8 of the Springdale Glen 2nd Subdivision as recorded in Plat Book 32, pages 8 and 9 of the

Hamilton County Registered Land Office, thence; 4) Leaving said Linton's line, and in the easterly line of said Lot 8, South 13° 51' 53" West a distance of 159.10 feet to a

point, said point being witnessed by a found concrete monument 0.26 feet north and 0.19 feet east, thence; 5) Leaving the easterly line of said Lot 8, South 60° 19' 1O" East a distance of 76.98 feet to s 5/8" Iron Pin with cap

set in the no1theasterly corner of Lot 50 of the Springdale Glen Subdivision, Block "B" as recorded in Plat Book 115, pages 13 and 14 of the Hamilton County Recorder's Office; thence;

6) Continuing in the Northerly line of said Subdivision, South 67° 34' 10" East a distance of 69.80 feet to a point in the northeasterly corner of Lot 49 of said Subdivision, said point being witnessed by a found 'A" Iron Pin, 0.05 feet north and 0.18 feet east, thence;

7) Continuing in the northerly line of said Subdivision, South 87° 29' 25" East a distance of 173.67 feet to a 5/8" Iron Pin with cap set in the no1theasterly corner of Lot 46 of said Subdivision, thence;

8) In the easterly line of said Lot 46, South 02° 30' 50" West a distance of 119.97 feet to a 5/8" Iron Pin with cap set in the southeasterly corner of Lot 46 of said Subdivision, said point also being in the northerly right-of-way line of Grandin Avenue (50' right-of-way), thence;

9) Leaving the easterly line of said Lot 46, and in said northerly right-of-way, South 87° 29' 10" East a distance of 25.00 to a 5/8" Iron Pin with cap set in the southwesterly corner of Lot 45 of said Subdivision, thence;

10) Leaving said northerly right-of-way line, and in the westerly line of said Lot 45, North 02° 30' 50" East a distance of 119.96 feet to a point in the northwesterly corner of Lot 45, said point being witnessed by a bent 3/4" Iron Pin found, 0.08 feet south and 0.41 feet west, thence;

11) Continuing in the northerly line of said Subdivision, South 87° 29' 25" East, passing a concrete monument found (with a broken top) at 59.65 feet, a 1 /2" I.D. Pipe found at 270.81 feet and a 5/8" Iron Pine found at 351.29 feet; a total distance of 415.24 feet to a point in the westerly line of a parcel of land now or formerly owned by Springdale Station Ltd as recorded in Official Record Book 7452, Page 1882 of the Hamilton County Recorder's Office; said point also being a concrete monument found, thence;

12) Leaving said northerly line of said Subdivision, and in said 'westerly line of the Springdale Station parcel, North 03° 14' 50" East a distance of 108.61 feet to a point in a southeasterly corner of said Springdale Station land, said point being witnessed by a bent 5/8" Iron Pin found, 0.39 feet north and 1.76 feet east, thence;


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13) In the. southerly line of said Springdale Station parcel, North 86° 33' 00" West a distance of 205.53 feet to a 5/8" Iron Pin found, thence;

14) In the westerly line of said Springdale Station parcel, North 03° 28' 1O" East, passing a 3/4" Iron Pin found at 106.74 feet, a 5/8" Iron Pin at 508.23 feet, a total distance of 548.81 feet to a point, said point being in the northerly line of Section 18 and the centerline of Kemper Road, thence;

15) In said Section line and said centerline, North 76° 46' 45" West a distance of 266.83 feet to a point, said point also being THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING for this herein described parcel.

Containing 6.7776 acres or 295,232 square feet, of which 0.1855 acres is contained within the right-of-way of Kemper Road, resulting in a NET of 6.5920 acres or 287,149 square feet. This survey is intended to consolidate Hamilton County Parcel Numbers 599-0060-0178, 599- 0060-0297 and 599-0060-0267 into one contiguous parcel. The above legal description is the result of a survey performed by Preferred Surveying Company, Inc., in February 2006, under the direct supervision of Scott R. Lindgren, Ohio Licensed Surveyor No. 7853.


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APPENDIX E:

Communications Policy – 2021

The Presbytery of Cincinnati uses diverse means of communication in support of our core mission priorities. While means of sharing information are varied and always evolving, our fundamental communication goal is furthering Presbytery mission through interpretation, dialogue, and encouragement of participation.

To this end we will facilitate communication among members and groups within Presbytery, from leadership bodies to the Presbytery at large, and from the Presbytery to the community/world.

Members of Presbytery staff will initiate appropriate communications by phone, mail, email, website, social media (see the associated Social Media Policy), and other avenues.

Statements to the press and media will be issued by staff on behalf of the Presbytery, under the direction of the Executive Presbyter and, as appropriate, Council. We also trust the judgment and helpfulness of the staff in assisting members of the Presbytery, as well as groups related to the Presbytery, to access official venues of communication in the service of our shared mission.

While members of the Presbytery may of course sign on to or issue statements in their own name, they may not use or affiliate themselves with the name of their respective churches without permission from the Session.

Other than Presbytery staff, no communication may be issued that bears the name of the Presbytery in any way. Routine communication may come directly from the office of the Presbytery. Matters of policy will bear the approval of Council before being issued.

Please see also the Anonymous Communications Policy.

Clarification and oversight of these communication policies is the responsibility of Presbytery Council.

Adopted July 2009 Updated 2021


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APPENDIX F:


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The Springdale Presbyterian Church Session Report to the Presbytery of Cincinnati

Stated Gathering, Tuesday November 10, 2020

Springdale Presbyterian Church

1792-2020

In 1792 a group of pioneers left Fort Washington on the banks of the Ohio River and established settlements to the north. In Indian Territory between Fort Washington and Fort Hamilton, and during ongoing Indian Wars in the region, a stockade was erected in what is now Woodlawn. It became Pleasant Valley Station to where the pioneers brought their families up from the river and soon began standing under the nearby trees to worship their God. In 1792 through overtures to the Presbyterian church hierarchy by Reverend James A. Kemper the Springfield Congregation, which was meeting at this stockade, was founded.

In 1796 the Presbyterian Society in the township of Springfield began raising funds for a meetinghouse and cemetery, built between 1801-1803. The foundation of this meetinghouse in Springdale Presbytery cemetery (historical documents refer to as Saint Mary’s Cemetery / Old Presbyterian Cemetery / Springdale Presbyterian Cemetery / Old Saint Mary’s Cemetery) remains today on Springfield Pike in Springdale, as testimony of Springdale's first pioneers. In1806 Jonathan Baldwin platted the streets of this area and christened it Springfield, naming it after Springfield Township and the Springfield Presbyterian Church. Springfield was later changed to Springdale for both the town and the church.

The “meetinghouses”, including the one dedicated on May 16, 1886, and still standing at Church and Walnut Streets in Springdale, and the one dedicated in 1962, and still standing at 425 W. Kemper Road in Springdale, have gone through transformations over the centuries. And while the Springdale Presbyterian Church held its last worship service July 26, 2020, the work of its saints— past and present—will forever live on.

At a Congregation Meeting on June 28, 2020 the members of the church unanimously voted to dissolve the congregation within the framework of the PCUSA, effective November 10, 2020, the date of the 2020 fourth quarter Presbytery of Cincinnati Gathering. The final service for the Springdale Presbyterian Church was July 26, 2020.

All Session minutes, records, and rolls have been physically transferred to the Presbytery office. Individual transfers of membership will be completed by the Presbytery of Cincinnati.

The Springdale Presbyterian Church owns no real property. On September 30, 2019 the Presbytery of Cincinnati, the Springdale Presbyterian Church (SPC), and Soul Winning Church of God Church (SWCOG) signed formal documents forgiving the Presbytery loan with SWCOG, transferring property title from SPC to SWCOG, and creating a new SWCOG-SPC lease. This lease will terminate on November 30, 2020.


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The SPC checking account remaining funds of $1,942.19 were disbursed as approved during October 31, 2020 session meeting. Once all checks clear the account it will be closed by SPC treasurer. The Springdale Presbyterian Church has an escrow investment account in the amount of $159,328 as of September 30, 2020. These funds will transfer to the Presbytery of Cincinnati, and is earmarked for outreach. Specifically, $2,000 per year for 2020, 2021 and 2022 of these funds are to be allocated to Mary Smith, who has a personal connection to all members of the Springdale Presbyterian Church congregation, and who has been working with CRU (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) for 8 years. She has worked on college campuses in Chattanooga, Tennessee and Detroit, Michigan, and Dakar, Senegal (twice), She has been on shorter missions to India and Cuba, and most recently worked at the headquarters in Orlando, Florida. Her next venture is a three-year journey working on the Jesus Film Project. Currently, it has been recorded in 1800 heart languages. There are over 5,000 heart languages in the world. https://www.cru.org/us/en/communities/ministries/the-jesus-film-project.html

The Springdale Presbyterian Church Session recommends:

1. The General Presbyter of the Presbytery of Cincinnati be authorized to complete the necessary paperwork regarding the dissolution of the Springdale Presbyterian Church as a non-profit corporation in the State of Ohio.

2. The Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Cincinnati be authorized to complete the necessary action for the dissolution with the Presbyterian Church (USA).

3. The Presbytery of Cincinnati oversee the proper allocation of the Springdale Presbyterian Church escrow investment account funds, including $2,000 per year to Mary Smith in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Checks are to be made out to Cru and sent to Donation Services, 100 Lake Hart Drive, Orlando, FL 32832. There must be a note attached designating the gift to: Mary Louise Smith, 0640872, Serving with Jesus Film

4. The Presbytery of Cincinnati and Springdale Presbyterian Church session formally dedicate the Springdale Presbyterian Church plaque to be installed on the 1801 church foundation in the Springdale Presbyterian Cemetery on Springfield Pike in Springdale.

Respectfully submitted by Springdale Presbytery Church Session Members,

Charlie Armstrong,

Karen Armstrong,

Marjeane Sallada,

Paul Sallada,

Joe Salvato

https://www.cru.org/us/en/communities/ministries/the-jesus-film-project.html


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IN OBSERVANCE OF ALL SAINTS DAY 2020 the Presbytery of Cincinnati thanks God

for the lives and faithful service of

-- ELDERS --

Blue Ash Marvin Boyer Barbara Robb Calvin Harry Lee Fry Carmel Anita Brentley Delores Crum Angela McDonald Cherry Fork Betty J. Baldridge R. Keith Baldridge Community of faith Floyd Hastings Covenant First Bill Fritsch Cranston Memorial Joe Hawkins Fort Thomas First Eugene Manyet Charles Riggs Kenneth White Georgetown Bonnie Hanselman Swearingen Greenhills Community Jeanne M. Davis

Immanuel Robert Siegfried Indian Hill Donald Brace Rhoad John Hancock Knox Elizabeth (Betsy) Baldwin Catherine Lane Fast George Gibbs James Stallings Lakeside Ron Diehl Phil Schiffer Madeira-Silverwood Walter Edward Denecke Don E. Fowls Ernest Jeffrey Wilson Montgomery Ruth C. Dillon James A. Markley Jr Mt. Auburn Norm Lindblad Mt. Washington Patty Davis Janet Hickman George McIlveen North Jenny Loomans

Northminster Robert Earley Pleasant Ridge Ray Bogart Gretchen McCormick Pleasant Run Nancy Broerman Providence Charles Poston Springdale Richard Henry (Dick) Lee Westwood First Marilyn Coshun Barnes Janet B. Ebersole Edwin R. Lindemann Ruben Garcia Mayo Gay Meszaras Edwin Charles Price Kenneth John Tarvin

Wyoming John Brunsman

-- MINISTER OF THE WORD AND SACRAMENT -- Florence Beaujon

Jan Gallagher Tracey T. Moore

whose earthly lives ended during the past year. October 1, 2019 – September 30, 2020

Provisional Minutes of the Presbytery of Cincinnati Called Meeting January 4, 2021

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PRESBYTERY OF CINCINNATI CALLED MEETING

Via Zoom January 4, 2021

CALL TO ORDER & OPENING OF MEETING

The Rev. Carol Holbrook Prickett, moderator, convened a called meeting of the Presbytery of Cincinnati via Zoom at 6:00 PM with the call to order and opening prayer. The purpose of the meeting was to examine candidate Mary Hayes for ordination.

FORMATION OF THE ROLL AND DECLARATION OF QUORUM The roll (ATTACHMENT) was formed as presbyters and guests connected via Zoom and was confirmed by the Zoom Participants List. Informed by the stated clerk, the moderator declared a quorum present. A total of 65 voting members and ruling elder commissioners, representing 31 congregations were present, along with 5 visitors and 2 non-voting members of staff.

EXAMINATION OF MARY HAYES The Rev. Edward Goode, chair of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, introduced the candidate, Mary Hayes, and informed the presbytery that she has met all the requirements of her candidacy per G-2.0602, G-2.0606, and G-2.0607 and is ready for ordination. A short biography Mary and a written statement of her faith was distributed via email prior to the meeting. Mary presented a brief sermon on the text from James 2:14-26, on “Faith and Prayer.” Afterwards 7 different members of the presbytery asked her questions concerning her Christian faith and views on theology, the Sacraments, and the government of this church. There being no further questions, the moderator arrested the examination, and the candidate was excused into the Zoom waiting room. After a period of discussion, a MOTION PREVAILED to approve Mary Hayes for ordination. Mary was welcomed back into the Zoom meeting, and Rev. Ed Goode led the body in prayer for her as she begins her ministry.

ADJOURNMENT MOTION PREVAILED to adjourn the meeting after which moderator Carol Pricket dismissed the body with prayer. Respectfully submitted, Rev. Erwin Goedicke, Stated Clerk


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TEACHING ELDERS Validated – in congregation Installed P E A Barkley, Shawn X Bella, Roberta X Brazelle, Michael X Brewer, Michael X Brumfield, Rhoda X Caine, Stephen X Canizaro, Bonnie X Carter, Sharon X Colarossi, Jeff X Fronczek, Adam X Goedicke, Erwin X Goff, James X Hudson, Samantha X Kennedy, Greg X Lang, Jeffrey X Long, Joshua X Manzo, Nate X Marshall, Anne X Marshall, Gary X Midge, Stacey X Moore, Kristin X Pettigrew, Tyler X Holbrook Prickett, Carol X Reister, Jana X Ross-Zimmerman, Nancy X Shaw, Ben X Sheppard, Brad X Smith, Russell B X Stainton, Kevin X Stenner, Lisa X Sweets, Thomas X Uchtman, Deborah X Umphres, Louisa W X Waters, Kevin X Whaley, Debra X Yebuah, Ebenezer X Yoda, K Nicholas X

Temporary – interim P E A McQuade, Timothy X Sarchet, Dawne (HR) X Webster, Terry (HR) X

Temporary - stated sup P E A Angi, Kathy (HR) X Annett, David X Bronsink, Troy X

2 Excused, unless otherwise marked

Daniels, Kathleen X Dunlap, Tom (HR) X Mason, Cynthia M. (HR) X McClanahan, Linda (HR) X Robertson, Holly X Webster, Marsha (HR) X White, Christine (HR) X

Validated - outside cong. P E A Caine, Monnie X Goode, Edward X Hardy, William X Holden, Trent X Jones, Rich X Kim, Sung Nam (TX) X King-Kaiser, Abigail X Mauch, Kate (Chaplain) X Nolt, Rebbekah X Snow, Amy X

Members at-large P E A Corum, Lisa X Dunavant, Lloyd X Eisenlohr, Teresa Lockhart X Reed, Peter S. (TX) X Schafer, Randy (AZ) X Tesorero, Barbara X

Honorably Retired 2 P E A Albright, Cecil Anderson, Robert Beran, David Bernard, James Brazell, James Bryan, Susan Quinn (TX) Clary, D. Robert Clary, Patricia Crank, James Dalton, Yvette Davies, Alfred DiEgidio, James Doerbaum, G Richard (FL) Duker, Susan Dunn, Ruth X Eddy, James Eyre, Stephen Fouse, Kimberly Buechner Fouse, Richard Gallagher, Jan Hamann, Allen (OR)

Hartoin, Gary Hawley, G. David Holm, Duane Holmes, Jean Horvath, Nancy (WI) Hupp, George Jewett, Gordon Jones, William Kalsbeek, Theodore Kent, Larry Kirk, Jerry Kranzley, Richard League, Robert Ledford, Janice (OH) Linnemann, Patricia Love, William Lowry, David McClanahan, Linda Miller, Richard Mitchell, Maurice Mullin, Michael Myser, Chuck Olson, Richard O’Reilly, Rhonda Petersen, Alice (VA) Pinkowski, Jacquelyn X Pitman, Jerry Porter, Harold (MI) Purdom, Daniel Rand, Ronald (FL) Reed, George Rogers, Glenn Sivalee, Michael (TN) Smith, Donald H Stout, Dana Strain, Robert L (DE) Torrey, J Christopher Wheatley, Michael White, Arthur (NS, Canada)

Youst, JoAn Zuidema, David (MI)

TEMPORARY MEMBERS P E A Hambleton, Cherie (UCC) X Hill, Jerry (UMC) X Jeong, Tom (KPC) X Sugarbaker, David (Discip.) X Terry Washburn (UMC) X


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RULING ELDER COMMISSIONERS CONG. COMMISSIONERS P E A Aurora First X Batavia X Beecher X Bethel Murdoch X

Blue Ash Sherry Clayton X Bill Bretz X

Bond Hill X X

Calvary X Calvin X

Carmel X X

Cherry Fork X Christ X Cleves X Community of Faith Bill Lindsay X

Covenant-First Mike Millhaem X Rick Hopkins X

Cranston Memorial X Crescent Springs X

Crestview X X

Dayton First X Dry Ridge Rotates among 3 X Eastminster X

Ft. Thomas First Roger Neff X X

Georgetown X Glendale First X Greenhills Commun. Jim Hadley X Harrison First X Hartwell X

Heritage Liz Auman X Lucy Atkinson X

Hillsboro First X Hopewell Dorie Martz X Immanuel Bill Dean

Indian Hill X X

Kennedy Heights X X

Knox

Elizabeth McGann X Susan Silver X Judy Rymer X Stephen Peterson X

Korean X X

Lakeside Pepper Peale X X

Loveland X CONG. COMMISSIONERS P E A

Madeira-Silverwood X X

Montgomery Jim Ryan X X

Mt. Auburn Pete Tuff X X

Mt. Washington Sally Sieger X Tom McAllister X Steven Bruening X

Mowrystown X North Glen Kinder X

Northminster Lynda Caster X X

Northwest Comm’ty Lynn Bradley X Oak Hills X Pleasant Plain X

Pleasant Ridge X X

Pleasant Run Barbara Furkin X Providence Daniel Johnson X Red Oak X Richwood X St. J’s Westminster X Seaman X

Sycamore

Clay Daniel X Carol Burnett X Bob Broersma X X

Third Reggie Roberts X Mischelle Berry X

Trinity X

Union X X

Venice Dale Hanson X

West Chester X X

West Cincinnati *Robert Sullivan X X

West Union First X

Westwood First Beth Kochheiser X X

Williamsburg First Linda Jacob X Wilson Memorial X Winchester X

Winton Hills X X

Wyoming Donald Hoffman X X


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DDITIONAL RULING ELDERS WITH VOTE Officers / Elected Council Members

P E A

Bogdan, Bill X Buckhout, Carol X Maney, Bill X Sullivan, Robert* X

Committee Chairs or Designees

P E A

Focke, Erin X *Havens, Barbara X *Heidenreich, Rob X

Former Moderators P E A Battle, Lynn X Brown, Patricia X Cowgill, Ron X Gaines, Patsy X *Heidenreich, Rob X Kleier, Jack X Legg, David X Lindsay, Rebecca X Moormann, Jill X Schmidt, Nancy X Young, Robert X

Special Reps: PW P E A Focke, Cynthia X

Commissioned to Pastoral Service

P E A

Behm, Norine X Eversole, David X Havens, Barbara Jean X Northcutt, Robert X Obermeyer, Robert X Robson, John X Sakelos, Timothy X

+ corresponding member while serving with a congregation in the presbytery

VISITORS Congregation VISITORS Congregation Derek Hayes Heritage Mary Hayes Heritage Bryan Otto Janet Otto Kim Young Venice

PEOPLE WITH PRIVILEGE OF FLOOR AND VOICE (without vote) Corresponding Members Presbytery Staff +Adams, Garth (TE, Stated Supply Carmel, Miami Valley) Allgood, Lisa X +Tinsley, Charles (TE, Stated Supply West Cin’ti, San Francisco) E DawnMarie Hayes X Jonathan Sparks-Franklin Recognized Christian Educators Hill, Jennifer

*Asterisks denote persons who are registered in two or more categories. Each is counted only once in the attendance below, in the category where they are listed without the asterisk.

REGISTERED ATTENDANCE Teaching Elders 27 Recognized Christian Educators 0 Ruling Elder Commissioners 29 Corresponding Members 0 Ruling Elder Officers/Council 1

Visitors (including ruling elders in training to be commissioned to pastoral service)

5 Ruling Elder Certified Christian Educators 0 Ruling Elder Former Moderators 5 Ruling Elder Committee Chairs 1 Ruling Elder Special Representatives 0 Presbytery staff without vote 2 Ruling Elders commissioned to pastoral service 2 TOTAL VOTING 65 TOTAL NON-VOTING 7

Stated Clerk’s Report

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STATED CLERK February 13, 2021

The Rev. Erwin Goedicke ACTION (in consent agenda) Administrative Commissions MOTION: that the presbytery dismiss with thanks the commission that ordained the Rev.

Rebekah Nolt. The Administrative Commission appointed by Moderator the Rev. Carol Holbrook Prickett for the purpose of ordaining the Rev. Rebekah Nolt to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament as pastoral resident at Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church, met via Zoom on January 24, 2021. Rev, Holbrook Prickett presided and opened the meeting at 1:00 PM with prayer. The roll of the commission was formed:

Rev. Troy Bronsink Rev. Dr. Edward Goode Elder Dori Martz (Hopewell Presbyterian Church) Rev. Carol Holbrook Prickett Elder Pete Tuff (Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church) Moderator of the Presbytery, the Reverend Adam Fronczek (Knox).

The Rev. Margaret Shoeman (Carlisle Presbytery) was seated as a corresponding member of the commission. The commission proceeded to the service which was livestreamed at 4:00 PM. Being duly ordained installed and having affirmed the constitutional questions, the Rev. Rebekah Holt adjourned the meeting with the blessing at the end of worship. MOTION: that the presbytery dismiss with thanks the commission that ordained the Rev.

Mary Francis Hayes The Administrative Commission appointed by Moderator the Rev. Carol Holbrook Prickett for the purpose of ordaining the Rev. Mary Francis Hayes to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament as pastor of Venice Presbyterian Church, met via Zoom on February 9, 2021. Rev, Holbrook Prickett presided and opened the meeting at 6:15 PM with prayer. The roll of the commission was formed:

Elder Pat Brown (Kennedy Heights) Rev. Jackie Pinkowski Rev. Carol Holbrook Prickett Elder Rob Rollins (Venice) Rev. Kevin Stainton Rev. Barbera Tesorero Elder Kim Young (Venice)

The commission proceeded to the service which was conducted by Zoom at 7:00 PM. Being duly ordained and having affirmed the constitutional questions, the Rev. Mary Francis Hayes led in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper and adjourned the meeting with the blessing at the end of worship.

Stated Clerk’s Report

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INFORMATION (in consent agenda) Voting Privilege for Elders who are Former Moderators In accordance with the presbytery’s bylaw regarding former moderators, the following ruling elders have requested and are therefore granted presbytery membership for this year:

Lynwood Battle (Kennedy Heights) Patricia Brown (Kennedy Heights) Ron Cowgill (Sycamore) Rob Heidenreich (Covenant First) John Kleier (Community of Faith)

David Legg (Mt. Washington) Becky Lindsay (Community of Faith) Jill Moormann (Knox) Nancy Schmidt (Pleasant Ridge). Robert Young (Blue Ash)

Permanent Judicial Commission Officers The permanent judicial commission of the presbytery met on January 14, 2021 and re-elected Donald Caster (RE, Knox) as moderator and re-elected Thomas Sweets (TE, Madiera-Silverwood) as clerk of the commission. Permanent Judicial Commission Roster As D-5.0206b requires to be reported annually, the following is the roster of PJC members whose terms expired within the past six years. Class of 2020: Erwin Goedicke (TE, North) Lydia Morgan (RE, Kennedy Heights) Dale Roush (RE, Pleasant Ridge) Class of 2018: Peter Burr (RE, Mt. Washington) Patricia Clary (TE, HR) Marsha Webster (TE, HR)

Class of 2016: Kristin Moore (TE, Calvary) Nancy Ross-Zimmerman (TE, Lakeside) Nancy Schmidt (RE, Pleasant Ridge)

Celebration of the Lord’s Supper Having been authorized by the presbytery, the following groups celebrated the Lord’s Supper in 2020:

• Presbyterian Women, December 5, 2020 (virtual gathering) Annual Statistical Reports In recognition of their good work, the presbytery sent a Panera gift card to the stated clerks of the first nine congregations to complete the annual statistical reports.

1. Cherry Fork 2. Dry Ridge 3. Crestview 4. Glendale 5. TIED: Covenant First, Knox, Oak Hills, Beecher, Seaman

To date, 36 out of 67 congregations have submitted some or all of their statistical reports.

Minutes of the Presbytery Council, December 15, 2020

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STATED MEETING THE COUNCIL OF THE PRESBYTERY OF CINCINNATI

Electronic Meeting via Zoom December 15, 2020

On December 15, 2020 at 6:33 PM the stated meeting of the Presbytery Council was called to order by Council Chair Adam Fronczek, opening the meeting with prayer, which included prayer concerns shared by members. Formation of the Roll The roll was formed (P = present; E = excused absence; A = Absent) and a quorum was present.

ELECTED MEMBERS COMMITTEE CHAIRS OFFICERS, STAFF

Bronaugh, Madeline (RE) 2020 Midge, Stacey (TE) COM P Fronczek, Adam (TE) Chair P

Smith, Russell (RE) 2020 Northcutt, Bob (RE) COR P Bogdan, Bill (RE) Chair Elect P

VACANT 2020 Goode, Ed (TE) CPM Prickett, Carol Holbrook (TE) Moderator

P

Havens, Barbara (RE) 2021 P Barkley, Shawn (TE) CCRV P Buckhout, Carol (RE) V. Mod. P

Lang, Jeffrey (TE) 2021 P Ross, Ashley (RE) PYC P Maney, Bill (RE) Treasurer P

Sullivan, Robert (RE) 2021 P Bonnie Canizaro (TE) PC P Ex Officio:

Focke, Erin (RE) NRC P Allgood, Lisa (RE) Trans. EP P

Heidenreich, Rob (RE) Trustees P Goedicke, Erwin (TE) SC P Agenda MOTION PREVAILED to approve the agenda for the meeting. Reports from Staff and Officers 1. Executive Presbyter (Lisa Allgood)

a. Thanked outgoing council chair Adam Fronczek for his 4 years of excellent leadership. b. Referenced her written report of her work, highlighting new initiatives and results. c. Provided an update on the process of securing leadership for the Center for Learning:

• working with the personnel committee on hiring an executive director • recruiting initial members for an Advisory Board, with a passion for renewal and skills in

fundraising. • Will be working with COR to ensure representation on the Advisory Board.

d. Brought back to council proposed policies at the October Council Meeting, which have been reviewed by Trustees, COM, and an ad hoc communications committee, as directed by council. MOTION PREVAILED to recommend for presbytery approval the following policies and guidelines as revised: • Sale of Church Property Without Dissolution (APPENDIX A) • Dissolution of Pastoral Relationships (APPENDIX B) • Social Media Policy; with addition of a statement about not identifying children.

(APPENDIX C) • Social Media Guidelines (APPENDIX D)

2. Council Chair (Adam Fronczek) Adam Fronczek reported on the work of the General Presbyter Nominating Committee/Transition Team. They intend to bring a proposed bylaws change to a future council meeting, for action at the

Minutes of the Presbytery Council, December 15, 2020

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May presbytery gathering, to clarify the reporting relationship of the presbytery staff to council and personnel committee.

3. Stated Clerk MOTION PREVAILED to recommend to the presbytery at its February meeting the following changes to the bylaws (APPENDIX E): a. To remove a specific title for the role of presbytery executive. b. To eliminate the Congregational Renewal and Vitality Committee and the Network Resource

Committee Consent Agenda MOTION PREVAILED to approve the following action and receive the following reports for information. FOR ACTION 1. APPROVE October 21, 2020 Minutes of the Council 2. AFFIRM the vote by email to recommend the 2021 Budget to Presbytery for approval at its

November 17, 2020 Meeting 3. APPROVE the scheduled dates of 2021 Council Meetings

Tuesdays, 6:30 PM January 19, March 16, April 20 - Zoom Tuesdays, 6:30 PM June 15, July 20, September 21, October 19, December – TBD

4. APPROVE the designation of Presbytery offerings for 2021 Month of Meeting 2021 (Proposed) February 50% Selvis and Nancy Smith-Mather, South Sudan (Westwood, Pleasant

Run) 50% Jonathan and Emily Seitz, Taiwan (Knox, Northminster, Richwood, Heritage)

May 50% Dustin and Sherri Ellington, Zambia (CFPC, Westwood, Bethel-Murdoch, Lakeside, Madeira-Silverwood) 50% Michael and Rachel Ludwig, Niger (CFPC, Westwood, Springdale, Union, Madeira-Silverwood)

August 50% Jeff and Christi Boyd, Congo (Northminster) 50% David Cortes and Josey Saez, Dominican Republic (Mt. Auburn, Loveland)

November One Hopeful Fund FOR INFORMATION 1. Presbytery Youth Committee – Update from PYC chair Ashley Ross 2. Network Resource Committee – Notes from 12/3/20 Meeting 3. Treasurer – Presbytery Treasurer Bill Maney provided a financial report that contained:

• Financial statement of Actual vs. Budget as of 10/31//20 • Per Capita received through 10/31/20 • Financial Statement of Church Revitalization Fund, UKirk Fund, One Hopeful Fund

MOTION PREVAILED for Council to adjourn at 7:20 PM. The next stated meeting is Tuesday, January 19, 6:30 PM. Respectfully submitted, Erwin Goedicke, Stated Clerk

Committee on Ministry – Part 1

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COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY 13 February 2021

COM Part I FOR INFORMATION The Committee on Ministry has taken the following actions on behalf of the Presbytery: Calls APPROVED the call of the Rev. Ross Reddick (member, South Alabama Presbytery) to serve as pastor of the Sycamore Presbyterian Church, beginning March 15, 2021; further to enroll him as a member of the presbytery at that time. Rev. Reddick has signed a statement that he has received, read, understands, and will abide by the presbytery’s Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy. Terms: Effective Salary Vouchered Reimbursable Business Expense Allowances Salary $66,000 Auto mileage at IRS maximum rate Housing Allowance $24,000 Continuing Education $2,000 Professional Expenses $2,000 Moving Costs $7,500 Other Terms BOP Full Vacation 5 weeks Study Leave 2 weeks Family leave and sabbatical policies in place. APPROVED the call of the Rev. Deb Uchtman to serve as pastor of Bethel-Murdoch Presbyterian Church, part-time (20 hours per week), effective October 4, 2020. (NOTE: Rev. Uchtman was previously stated supply Bethel-Murdoch, but became eligible to be installed as pastor per presbytery action in August 2020). Terms: Effective Salary Vouchered Reimbursable Business Expense Allowances Salary $7,759 Auto mileage at IRS maximum rate Housing Allowance $22,000 Continuing Education $2,500 Other $3,000 Other Terms Board of Pension Dues Vacation 4 weeks Study Leave 2 weeks Family leave and sabbatical policies in place. Temporary Pastoral Relationships RENEWED the covenant of the Rev. David Annett to serve as stated supply at Cranston Memorial Presbyterian Church, part time (10-12 hours/week) for one year, effective December 1, 2020. Terms: Effective Salary Vouchered Reimbursable Business Expense Allowances Salary $16,800 Auto mileage at IRS maximum rate Actual Other Terms Vacation 2 weeks Study Leave 1 weeks


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APPROVED the extension of the interim pastor covenant between the Rev. Dawne Sarchet and Aurora Presbyterian Church, part-time (36 hours per week), for 6 months, effective December 1, 2020 to May 30, 2021. This Agreement may be terminated by either party with 45 days written notice. Terms: Effective Salary Vouchered Reimbursable Business Expense Allowances Salary $29,120 Auto mileage at IRS maximum rate Actual Continuing Education $2,000 Other Terms Vacation 4 weeks Study Leave 2 weeks RENEWED the covenant of the Rev. Linda McClanahan to serve as stated supply at Christ Presbyterian Church, part-time (20 hours per week), for the period of one year, effective January 1, 2021. This Agreement may be terminated by either party with 30 days written notice. Terms: Effective Salary Vouchered Reimbursable Business Expense Allowances Salary $29,700 Auto mileage at IRS maximum rate Actual Continuing Education $1,000 Other Terms Board of Pensions Dues for HR Full Vacation 4 weeks Study Leave 2 weeks RENEWED the covenant of the Rev. Roberta Bella to serve as interim stated supply at Northwest Community Church, part-time (65%) for the period of one year, effective January 1, 2021. This Agreement may be terminated by either party with 30 days written notice. Terms: Effective Salary Vouchered Reimbursable Business Expense Allowances Salary $19,500 Auto mileage at IRS maximum rate Actual Housing $13,000 Continuing Education $1,300 403b Match $780 Other Terms Board of Pensions Dues Full Vacation 4 weeks Study Leave 2 weeks APPROVED the extension of the interim pastor covenant of the Rev. Christine White and Greenhills Community Presbyterian Church half-time for a period of 6 months, effective March 1, 2021 through August 31, 2021. This Agreement may be terminated by either party with 30 days written notice. Terms: Effective Salary Vouchered Reimbursable Business Expense Allowances Salary $23,690 Auto mileage at IRS maximum rate Actual Housing $13,000 Continuing Education $625 Other Terms Board of Pensions Dues for HR Full Vacation 1 weeks Study Leave 1/2 weeks


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APPROVED the covenant of the Rev. Cherie Hambleton (UCC) to serve as interim pastor of Blue Ash Presbyterian Church, for a period of one year, effective February 15, 2021. This Agreement may be terminated by either party with 30 days written notice. Terms: Effective Salary Vouchered Reimbursable Business Expense Allowances Salary $46,500 Auto mileage at IRS maximum rate Actual Housing $15,000 Continuing Education $1,500 Other Terms UCC Medical & Dental $29,154 UCC Death/Disability $923 UCC Pension $6,150 Vacation 4 weeks Study Leave 2 weeks APPROVED the covenant of the Rev. Robert Anderson to serve as interim pastor of Covenant-First Presbyterian Church, for a period of one year, effective January 4, 2021. The Agreement may be terminated by either party with 30 days written notice. Effective Salary Vouchered Reimbursable Business Expense Allowances Salary $63,580 Auto mileage at IRS maximum rate Actual Housing $27,250 Continuing Education $2,000 Professional Expenses $1,500 Other Terms Board of Pension for HR Full Vacation 5 weeks Study Leave 2 weeks Commissioned Ruling Elders RENEWED the covenant of Norine Behm (member, Winchester) to serve as commissioned ruling elder in pastoral service and moderator of the session at Cherry Fork Presbyterian Church, part time (20-24 hours per week) for the period of one year, beginning January 1, 2021. Further, continue the presbytery’s authorization for her to perform the following functions for the congregation: administer the Lord’s Supper and the Sacrament of Baptism, perform a service of Christian marriage when invited by the session and allowed by the state; and to have voice and vote in meetings of the presbytery. With the concurrence of the presbytery, this agreement may be terminated by either party with 30 days’ written notice. The Presbytery may terminate the relationship at any time. Terms:

Effective Salary Vouchered Reimbursable Expense Allowances Salary $15,300 Auto mileage at IRS maximum rate Actual Housing Continuing education $1,000 Other Terms Vacation 4 weeks Study Leave 2 weeks

RENEWED the covenant of Tim Sakelos (member Calvary) to serve as commissioned eleder in pastoral service and moderator of the session at Calvary Presbyterian Church, part-time (22 hours per week) for the period of one year, effective January 1, 2021. Further, continue the


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presbytery’s authorization for her to perform the following functions for the congregation: administer the Lord’s Supper and the Sacrament of Baptism, perform a service of Christian marriage when invited by the session and allowed by the state; and to have voice and vote in meetings of the presbytery. With the concurrence of the presbytery, this agreement may be terminated by either party with 30 days’ written notice. The Presbytery may terminate the relationship at any time. Terms:

Effective Salary Vouchered Reimbursable Expense Allowances Salary $13,214 Auto mileage at IRS maximum rate Actual Housing Continuing education $400 Other Terms Vacation 4 weeks Study Leave 2 weeks

RENEWED the covenant of Bob Obermeyer (member Batavia) to serve as commissioned elder in pastoral service and moderator of the session at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, part-time (24 hours per week) for the period of one year, effective February 17, 2021. Further, continue the presbytery’s authorization for her to perform the following functions for the congregation: administer the Lord’s Supper and the Sacrament of Baptism, perform a service of Christian marriage when invited by the session and allowed by the state; and to have voice and vote in meetings of the presbytery. With the concurrence of the presbytery, this agreement may be terminated by either party with 30 days notice.

Effective Salary Vouchered Reimbursable Expense Allowances Salary $8,869 Auto mileage at IRS maximum rate Actual Housing $8,869 Continuing education $500 Other Terms Vacation 4 weeks Study Leave 2 weeks

Transfers APPROVED the transfer of membership of the Rev. Robert Wood, from the Presbytery of West Virginia to Cincinnati Presbytery, effective December 3, 2020. Other APPROVED the Mission Study from Greenhills Community Presbyterian Church and the formation of pastoral nominating committee.

Committee on Preparation for Ministry

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Presbytery of Cincinnati Committee on Preparation for Ministry February 2021 Items for Presbytery Action None at this time Items for Presbytery Information and Actions Taken on Behalf of the Presbytery We have continued working with our inquirers and candidates under care and are excited to see the ways that God is at work in their lives in their (and our) continued discernment of God’s call.

Mary Hayes – We were blessed to send Mary on her way as she completed her process as she began her ministry at Venice and we look forward to her upcoming ordination date! Margaret Heidenreich – On behalf of the Presbytery, the CPM has received Margaret (Covenant First) as an inquirer in the process following the recommendation of the Covenant First Session. Margaret is in her first year at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. In addition to those named above, we continue to work with the others in our process and will be meeting with each for their annual consultations and next steps in their discernment. The others under care at this time are: Candidates Sharon Clegern (Knox) Inquirers James Dillaman (Northminster) Violet Sears (Northminster) David Paulick (Pleasant Ridge)

Please reach out to the CPM if you have individuals in your congregation who seem to be feeling a leading to ministry. We would love to talk with them and help them with their discernment process of what is ahead. This also applies to those who might be feeling a leading towards a CRE role as well. On a personal note, this is my last report at CPM moderator. I have been blessed to serve in this role for the last four years and am officially handing off to Rev. Tyler Pettigrew as the next moderator of the committee. I will continue to serve on the committee for the final year of my term but will be working with Tyler for a smooth transition for all of those under care. I am grateful for the work that we have done together and the ways that we have been a part of listening to the Holy Spirit speaking into our congregations, people, and futures. Grace, Peace, Love, and Joy, Rev. Dr. Edward Goode

Trustees

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Presbytery of Cincinnati Board of Trustees Report for the Presbytery, from Rob Heidenreich/president of Trustees For the Presbytery meeting of February 13, 2021 The Trustees met earlier this month for the first regular meeting of 2021. Key business items included:

• Reviewed 12/31/2021 year end financial reports prepared by Treasurer Bill Maney and his team. Despite the challenges of Covid-19, the Presbytery ended the year in a good financial position; thank you to every congregation that made their regular per capita payments, and thank you to all for contributions to the One Hopeful Fund.

• Completed a review of the Presbytery’s investments with our investment manager, Jon Bresnen from Mariner Investments. The Presbytery’s portfolio continues to perform well and our income and gains continue to exceed our regular disbursements to the Presbytery’s operating budget.

• Approved a lease for worship space from Crescent Springs Church to Community of Faith Church. Please remember that any leases of worship space, or any lease of more than five years, must first be reviewed and approved by the Trustees.

The Trustees are continuing to explore ways to work with the Presbyterian Foundation, to leverage their expertise and services for our Presbytery and congregations. As always, please contact me directly should your congregation need the Trustees’ assistance, or approvals, for any matter.

Center for Learning

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Presbytery of Cincinnati Center for Learning and the Living Churches Initiative Using the restricted funds from the Lilly Thriving Congregations Grant, the Presbytery of Cincinnati is in the process of starting up the Presbytery of Cincinnati Center for Learning. The Center for Learning becomes the hub organization under the Presbytery of Cincinnati office to coalesce current and newly created learning and training teams across the Presbytery. This will include:

• Ruling Elder Preaching Institute/Youth Preaching Institute • Presbytery Workshops • Matthew 25 Teams and Training • Network Resource surveys and questionnaires • Network Teams (Music, Christian Education, Youth programs) • Leadership training • The Living Churches Initiative

The Living Churches Initiative, under the umbrella of the Center for Learning, will create and support Learning Communities engaging multiple congregations each year. Learning Community churches will participate in a structured curriculum that includes regular meetings facilitated by the Director of the Center in partnership with Elemental Churches, and also will have access to a robust package of data and congregational tools to help develop and execute strategies in response to cultural trends, the changing neighborhoods around them, and their unique context and mission passions. This program currently has 6 congregations participating in a pilot program, with more congregations being launched in the 2021 cohort. The goal is to engage all congregations by 2025. Each church will be asked to identify both pastoral staff members and layleaders who will participate in the program together. The Learning Community curriculum focuses on three key issues: congregational leadership, strategic vision, and organizational systems. Leadership: The curriculum will include training for both Pastors and layleaders on leadership styles and best practices, emphasizing ways to lead missionally and strategically. Systems: Pastors and layleaders (together) from participating churches will walk through a 9-month program that includes assessment of congregational resources and challenges, group reflection on data, mission clarification, and the development and implementation of action plans. Individual congregations participating in Learning Communities will be provided with microdata on the neighborhoods and populations they seek to impact, either from the Center’s database or through outside vendors (e.g., Percept studies). Dialog and sharing of updates, and mutual encouragement, will be emphasized.

Center for Learning

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The process is listed below but may also include other elements as we learn together. Churches will move through a five-phase comprehensive assessment, planning, and implementation process lasting 9-12 months.

• Phase 1: Congregational Health Assessment. Participating congregations will complete a comprehensive assessment of congregational health. Initially, this assessment will focus on organizational integrity (systems/processes/governance), passion (level of commitment and engagement), servanthood (outward focus), and imagination (creativity and change capacity). This health assessment will expose preliminary obstacles to the development and implementation of effective plans (e.g., lack of volunteers; low giving; governance challenges; lack of budgetary systems; ineffective programming).

• Phase 2: Mission and Vision Clarification. Participating congregations will review and renew their church’s vision and mission statements (or produce them if such do not exist). This review will include the identification of core theological values and guiding priorities. Some churches may wish to consider revisions of other guiding documents, such as policy manuals, during this phase as well.

• Phase 3: Defining Focus. Participating churches will analyze their surrounding communities with a view to identifying a “target audience” or/and a focused area of impact. The Center for Learning will provide the data needed to assist individual churches in defining their goals, including information on what other churches are doing and what has worked for them.

• Phase 4: Planning. Having renewed their missions and defined their focus, congregations will develop action plans. These plans will be tied to realistic resource allocations and will also address, as needed, obstacles to success identified in the context of the congregational health assessment. The planning phase will also include consideration of current programs and strategies that may need to be realigned or eliminated to free up resources.

• Phase 5: Implementation and Review. Participating congregations will implement plans and assess the success of their initiatives, noting barriers and attempting to overcome these in revised iterations of their plans. The implementation phase will include significant interaction with the Center and Council to track progress, celebrate/report on success, and share learnings with other congregations.

Advisory Board The Center for Learning has an appointed Advisory Board to assist the Center Director and the Presbytery Executive Presbyter with ideas, connections, and, if required, fundraising. Board members are:

• Rev. Shawn Barkley, Senior Pastor Crestview Presbyterian • Carol Buckhout, RE Crescent Springs Presbyterian, Presbytery Vice-Moderator, Advancing

Nonprofits LLC • Rev. Dr. Jeff Colarossi, Senior Pastor Westwood First Presbyterian • Don Hoffman, RE Presbyterian Church of Wyoming, founding President and CEO of The Health

Foundation of Greater Cincinnati and President and CEO of InterAct for Change (501-c-3 public charity).

• Diane Kinsella, RE Northminster Presbyterian, Executive Director Journey to Hope • Robert Sullivan, RE West Cincinnati Presbyterian

Questions? Talk to Lisa!

Executive Presbyter

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Presbytery of Cincinnati Executive Presbyter Report February 2021 Fun things have been happening around the Presbytery of Cincinnati! Finance and Per Capita: Working closely with the Trustees and Treasurer, we’ve managed to close out a balanced budget for 2020 and create one for 2021 that keeps per capita flat at $33.00. The Lilly Foundation Thriving Congregations grant of nearly $1million over 5 years funds the Center for Learning and Living Churches Initiative. Other grants are in the works! UKirk: UKirk, our University of Cincinnati campus ministry, is up and active under the able directorship of Dr. Jonathan Sparks-Franklin! The UKirk office is open at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Clifton, and the Honest to God Bible studies and meetings have opened this semester with XX students. The UKirk website and Facebook pages are also online! Check it out, and if you know a student at UC – connect them in! https://www.facebook.com/ukirkcincinnati

https://ukirkcincinnati.org/ Ordinations: In the past several months we’ve welcomed two newly ordained pastors and chaplains into the Presbytery of Cincinnati – the Rev. Kate Mauch, Chaplain at Crossroads Hospice, and the Rev. Rebekah Nolt, Resident at Mt. Auburn Presbyterian. Welcome! New Pastors: Since July 2020 we’ve welcomed 7 new pastors to the Presbytery: First Presbyterian of Fort Thomas: the Rev. Samantha Hudson Montgomery Presbyterian: the Rev. Ben Shaw Sycamore Presbyterian: the Rev. Ross Reddick Venice Presbyterian: the Rev. Mary Hayes (ordination coming soon!) Williamsburg Presbyterian: the Rev. Nate Manzo Presbyterian Church of Wyoming: the Rev. Dr. Anne Marshall and the Rev. Grey Marshall Communication: We updated and codified all the Presbytery policies, have updated the Presbytery website, Facebook page, and Sampler, and continue to send frequent emails to Pastors and Clerks informing them of upcoming events, as well as information and resources. We’ve started specialty group connections with congregational Music and Youth ministries. We’re expanding training and resource development, primarily through the newly-created Center for Learning. https://presbyteryofcincinnati.org/ https://www.facebook.com/cincinnatipresbytery More on the Center for Learning under a separate report! Denominational Involvement: At this time, I’m serving on several national PC(USA) and Synod Committees: 1001 New Worshipping Community Cohort, Association of Mid-Council Leaders, Presbyterian Leadership Formation teams, Synod of the Covenant Grants Committee. Invited presentations have been made to the Presbyterian Missions Agency, the Presbyterian Foundation, AMCL and more than 45 Presbyteries around the nation.

https://www.facebook.com/ukirkcincinnati

https://ukirkcincinnati.org/

https://presbyteryofcincinnati.org/

https://www.facebook.com/cincinnatipresbytery

2021 Lenten Worship Services

For Congregational Worship, Personal Devotion, and/or Ideas for Worship Planning

• Ash Wednesday, February 17 (Cincinnati Presbytery) • Lenten Sunday, designed to be used any Sunday

between February 21 through March 21 (Maumee Valley Presbytery)

• Maundy Thursday, April 1 (Presbytery of Lake Michigan)

• Good Friday, April 2 (Synod Commissioners) • Sunday after Easter, April 11 (Eastminster Presbytery)

The Ash Wednesday service will be posted for streaming or download on www.synodofthecovenant.org no later than February 10. Other services will be posted there no later than February 17. Questions? [email protected]

http://www.synodofthecovenant.org/

Transition Team / General Presbyter Nomination Committee

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Final Report of Transition Team/General Presbyter Nominating Committee, February 13, 2021 Following the election of Lisa Allgood to serve as our new Executive Presbyter, the GPNC and Transition Team that was tasked with bringing our transition period to a close had one item left on our task list. We had committed to exploring and clarifying the relationship between Presbytery staff, the Presbytery Council and the Personnel Committee. A lack of robust understanding about this relationship, we believe, contributed to several complications that arose during our lengthy transition period. Our Transition Team interviewed representatives from several other Presbyteries and met several times in order to arrive at a recommendation. We believe that the following conclusions and recommended action steps will serve our Presbytery well:

1. We are not recommending any changes to our bylaws. The text of our bylaws as currently written sufficiently describes the relationship between Presbytery staff, Council, and Personnel.

2. The primary area where we can improve is leadership training. We have not historically provided much instruction or interpretation to help officers of the Presbytery understand their roles and their relationship to one another.

3. In response to the need identified in (2) above, we have prepared four “Welcome Letters” which serve as orientation materials for our Vice Moderator, Moderator, Chair of Council, and Personnel Chair. These Welcome Letters include a variety of helps, and also specifically address the relationship between Presbytery staff, Council, and Personnel as articulated in our bylaws. The Welcome Letters have been developed in consultation with the Executive Presbyter, Council Chair, and Personnel Chair, and with the advice of Council.

The Transition Team recommends the following to the Presbytery: MOTION: That the Presbytery adopt these Welcome Letters as approved documents of the Presbytery that will be dated, publicly available on the Presbytery website, and distributed by the Executive Presbyter to new officers upon election at the start of each term. That the Transition Team/GPNC be officially dissolved as of the approval of this motion, and thanked for its work. Respectfully submitted, Kathleen Daniels, Dry Ridge Adam Fronczek, Knox Kimberly Mauer, Mt. Washington Charles Tinsley, West


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Greetings, New Vice Moderator of the Presbytery of Cincinnati! So, you’ve been elected to be Vice Moderator of the Presbytery. What happens next? For those among us who might have been deeply involved in the Presbytery for many years, the answers may seem obvious. For many others, the road ahead may seem unclear. We hope that the information in this friendly letter will help you get started. Here’s the guidance that the Presbytery Bylaws provide, and some commentary in italics to help you navigate the items that may be new to you.

Presbytery of Cincinnati Bylaws (Section 3.01: Officers) The officers shall be Moderator, Stated Clerk, Vice Moderator, Chair of Presbytery Council, and Treasurer, each of whom must be a teaching elder or ruling elder. The Committee on Representation shall nominate a candidate for each office to be elected by the Presbytery. Terms commence at installation. The Vice Moderator shall be elected annually by Presbytery and shall assume office immediately after being installed. Term: One year or until a successor is installed. Presbytery of Cincinnati Bylaws (Section 3.01: Officers) Overall: As a member of elected Presbytery leadership, to collaborate and support the implementation of the structure, mission and vision for the Presbytery supporting and advancing the roles of Presbytery as Resource, Relational catalyst and Regulatory body to the committees, members and member congregations of the Presbytery. Responsibilities:

1. To discharge the duties of the Moderator when requested by the Moderator or when the Moderator cannot serve. Your primary role as Vice Moderator is to aid the Moderator, and act as Moderator as necessary, in the general roles of the Moderator. This may include presiding over an orderly and faithful meeting, honor all voices, keep the peace, and where necessary, make good judgments about how to hold space for difficult conversations. Some Vice Moderators will come into the role with a good understanding of what each of the Presbytery’s committees are doing; others may not. It is not expected that you will attend many of these committee meetings. However, you may wish to learn more about the work of any committee of the Presbytery, and you are always welcome to attend a meeting and/or review the content with the Executive Presbyter and/or Committee Chair. You are never expected to preside over a Presbytery Gathering without a good understanding of the information that may be brought before you. A regular meeting with the other officers and, Executive Presbyter, and Stated Clerk as you plan the agendas is highly recommended. We also hold monthly leadership meetings, usually one week prior to a Council meeting or Gathering, to ensure all areas of necessary action are covered and information is made more broadly aware amongst the group. This will include the Executive Presbyter and Stated Clerk from the office of the Presbytery as well as the Chair of Council, Moderator, Vice-Moderator, Treasurer, and President of the Trustees.

2. To perform other duties assigned to the office


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When it comes to “other duties assigned” and any other questions that you may have about the procedural details of serving as Vice Moderator, bear in mind that the Stated Clerk is an outstanding resource for any tasks that may be a mystery to you. Most of us who serve as Vice Moderator have never done it before—it is a new responsibility to all. Remember, with comfort, that no one expects for you to enter into the office as an expert. Do not hesitate to ask for guidance.

3. And don’t forget – each Presbytery officer retiring from their position offers “real life” experience and knowledge in having served as an officer of the Presbytery of Cincinnati. Seek support, mentoring, and coaching from previous officers, and then offer to provide support to the incoming officer of your role. Additionally, the Executive Presbyter and Stated Clerk hold critically important leadership roles in the Presbytery, each offering you their leadership knowledge, skills, and support all along your journey.

Thank you for your service, and we are very excited to work with you. May God bless you as you enter into this holy calling!


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Greetings, New Moderator of the Presbytery of Cincinnati! So, you’ve been elected to be Moderator of the Presbytery. What happens next? For those among us who might have been deeply involved in the Presbytery for many years, the answers may seem obvious. For many others, the road ahead may seem unclear. We hope that the information in this friendly letter will help you get started. Here’s the guidance that the Presbytery Bylaws provide, and some commentary in italics to help you navigate the items that may be new to you.

Presbytery of Cincinnati Bylaws (Section 3.01: Officers) The officers shall be Moderator, Stated Clerk, Vice Moderator, Chair of Presbytery Council, and Treasurer, each of whom must be a teaching elder or ruling elder. The Committee on Representation shall nominate a candidate for each office to be elected by the Presbytery. Terms commence at installation. The Moderator shall be elected annually by Presbytery and shall assume office immediately after being installed. Term: One year or until a successor is installed. Presbytery of Cincinnati Bylaws (Section 3.01: Officers) Overall: As a member of elected Presbytery leadership, to collaborate and support the implementation of the structure, mission and vision for the Presbytery supporting and advancing the roles of Presbytery as Resource, Relational catalyst and Regulatory body to the committees, members and member congregations of the Presbytery. Responsibilities:

1. To preside over all meetings of Presbytery. 2. To serve as an ex officio member without vote of each committee of Presbytery, except the Presbytery

Committee on Representation. Your primary role as Moderator is to preside over an orderly and faithful meeting, honor all voices, keep the peace, and where necessary, make good judgments about how to hold space for difficult conversations. Some Moderators will come into the role with a good understanding of what each of the Presbytery’s committees are doing; others may not. It is not expected that you will attend many of these committee meetings. However, you may wish to learn more about the work of any committee of the Presbytery, and you are always welcome to attend a meeting and/or review the content with the Executive Presbyter and/or Committee Chair. You are never expected to preside over a Presbytery Gathering without a good understanding of the information that may be brought before you. A regular meeting with the other officers and, Executive Presbyter, and Stated Clerk as you plan the agendas is highly recommended. We also hold monthly leadership meetings, usually one week prior to a Council meeting or Gathering, to ensure all areas of necessary action are covered and information is made more broadly aware amongst


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the group. This will include the Executive Presbyter and Stated Clerk from the office of the Presbytery as well as the Chair of Council, Moderator, Vice-Moderator, Treasurer, and President of the Trustees.

3. To preside over commissions appointed to ordain and/or install ministers of the Word and Sacrament. This will be quite familiar to Moderators who are Ministers of Word and Sacrament as it is very similar to the ordination and installation procedures for Elders and Deacons in our congregations. If you are a Ruling Elder, fear not! These worship services are spelled out in great detail in the Book of Occasional Services, and the Executive Presbyter can guide you to documents that guide the formation and work of these commissions.

4. To appoint, in consultation with the Stated Clerk and subject to confirmation by Presbytery or Presbytery Council, an investigating committee as need may arise. We all hope that this work is more exceptional in nature, but it is an important part of your role. If a suspicion of inappropriate conduct among one of our congregations arises and an investigating committee must be nominated, you will be guided by the Book of Discipline on the particulars of this procedure. The Stated Clerk will be your primary contact; the Presbytery and Synod Executives, and members of the Presbytery’s Permanent Judicial Commission are good resource persons to guide you in this important work.

5. To nominate, in consultation with the Stated Clerk and Executive Presbyter, and subject to election by Presbytery or Presbytery Council, an administrative commission authorized by Presbytery. Administrative Commissions (also discussed in the Book of Order) are more routine in nature than investigating committees, and may be appointed for any number of responsibilities that do not naturally fall to one of our standing committees. Follow the guidance of the Book of Order and your Executive Presbyter and Stated Clerk.

6. To perform other duties assigned to the office When it comes to “other duties assigned” and any other questions that you may have about the procedural details of serving as Moderator, bear in mind that the Stated Clerk is an outstanding resource for any tasks that may be a mystery to you. Most of us who serve as Moderator have never done it before—it is a new responsibility to all. Remember, with comfort, that no one expects for you to enter into the office as an expert. Do not hesitate to ask for guidance.



Greetings, Chair of Council of the Presbytery of Cincinnati! On to the next step to Chair of Council of the Presbytery! By now you have a pretty good idea of how it all works, but the role of Chair of Council is a little more complex. We hope that the information in this friendly letter will help you get started.


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Here’s the guidance that the Presbytery Bylaws provide, and some commentary in italics to help you navigate the items that may be new to you.

Presbytery of Cincinnati Bylaws (Section 3.01: Officers) The officers shall be Moderator, Stated Clerk, Vice Moderator, Chair of Presbytery Council, and Treasurer, each of whom must be a teaching elder or ruling elder. The Committee on Representation shall nominate a candidate for each office to be elected by the Presbytery. Terms commence at installation. The Chair of Council shall be elected annually by Presbytery and shall assume office immediately after being installed. Term: One year or until a successor is installed. Presbytery of Cincinnati Bylaws (Section 3.01: Officers) Overall: As a member of elected Presbytery leadership, to collaborate and support the implementation of the structure, mission and vision for the Presbytery supporting and advancing the roles of Presbytery as Resource, Relational catalyst and Regulatory body to the committees, members and member congregations of the Presbytery. Definition of Council in the PoC Bylaws: The purpose of Council is to coordinate Presbytery's mission and program, to provide for the regular review of the functional relationship between Presbytery's structure and its mission, and to implement the priorities and purposes of the Presbytery between Presbytery meetings as necessary. Its actions will be reported to each Stated Presbytery Assembly through the Stated Clerk, and may be affirmed, rescinded or amended by the Assembly. a. To share information around the Council table and across working teams to assure consistent efforts and

collaboration to carry out the mission of the Presbytery, i.e. to support congregations and nurture leadership.

b. To develop ongoing strategic direction for mission on behalf of the Presbytery in keeping with its purposes and emerging priorities, including new worshipping communities and funding decisions from the “One Hopeful Fund.”

c. To assure financial accountability and immediate and timely actions to facilitate the mission and ministry of its congregations within the budget for mission approved by Presbytery.

d. To affirm the appointment of an investigating committee as recommended by the Presbytery Moderator and the Stated Clerk.

e. To exercise careful judgment about the scope and import of its decisions so as not to usurp the essential judgments of the Presbytery as a whole as discerned in Presbytery Assembly, and at the same time, to assure time for healthy relationships, worship and spiritual nourishment.

f. To propose a budget to the Presbytery Assembly that is consistent with its resources and its mission and purpose in consultation with the Standing Committees and Personnel Committee.

g. To designate a committee to recommend overtures and concurrences for the Presbytery to send to the General Assembly.

h. To recommend to Presbytery Assembly the addition or elimination of elected Standing Committees to assure appropriate working teams to accomplish the purposes of the Presbytery.


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i. To create and disband additional committees as needed to fulfill its responsibilities. Such committees and their recommendations shall always be reported to the Presbytery Assembly.

Responsibilities:

7. Presides over Presbytery Council 8. Reports to Presbytery for the Presbytery Council

Your primary role as Chair of Council is to preside over an orderly and faithful meeting, honor all voices, keep the peace, and where necessary, make good judgments about how to hold space for difficult conversations. Importantly, this role requires a deeper understanding of the work of the committees to ensure that their work is consistent with and informs the strategic direction of the Presbytery and its work. You are always welcome to attend a committee meeting and/or review the content with the Executive Presbyter and/or Committee Chair. The Personnel Committee is a direct Committee of Council, and so your interaction with the Chair of Personnel will be more direct than with other committees. The responsibilities of the Personnel Committee are delineated in the Personnel Handbook, and the responsibilities and connection between the Chair of Council, Chair of Personnel and Executive Presbyter are delineated in the letter to the Chair of Personnel. Note the language in that letter regarding “matters of employment,” which is particularly helpful in understanding the relationship between staff, Council and the Personnel Committee. As you begin your term of service, and periodically thereafter, you should plan to meet with the Executive Presbyter and Chair of Personnel to ensure lines of communication are open and respective duties understood. We also hold monthly leadership meetings, usually one week prior to a Council meeting or Gathering, to ensure all areas of necessary action are covered and information is made more broadly aware amongst the group. This will include the Executive Presbyter and Stated Clerk from the office of the Presbytery as well as the Chair of Council, Moderator, Vice-Moderator, Treasurer, and President of the Trustees.

9. To perform other duties assigned to the office When it comes to “other duties assigned” and any other questions that you may have about the procedural details of serving as Chair, bear in mind that the Stated Clerk is an outstanding resource for any tasks, the running of Council meetings, and the creation of the Council meeting docket. Even though you may have served for the past two years as Moderator or Vice Moderator, some of the work of the Chair will be new to you. Remember, with comfort, that no one expects for you to enter into the office as an expert. Do not hesitate to ask for guidance and collaboration with your colleagues.




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Greetings, Chair of the Personnel Committee of the Presbytery of Cincinnati! Thank you for agreeing to serve as the Chair of the Personnel Committee for the Presbytery of Cincinnati. We hope that the information in this friendly letter will help you get started. Here’s the guidance that the Presbytery Bylaws provide, and some commentary in italics to help you navigate the items that may be new to you.

Presbytery of Cincinnati Bylaws (Section 7.07: Standing Committees) Composition: Presbytery shall elect four (4) people including the Moderator, in two classes with two members in each class. Purpose: To facilitate Presbytery's practices and policies relating to persons employed by Presbytery. This is a committee of Council and is directly accountable to Council. Definition of Council in the PoC Bylaws: The purpose of Council is to coordinate Presbytery's mission and program, to provide for the regular review of the functional relationship between Presbytery's structure and its mission, and to implement the priorities and purposes of the Presbytery between Presbytery meetings as necessary. Its actions will be reported to each Stated Presbytery Assembly through the Stated Clerk, and may be affirmed, rescinded or amended by the Assembly. The Personnel Committee is the only Committee of the Presbytery directly accountable to Council. The Committee operates according to the Personnel Handbook. Responsibilities of the Committee include:

1. Direct oversight of the performance evaluation of existing elected staff (Executive Presbyter and Stated Clerk)

2. Working with the Executive Presbyter, participates in the performance evaluation of contracted staff (Office Manager, Director of UKirk, Eastern Area Coordinator, Director of the Center for Learning)

3. Interviewing identified candidates for contracted staff positions 4. Ensuring that performance evaluations, job descriptions, and exit interviews are filed per the Handbook

for all staff 5. Ensuring policies as set forth in the Personnel Handbook are followed

Responsibilities:

10. Presides over Personnel Committee Meetings 11. Reports to Council on behalf of the Personnel Committee as to actions taken in the previous period

Your primary role as Chair of the Personnel Committee is to preside over an orderly and faithful meeting, ensuring that required actions are taken and recorded on time, and willing to answer questions for Council that do not violate confidentiality as set forth in the appended document. Personnel should offer summary reports on the reviews and deliberations in which they engage; this will include: • noting that satisfactory performance reviews have been completed and filed


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• should a performance review improvement plan be necessary, that it is in place and both the Personnel Committee and Executive Presbyter are actively working with the employee • noting any need to terminate or any change of employment • performance evaluations are the exclusive purview of the Personnel Committee except in matters of misconduct While each member of the Presbytery staff should expect confidentiality from the Personnel Committee when it comes to personal matters such as a staff member’s physical or mental health, personal financial information, marital status, etc., as set forth more fully in the Appendix attached hereto, Council may require additional information about an employee if needed for Council decisions. As each Council Chair begins a term of service, the Executive Presbyter, Chair of Personnel and Chair of Council will meet to ensure lines of communication are open and respective duties understood.



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Appendix: INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY OF EMPLOYEE INFORMATION In general, there is no law regarding how an employer used employment information inside its organization. As a best practice, however, employees’ personal information should only be shared with people who have a need to know. Typically, this would include HR personnel (such as the Personnel Committee), managers / supervisors, and leadership (including, the Council). In other words, there is no need for absolute confidentiality of any information shared internally with HR, management, or leadership on a need to know basis. 3 The following best practices apply to information used internally by the Council. Employment information that must be kept confidential:

• Social Security Number (except for purposes of employment verification, background check, etc.) • Driver’s license number (except for purposes of employment verification, background check, etc.) • Financial account numbers (except for direct deposit purposes) • An employee’s genetic history or other genetic information

Employment information that need not be kept completely confidential but should only be relied upon only on an as-needed basis:

• Race, color, national origin, ethnicity • Marital status • Whether the employee has children or intends to have children • Disability-status • Age • Sexual orientation • Medical information (including physical and mental) • Background check information

The above information, and any other employee information, is not required to be kept confidential internally. As a best practice, however, it should only be relied upon on an as-needed basis. For example, when deciding whether to promote an individual, the person’s membership in a protected class is generally irrelevant. It may become relevant, however, if (for example) the employee would need a reasonable accommodation to perform any of the essential functions of the role to which he or she was being promoted.

Additionally, while the above information should be protected, there are certainly instances when it may need to be shared or relied upon to make employment or management decisions. For example, background check information should be shared to the extent it reveals conviction records that the Church needs to analyze to determine whether to move forward with a hire. Medical information may need to be considered when determining an appropriate reasonable accommodation. And all of the protected category information may be relevant if there will be a reduction in force and the Church needs to perform an adverse impact analysis. In general, employment and management decisions should not rely on an employee’s membership in a protected class unnecessarily or discriminatorily (e.g., an employee should not be discharged because of that person’s age). That does not mean, however, that the information itself must be kept completely confidential. Open flow of information about employees between HR and management, internally, is both advisable and necessary to make sound business and employment decisions.

3 In general, it is a best practice to maintain the confidentiality of an employee’s personnel file and medical file externally. It is also advisable to maintain confidentiality internally from any other employees in the organization outside of HR and management who have no need to know the information. That said, there is no law requiring confidentiality (beyond Social Security Numbers, driver’s license numbers, and bank account numbers), and there are certainly exceptions when information may need to be shared.


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EN00509.Public-00509 4820-1552-2004v3 PRESBYTERY OF CINCINNATI

Job Description: Executive Presbyter November, 17 2020

POSITION EXECUTIVE PRESBYTER Reports to: Personnel Committee Category: Exempt, Full Time Name: Lisa Allgood ROLE DESCRIPTION The Executive Presbyter will facilitate the Presbytery with ongoing implementation of its approved strategy, mission, vision and structure, guiding the presbytery through strategic implementation and management of the organization and staffing. The Executive Presbyter will ensure that pivotal processes and tasks are completed by Committees and staff in order that the strategic direction, mission, organizing and staffing of the Presbytery is healthy and vital. QUALIFICATIONS

• Committed to serving Jesus Christ who is head of the Church, understanding the Church’s mission is in joyful participation in Christ’s ongoing life and work (F-1.0201)

• Ordained as Ruling Elder or Teaching Elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA) or in a denomination in full communion with PCUSA and is knowledgeable of PCUSA and its organization and governance

• Able to work well with laity and clergy in building trust and in meeting the challenges and opportunities of the presbytery

• Pastorally sensitive with strong relational skills toward clergy, elders and congregations, serving all with energy, intelligence, imagination and love

• Able to demonstrate successful administrative work • Possess strong strategic, organizational, financial and discernment skills • Trained and experienced with active coaching, conflict management and conflict resolution • Possess excellent verbal and communication skills and has working knowledge of computing

and electronic communication technologies • Able to model two-way communication with clarity

RESPSONSIBILITIES Presbytery Structure and Work

• Work collaboratively with the councils, boards, committees, commissions and task forces of the Presbytery, and serve as staff resource for work related to these committees

• Provide specific staff support for Committee on Ministry, Committee on Preparation for Ministry, Council Budget and Finance Subcommittee, Council Personnel Committee, Board of Trustees, and Council

• Work specifically with Personnel and Council on issues of staff management, ensuring any issues of misconduct are brought to Council and – as necessary – involve legal counsel

• Lead the Presbytery through its committees toward accomplishment of its strategy, mission and attainment of its vision

• Develop a unified and consistent network for communication, cooperation and partnerships between and among congregations/pastors/committees and the Presbytery staff using a variety of technologies

• Lead the Presbytery in discernment and interpretation of the spiritual and programmatic needs particular to the greater Cincinnati region

• Assist in implementing the structure, mission and vision for the Presbytery, which focuses on the roles of Presbytery as: Resource center, Relational catalyst and Regulatory body


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• In consultation with the Council and the Trustees, develop a working budget of the Presbytery • Work with the Presbytery, participate and contribute to a review of Presbytery policies and

procedures in order to more accurately reflects its current mission, helping the Presbytery identify indicators of risk and ways of reducing inefficiencies

• Assist in planning and resourcing stated and special meetings of the Presbytery • Serve as a liaison in discussion and partner in ministry with other Presbyteries, the Synod and

the General Assembly DUPLICATION • Serve as the representative of the Presbytery of Cincinnati to other ecumenical bodies

Congregations, Sessions and Pastors • Initiate, promote, and support congregations that become intentional with practices that

contribute to discipleship, growth, stewardship and outreach • Facilitate leadership training, coaching and development for Pastors, Elders, and Deacons • Provide spiritual support to and foster community among Pastors and commissioned ruling

elders in the Presbytery • Promote the equipping/training of lay leaders in churches without pastoral leadership • Promote the vocation of ministry, both ordained and lay • Become familiar with and support the ministry and mission of the congregations of the

Presbytery • Be available to lead worship in the churches of the Presbytery on a regular basis • Facilitate partnerships and cooperation between and among the congregations of the

Presbytery Office of the Presbytery

• Serve as the head of staff, guiding the staff in effectively accomplishing the work of the Presbytery and creating a positive working relationship between the Presbytery and its staff; manage the Presbytery office and staff in a creative collaborative and compassionate process

• Work in a collaborative and professional manner with the Stated Clerk • Write the weekly electronic communication for the Presbytery, “The Cincinnati Sampler” • Serve as the representative of the Presbytery of Cincinnati to other ecumenical bodies

Accountability and Relationships The Transitional Executive Presbyter is:

• Employed by the Presbytery • Accountable to the Presbytery through its Council • To engage in relationship on behalf of the Presbytery with the Synod of the Covenant and the

General Assembly • Responsible for interpreting and facilitating the implementation of the actions of the

Presbytery, the Synod of the Covenant, and the General Assembly Signatures Bonnie Canizaro, Chair of Personnel L. D. Allgood, Executive Presbyter

Presbytery Council: Policy Recommendation: Church Property

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Sale of Church Property Policy without Dissolution – 2021

“The property of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), of its councils and entities, and of its congregations, is a tool for the accomplishment of the mission of Jesus Christ in the world” (Book of Order (BoO) G-4.02). “All property held by or for a congregation, a Presbytery,…is held in trust nevertheless for the use and benefit of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)” (BoO G-4.0203) and “whenever a congregation is formally dissolved by the Presbytery, or has become extinct...” such property “may be sold or disposed of as the Presbytery may direct…” (BoO G4-02.05). Furthermore “a congregation shall not sell, mortgage, or otherwise encumber any of its real property and it shall not acquire real property…without written permission of the Presbytery…” (BoO G4.0206). However, the Book of Order lacks guidance to Presbyteries regarding the use of funds by churches from sale of property when the church remains in operation, other than the application of G-4.0203 to all assets of a congregation. The purpose of this policy is to guide the Presbytery of Cincinnati with regard to the use of funds from the sale of church property by a continuing congregation.

If a congregation is NOT formally dissolving or become extinct, a Plan for Sale of any property including a Plan for Utilization of the Funds from the sale must be presented to and approved by the Trustees prior to proceeding with any sale. Conditions for approval of a plan include:

a) Funds generated from the sale must be placed in a separately identifiable account, separate from other funds of the church. This must allow for the accounting for all income and expenditures for this account. i) At the beginning, funds from the sale of property must be used to pay off any church debts

(mortgage loans and any additional debt) as well as any past-due per capita. ii) Funds from the sale of the property may be used to cover existing salary requirements at the

discretion of Session. iii) Funds from the sale of the property may also be used to cover salary for employees hired to

expand or create programs congruent with the strategic growth direction for the church, under the direction of Session.

b) A plan must be in place for utilization of the funds consistent with the mission of the church. This may include: i) Reinvestment in real property to support the current and future mission of the church ii) Support of normal, non-personnel operating expenses of the church (i.e. worship space or

other program rental, maintenance or improvement of other real estate) iii) Ministry or mission(s) of or designated by the church, under the direction of Session, evaluated

periodically by the Committee on Ministry, and overseen by the Presbytery office, the Treasurer, and endorsed by the Council of Presbytery

iv) Any other use for the funds will also be approved by Session, evaluated periodically by the Committee on Ministry, and overseen by the Presbytery office, the Treasurer, and endorsed by the Council of Presbytery.

c) Churches establishing such funds shall report annually, to Trustees and Treasurer of the Presbytery, regarding income and expenses for the fund until such time as the fund is dissipated.

d) If following the establishment of such a fund, the congregation is formally dissolved by the Presbytery or becomes extinct, the fund shall become property of the Presbytery.

Presbytery Council: Policy Recommendation: Dissolution of Pastoral Relationships

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Dissolution of Pastoral Relationships Policy – 2021

I. Statement of Purpose The purpose of this document is to set forth the principles and procedures for dissolution of pastoral relationships and guidelines for dissolution agreements. Most dissolutions of pastoral relationships are without conflict, usually because the pastor wishes to accept a new call or to be Honorably Retired.

Even in such cases, carefully following these guidelines, and using the drafting of a dissolution agreement to cover such matters as ending date, unused vacation, medical coverage for a bridge period, and resolution of any loans the pastor may have from the congregation can result in a smooth transition without conflict.

Although dissolution of the pastoral relationship may follow efforts to resolve conflict, this document does not include the steps that should be taken to resolve the conflict. It does, however, cover the procedure for dissolution and guidelines for dissolution agreements for situations in which efforts at conflict resolution result in dissolution.

The Presbyterian Church is connectional in that the Presbytery, local congregation, and minister are all parties to the pastoral relationship. We covenant to care for one another. When conflict arises, all possible steps to resolve the conflict short of dissolution should be taken. Dissolution agreements for ministers not moving immediately to a new call are to serve as a bridge from one call to another in a vocation where the ability to move to a new position quickly is limited.

This policy does not apply to the termination of transitional, contracted, or temporary pastoral relationships or to the end of a designated pastorate at the end of its agreed-upon term.

II. General Principles

1. Every call in the PC(USA) is an agreement between the Presbytery, the pastor and the congregation. All three parties are involved in every decision regarding the establishment of a pastoral relationship and the dissolution of a pastoral relationship.

2. When the congregation and the pastor are in agreement, the Committee on Ministry (COM) is empowered to act with the power of the Presbytery in this regard and reports all such action to the Presbytery itself. If not in agreement, the action proceeds to the floor of Presbytery as specified in the Book of Order.

3. All official matters regarding the dissolution of a pastoral call shall be documented in writing and shared with all three parties.

4. All conditions for separation shall be compatible with the provisions of the Book of Order. 5. The dissolution process shall be considered incomplete until the minister, the session and the

Presbytery approve the dissolution agreement, and the congregation and the Presbytery vote on the dissolution of the call.


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III. Book of Order The relevant provisions of the Book of Order are: G-2.0901 Congregational Meeting: An installed pastoral relationship may be dissolved only by the Presbytery. Whether the minister of the Word and Sacrament, the congregation, or the Presbytery initiates proceedings for dissolution of the relationship, there shall always be a meeting of the congregation to consider the matter and to consent, or decline to consent, to dissolution. G-2.0902 Pastor, Co-Pastor or Associate Pastor Requests: A pastor, co-pastor, or associate pastor may request the Presbytery to dissolve the pastoral relationship. The minister of the Word and Sacrament must also state her or his intention to the session. The session shall call a congregational meeting to act upon the request and to make recommendations to the Presbytery. If the congregation does not concur, the Presbytery shall hear from the congregation, through its elected commissioners, the reasons why the Presbytery should not dissolve the pastoral relationship. If the congregation fails to appear, or if its reasons for retaining the relationship are judged insufficient, the request may be granted, and the pastoral relationship dissolved. G-2.0903 Congregation Requests: If any congregation desires the pastoral relationship to be dissolved, a procedure similar to G-2.0902, above, shall be followed. When a congregation requests the session to call a congregational meeting to dissolve its relationship with its pastor, the session shall call the meeting and request the Presbytery to appoint a moderator for the meeting. If the pastor does not concur with the request to dissolve the relationship, the Presbytery shall hear from him or her the reasons why the Presbytery should not dissolve the relationship. If the pastor fails to appear, or if the reasons for maintaining the relationship are judged insufficient, the relationship may be dissolved. G-2.0904 Presbytery Action: The Presbytery may inquire into reported difficulties in a congregation and may dissolve the pastoral relationship if, after consultation with the minister of the Word and Sacrament, the session, and the congregation, it finds the church’s mission under the Word imperatively demands it.

IV. Process for Dissolution

The need for dissolution of the pastoral relationship comes about for a variety of reasons and the procedures and the nature of financial arrangements may vary with the reasons for dissolution. The goal in each instance is fairness to all parties in light of the reason(s) for dissolution. A. Minister seeks dissolution

1. Personal reasons or to receive a new call When a minister seeks to dissolve the pastoral relationship for personal reasons or to receive a new call the minister shall make the request to the Presbytery by notice in writing to the chair of the Committee on Ministry and the Executive Presbyter, and shall advise the session.

2. Conflict with congregation If efforts to resolve a conflict with the congregation result in the minister seeking to dissolve the pastoral relationship, the minister shall make the request to the Presbytery by notice in writing to the chair of the Committee on Ministry and the Executive Presbyter, and shall advise the session.

B. Congregation seeks dissolution. 1. Reduction in force

Dissolution because of the elimination of a position, budget reduction, for other circumstances due to no fault of the minister, is at the discretion of the congregation, upon recommendation of the session and with the approval of Presbytery. When the session determines that it will recommend such a dissolution to the congregation it shall send notice in writing to the chair of the Committee on Ministry and the Executive Presbyter.


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2. Conflict with minister If efforts to resolve a conflict with the minister result in the session recommending to the congregation that it dissolve the pastoral relationship, the session shall send notice in writing to the chair of the Committee on Ministry and the Executive Presbyter.

3. Cause Dissolution for cause shall include, but is not limited to: documented unsatisfactory performance, abuse or misconduct, neglect in the care and use of church property or funds, conduct inconsistent with Presbytery standards or ordination vows. a. Issues regarding performance of clergy shall be addressed by session in performance

reviews. Documentation shall be clear, thorough and substantial. b. The Committee on Ministry is available to assist sessions in designing and implementing

a process for evaluation and review. The Presbytery is also available for consultation and counsel in conflict situations.

c. Only after all reasonable attempts at resolution have failed should termination negotiations begin. Separation for cause shall be clearly documented and thoroughly substantiated. The policies and procedures for dissolution for cause spelled out herein shall be followed in a consistent manner. All meetings, conversations and agreements in this process shall be documented in a written form.

d. Pastor Emeritus/Emerita shall not be granted to a pastor terminated for cause. C. Presbytery seeks dissolution

1. Conflicts requiring Presbytery involvement If there are serious difficulties within the life of a congregation, the Presbytery may help seek reconciliation through a variety of methods. An Administrative Commission may be formed for the purpose of settling such difficulties. The Administrative Commission shall then follow the directives of the Book of Order and make appropriate recommendations to the Presbytery. These recommendations may include the dissolution of the pastoral relationship and/or the assuming of original jurisdiction of the church by the Administrative Commission. The Commission may also recommend to the congregation the terms of a severance agreement with the minister.

2. Urgent need for dissolution The Committee on Ministry may decide that it will recommend to the Presbytery that a pastoral relationship be dissolved immediately. In such cases, the minister will be interviewed by the COM and be given an opportunity to present his or her case and will be informed of the Committee’s recommendation. The minister will be advised that the Presbytery must vote on such a recommendation and that the minister will be given an opportunity to address the Presbytery on his or her own behalf.

3. Sexual misconduct In cases of sexual misconduct, the Sexual Misconduct Policy of the Presbytery and the provisions of the Book of Order will be followed.

D. Death in Service In the event of the death of the pastor, if they are eligible for Board of Pensions death or retirement benefits, the salary and allowable benefits of that person shall be continued by the congregation to the spouse or dependent for three months from the date on which death occurs or until the Board of Pension death and retirement benefits commence. If they are not eligible for BOP benefits, ordinarily the congregation shall continue the salary and benefits to the spouse or dependent for three months – or as negotiated with the Committee on Ministry.


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E. Additional steps in the dissolution process After initial contact with the Committee on Ministry, the following procedures shall be followed: 1. The session, or a committee designated for this purpose, will negotiate a dissolution

agreement with the minister on behalf of the congregation in accordance with Part IV. If the session chooses to appoint a committee to negotiate the dissolution agreement, then it must be approved by the session before moving forward. Following such approval, the session shall submit the proposed agreement to the Committee on Ministry for approval (usually at the time of requesting dissolution of the pastoral relationship.)

2. Upon approval of the proposed agreement by the Committee on Ministry, the session will call a meeting of the congregation for the purpose of approving the dissolution of the call. A copy of the approved dissolution agreement will be made available to the members of the congregation for informational purposes only no later than the date of the first call for the meeting.

3. The Committee on Ministry shall appoint a moderator for the congregational meeting. The congregation will vote on the dissolution of the call.

4. If the congregation approves the dissolution and the minister and congregation are in agreement, the Committee on Ministry may dissolve the relationship on behalf of the Presbytery and report their action at its next meeting. Otherwise, the dissolution will be presented to Presbytery for action at its next meeting.

V. Dissolution Agreement

The dissolution agreement or agreements sets the terms for the termination of a pastoral relationship, and cover such matters as termination date, unused vacation pay, interim medical coverage, resolution of loans the minister may have from the congregation, and like matters. Settling these matters clearly and documenting the arrangements in writing avoid possible conflicts at the time of departure.

Severance payments for ministers not moving immediately to a new call are to serve as a bridge from one call to another in a vocation where the ability to move to a new position quickly is limited and are spelled out in the dissolution agreement.

The terms of dissolution shall be set forth in a written agreement. The terms are negotiated, in consultation with the Committee on Ministry, between the session, or a committee designated for this purpose, and the minister. The agreement is subject to approval of the Presbytery. In determining the specific terms of dissolution consideration must be given to the reason(s) for dissolution, the financial ability of the congregation and the circumstances of the minister. The agreement shall include an effective date of dissolution.

A. Financial Terms 1. Salary and Housing

The parties may agree to continuation of salary and housing allowance or use of manse beyond the date of dissolution, depending on the cause for dissolution. a. Personal Reasons

When the minister seeks dissolution for purely personal reasons or to accept a new call, there shall be no continuation of salary and housing allowance beyond the date of dissolution. Use of a manse beyond the date of dissolution may be considered in the negotiations.


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b. Dismissal for Cause When the Pastoral Relationship is dissolved for cause, there shall ordinarily be no continuation of salary, housing allowance or manse use beyond the date of dissolution.

c. Reduction in Force Six months’ notice or continuation of salary and housing allowance in lieu of notice will ordinarily be granted. If the minister has served the church for 10 years or more, up to 9 months may be considered.

d. Conflict When the dissolution is the result of conflict, the parties may negotiate continuation of salary and housing allowance. No more than six months continuation shall be granted. If the minister has served the church for ten years or more, up to nine months may be considered.

2. Vacation Leave Regardless of the reason for dissolution, all unused annual vacation leave shall be taken in advance of the date of dissolution or the cash equivalent paid. Entitlement to vacation leave at the time of dissolution shall be calculated on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave not taken in previous years shall not be compensated, unless otherwise agreed in the terms of call.

3. Study, Sick, or Sabbatical Leave Regardless of the reason for dissolution, there is no entitlement to study, sick, or sabbatical leave not taken in the ordinary course before dissolution and none shall be granted nor paid for at dissolution.

4. Professional Allowances Allowances for professional, travel, entertainment, books, or other expenses shall not be paid after the date of dissolution.

5. Pension/Medical Payments to the Board of Pensions shall be made coincident with any continuation of salary and housing allowance. When terms of call have included compensation for medical expenses not paid under the provisions of the Board of Pensions Medical Plan, this compensation may continue for the period of time that salary is to continue.

6. Loans/Equity Sharing Outstanding loans and equity sharing arrangements are to be settled at the time of dissolution in accordance with the loan or equity sharing agreement. Such loans are part of the terms of call of the pastor and any forgiveness of such loans, unless provided for in the loan documentation, constitutes a change in call that must be approved by the congregation and the Presbytery. The Committee on Ministry shall be consulted prior to negotiating any such agreement.

7. Arrangements for Payment when there is a Severance Agreement a. When a minister finds full-time employment prior to the end of the agreement, the

church’s financial obligations shall end on the beginning date of new full-time employment. When a minister accepts new part-time employment, severance pay may be reduced by the pay received in such part-time employment. Note: this provision does not apply to any employment already maintained by a part-time or bivocational minister at the time of dissolution. The minister shall report all changes in employment status to the Committee on Ministry.

b. Presbytery does not assume financial liability for severance agreements.


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c. Lump sum payments of salary and housing are not permitted. Payments shall be made monthly or on the regular church schedule if by a payroll service.

B. The following terms shall be part of any severance agreement which provides for compensation following the date of dissolution. 1. The minister’s responsibilities include abstinence from any pastoral duties and

congregational or church sponsored activities, and accountability to COM with regard to progress in a search process towards employment. The minister shall not conduct worship services for that congregation or its members unless approved by the Committee on Ministry, or in accordance with specific guidelines established by the COM as soon after the dissolution as possible. A minister, who – following a single warning – conducts such shall immediately forfeit all of his or her remaining financial payments under this Severance Agreement.

2. A minister who makes inappropriate contacts with his or her former church shall be sent (by regular mail to the last known address) two written warnings by the Presbytery. Upon a third violation, remaining financial payments under the Severance Agreement shall be forfeited.

3. In cases other than reduction in force, personal reasons accepted by COM, retirement, or the acceptance of a new call, the minister must meet with a counselor (ordinarily on a monthly basis) mutually agreed upon by the minister and the COM and paid for by the minister or using the Employee Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions. Alternatively, and no later than the end of the second month of the agreement, the minister may participate in a Professional Assessment such as that provided at Midwest Ministries whose cost will be shared equally by the minister, congregation, and the Presbytery. Failure to meet these expectations will result in forfeiture of all unpaid financial payments under the Severance Agreement.

Presbytery Council: Policy Recommendation: Social Media Policy and Guidelines

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Social Media Policy – 2021

Social media has become a normal, integral part of society, and covers an ever-evolving collection of programs and devices like Twitter, Instagram, email, texting and Facebook. It might be tempting to dismiss these technologies as tangential to the Presbytery and to our congregations and churches. While they can be ignored, banned, or acknowledged, what we can’t do is to expect that social media is not a normal part of life for most of our members, and for those outside social media “friends” of our Presbytery and congregational members. Social media is not a fad – it is a fundamental shift in the way we communicate.

Location or familiarity no longer defines the number or immediacy of those with whom we are in communication. Social media gives people a chance to share ideas and think aloud with multiple communities. People engaging in social media are potentially listening to, talking, and reflecting with many people at the same time, many of whom may come from different experiences, cultures, practices, and beliefs, on any number of topics. Being present with someone engaging in social media does not necessarily mean that you are the person getting their primary attention. And in some ways, in contrast with this shift in the way we communicate are the principles of Presbyterian polity and governance.

A major affirmation of our faithfulness together is a trust in the power of discernment when people gather to speak and listen to each other and to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Our Presbytery, Presbytery office staff, churches, congregations, and committees are clearly defined in membership and Reformed theology. The guiding principle for using social media within this context is to be attentive and present to the community gathered immediately around us, the breadth of acceptable practice and position, and to the mysterious and wondrous movement of the Spirit of Christ in our ministries. Whatever our thumbs may be doing, our work calls us to respectfully engage our hearts with each other in every moment.

Policy of the Presbytery • Sharing positive messages, as in an invitation to an event or worship service, or a celebration, are

encouraged! • Staff and members of Presbytery may not speak on behalf of the Presbytery, or list affiliation with the

Presbytery in a public opinion statement, without prior permission from the Executive Presbyter. • Staff and members of congregations may not speak on behalf of the congregation, or list affiliation

with the congregation in a public opinion statement, without prior permission from the Session. • Staff and members of both Presbytery and individual congregations should be clear when they are

authorized to speak on behalf of their respective institutions and when they are sharing personal opinions. In situations where there may be confusion between speaking in a personal and professional voice, a clear disclaimer is strongly encouraged.

• Please remember that in many cases you are already publicly identified with your church or the Presbytery, and be mindful that even with a disclaimer you may be seen as representing that entity.

• Staff and members shall pursue any necessary conflict resolution by bringing negative feedback directly to the Presbytery or church rather than drawing attention to it indirectly on social media.

• The social media sites of the Presbytery are administered from the office of the Presbytery or with permission of the Presbytery.

Please also refer to the Presbytery of Cincinnati Social Media Guidelines for best practices and guidance on implementation of this policy.


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Social Media Guidelines – 2021

Please refer to the Presbytery of Cincinnati’s Social Media Policy for requirements in communication and social media. The below are best practices and guidance in the implementation of that policy. If there are questions, please contact the Office of the Presbytery, Presbytery Stated Clerk, or Executive Presbyter.

1. Commonly Accepted Principles of Healthy Boundaries and Safe Church

• Remember that anything you write can be copied and distributed, and mis-attributed as the opinion of an institution instead of just the individual.

• All clergy, adults engaged in ministry with youth or committees, Session members, and Presbytery staff should consider the content and nature of any post. Your voice is often considered the voice of the church and Presbytery.

• It is important to remember that you are holding out a public witness in your personal life, so please should be careful and prudent on your personal social networking communications. As appropriate, particularly when discussing ministry related issues, you should let it be known that private personal postings are your own opinions and not that of the congregation or Presbytery.

• Help protect staff and members from fraud. • Make sure that church staff and volunteer leaders are using church computers

appropriately. Power Bases • Adults have more power than children and youth. • Clergy have more power than people with whom they have a pastoral relationship. • The mutuality of friendship cannot exist when there is a disparity of power. • Two unrelated adults must be able to maintain visual contact with each other any time they

engage in ministry with children or youth. • Windows in doors allow transparency of interactions with children, youth and adults who may

be vulnerable. General Information about Digital Communications

• All communication sent digitally (email, social networking sites, notes or posts, etc.) is NOT CONFIDENTIAL and may be shared or reposted to others.

• Interactions in the virtual world need to be transparent, as a window in the door provides transparency in the physical world.

• In the virtual world healthy boundaries and safe church practices must be adhered to as they are in the physical world.

• In the virtual world, “friend” can mean anyone with whom you are willing to communicate through that medium, and friend-of-a-friend may also have access to your communication, regardless of the presence of a shared ideology.

• Laws regarding mandated reporting of suspected abuse/neglect/exploitation of children, youth, elders and vulnerable adults apply in the virtual world as they do in the physical world.


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2. Recommended Practices and Guidelines for Interactions with Children and Youth: Social Networking Sites-Relationships

• Adults who minister to children and youth are strongly encouraged to set very stringent privacy settings on any social networking profile. • Individual personal profiles are to be used to interact with real friends, family and peers. • Adults should not submit “friend” requests to minors or youth. Youth may not be able to

decline such requests due to the disparity of power between youth and adults. • Youth may ask to be “friends”, and adults should discern the level of contact they want to

maintain with youth prior to responding to these requests. • If an adult chooses to accept friend requests from minors or youth who are associated with their

community of faith, other adult leaders must have full access to all aspects of that adult’s profile and correspondence.

• Adults who want to connect via a social networking website with youth to whom they minister are strongly encouraged to set up a closed group account that youth may join. • Youth requesting to “friend” an adult can then be invited to join this group rather than be

accepted as a friend on an adult’s personal profile account. • The purpose of these two separate accounts/profiles is to create a line of privacy and maintain

healthy boundaries with youth and real family, friends and colleagues. • Any material on any site (whether affiliated with the church or not) that raises suspicion that a

child has been or will be abused/neglected/exploited should be immediately reported to the clergy and/or Child Protective Services (CPS) in the state in which the child resides. If the material is on a church affiliated site, that material should be documented for church records and then removed from the site after consultation with CPS/police.

Groups on Social Networking Sites • Groups should have at least two unrelated adult administrators as well as at least two youth. • Closed groups, but not “hidden” groups, should be used for youth groups. • Invitations to youth to join the group should be made by youth administrators, unless a youth

previously asked an adult administrator to invite him/her to join the group. • Behavioral covenants should be created to govern what content is appropriate and inappropriate

for an online youth group. • Any material on any site (whether affiliated with the church or not) that raises suspicion that a

child has been or will be abused/neglected/exploited should be immediately reported to the clergy and/or Child Protective Services. If the material is on a church affiliated site, that material should be documented for church records and then removed from the site after consultation with CPS/police.

• Inappropriate material that does not raise suspicion that a child has been or will be abused/neglected/exploited should immediately be removed from the site.

• Any content that details inappropriate behavior (outside of the bounds of the established behavioral covenant) during a church sponsored event or activity should be addressed by adult youth leaders and parents.

• Social networking groups for youth should be open to parents of current members. • Parents should be informed that the content of youth pages or groups that are not sponsored by

the church are NOT within the purview of adult youth leaders. • Adult leaders of youth groups and former youth members who, due to departure, removal from

position, or are no longer eligible because they “aged-out” of a program should be immediately removed from digital communication with youth groups via social networking sites, list serves, etc.


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3. Recommended Practices and Guidelines for Interactions with Adults: Social Networking Sites-Relationship

• Clergy are strongly encouraged to set very stringent privacy settings on any social networking profile to shield both adult and youth members from viewing content that may be inappropriate.

• Individual personal profiles of clergy should be used to interact with real friends, family and peers. • Clergy should consider whether to submit “friend” requests to congregants and others to

whom they minister. The disparity of power may not give the other person the ability to decline such request.

• Clergy who want to connect via a social networking website with congregants are strongly encouraged to set up a group account that all congregants may join. The purpose of having a personal profile and church group is to create a line of privacy and maintain healthy boundaries with congregants and real family, friends and colleagues.

• Clergy should consider the impact of declining a “friend” request from congregants. These encounters may create a tension in “real world” relationships. Clergy can direct “friend” requests from congregants to the church’s group page.

• Clergy who work directly with youth are encouraged to establish church sponsored digital communications groups to maintain contact with youth members.

• When a pastor’s ministry at a church or other ministry setting ends, the pastor should consider removing congregants as “friends” or contacts in all forms of digital communications.

4. Recommendations for Digital Communications and Content

Behavioral Covenants • Covenants should acknowledge that materials posted on Church Sponsored sites (and/or group

pages) are NOT CONFIDENTIAL. • Covenants should acknowledge that content deemed inappropriate will be removed from the site

or group page. • Covenants for communities of faith should address the following issues:

• Appropriate language • Eligibility of membership to join a social networking group. Things to consider include whether

you have to be a member of a church or youth group and whether there are age requirements/restrictions for participation for youth groups.

• Loss of eligibility of membership and removal from the social networking group. Consider how and when members will be removed from the group due to moving away, leaving the faith community, becoming too old for youth group, clergy leaving to minister to another church or exclusion from ministry positions for other reasons.

• Who, how and when may photos be tagged (members identified by name; for example, individuals may tag themselves in photos but should not tag others)

• Appropriate and inappropriate behavior of members (bullying, inappropriate content) and the consequence for inappropriate behavior.

• Compliance with mandated reporting laws regarding suspected abuse. 5. Recommendations for Video Chats, Blogs or Video Blogs • Adults should refrain from initiating video chats with youth. • Participants in a video chat or blog should consider what will be shown in the video such as their

surroundings, their clothing/state of dress, etc. • All transcripts of on-line text chats, video chats, blogs or video blogs should be saved when

possible.


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6. Recommendations for Publishing/Posting Content Online • Congregations must inform participants when they are being videoed because church buildings

are not considered public space. • Any faith community that distributes video of its worship services or activities on the web or via

other broadcast media MUST post signs that indicate the service will be broadcast. • All communities of faith should take care to secure signed Media Release forms from adults and

guardians of minor children who will or may participate in activities that may be photographed or videoed for distribution outside a closed group.

• Photos that are published on church sponsored public sites should not include name or contact information for minor children or youth.

7. Recommendations for Use of Email or Texting (Includes Twitter) • Email can be an appropriate and effective means of communicating basic factual information such

as the time of an event, agenda for a meeting, text of a document, etc. • Email is not an appropriate communication method for matters that are pastorally or legally

sensitive, emotionally charged or require extensive conversation. • If an email message is longer than a couple of sentences, then the matter might more properly be

addressed via live conversation. • Humor and sarcasm can be easily misinterpreted in an email. • All email users should take a moment to consider the ramifications of their message before

clicking on the “send” or “reply to all” button.

8. Best Practices to use Social Media Successfully: 9. Be responsive. Set up notifications to be informed when someone posts to your page, and be

prepared to respond quickly—within the hour if possible and certainly the same day—even during evenings or weekends. Get someone to cover for you if you expect to be unavailable. If you don’t know the answer, it is better to say, “We will find out and get back to you” than to not answer at all.

10. When controversial actions, events, or decisions are anticipated, discuss with leadership what strategy and steps will be followed when someone posts or tweets about the issue in a critical way. Have church leadership decide who will respond to comments and when approval may be required.

11. Dealing with negative comments. While obvious spam posts can be deleted, comments should be allowed on blogs, Facebook pages, and other places. Do not automatically delete negative posts. Instead, respond kindly with accurate information. If the person wants to engage in a lengthy battle or appears to be promoting an agenda, just stop answering.

12. Be responsible. The fast pace and transparency of social media mean we will get things wrong sometimes. That is okay if you handle it gracefully, starting with acknowledging your error. If you make a mistake, admit it—be upfront and quick with your correction. What you write is ultimately your responsibility. Participation in social media on behalf of [CHURCH NAME] is not a right but a ministry, so please treat it seriously and with respect.

13. Questions. If the poster has specific questions about programs or policies, direct them to an email address for the person who can answer those questions, or to the private message function on your organization’s Facebook page. Also, notify the person who you have identified as a point person for questions that this person will be contacting them and ask them to respond as quickly as they can to avoid any further public postings. Criticisms or questions are best answered in private, and every care should be taken to avoid a protracted comment battle.


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14. Page moderation. On Facebook, in the administration portal, block users from posting comments with obscenities. You will find it under Settings and then Page Moderations.

15. Display guidelines for comments on your page. A good guideline for Facebook, YouTube and other social menu venues is to post something similar to this disclaimer in the bio or “about us” section: We welcome your thoughts in this space. We ask that you be respectful in what you post and in your comments about other members of the community here. If you’d like to know more about us, visit our web site at [WEBSITE HERE].

16. Use proper hashtags. Never use a hashtag without first being sure you know the origins and proper use. Search online through www.hashtagify.me or other means to see if and how it’s already being used on social media.

17. Post context for links. If you want to share a news story on Twitter, Facebook, etc., add a sentence or two that tells what the story is about, so potential readers will know what they’re going to visit when they click on the link. Avoid lengthy posts. For example, a good length for a Facebook post is two to three sentences.

18. Avoid acronyms. They are difficult for readers to figure out. 19. Do not use first-person-singular language on a page you manage. Use “we” to refer to a group

of people or the church by name, but do not use “I.” There is no entity represented by a single person.

20. Update your status regularly and strategically. Social media channels should be updated frequently. You can use a free timing tool like hootsuite.com to schedule posts in advance to various social media channels for days you won’t be working. If you use a scheduling tool, be aware of events in the larger world. If a major national news event has just occurred, posting about something completely unrelated is usually seen as a blunder.

21. Use analytics to plan. Based on your social media goals, track and measure people reached and/or impressions and engagement rate. These numbers will help gauge success and improve what types of content to post in the future.

22. Best Practices for Using Social Media to Promote Events:

1. Do not create separate social media pages or accounts just for the event itself. 2. Pre-event planning:

a. Meet with the social media manager and/or church leadership six months prior to the event and again one month before the event starts to discuss goals and messaging.

b. Develop a web page early with information about the event. This is the place to refer people from Twitter, Facebook, etc.

c. Choose a hashtag for the event that is short and unique and use it on all posts in all social media. Hashtags make social media searchable. Search online through hashtagify.me to be sure your hashtag is not being used by anyone else. Adding a year to your hashtag is one way to help make it specific. Avoid generic hashtags (#presbyterian, #church) in favor of tags like #BigTent14, #GA221, #PYT13, etc.

d. Be responsive. As the event gets closer, be ready with answers to questions that people are likely to ask about the event.

e. Plan social media posts around early-bird dates, registration deadlines, and start dates and times.

f. Tag other churches or organizations that are involved with your event (when possible), so they can share your content and help you spread the word.

3. During the event: a. Don’t “overpost” on Facebook. Group photos in albums, so you don’t flood the

Facebook feed for people who may not be interested.

http://www.hashtagify.me/


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b. Post as soon as possible after a session ends. Very current content keeps followers engaged. Be sure to proofread carefully.

c. Use the names of people in photos as much as you can. Taking a photo of the badge of a person at a conference separate from their portrait is a good trick that helps you keep track of those involved. You may need their name later.

d. Tag photos of your Facebook friends to help spread the photos through social networks. e. Live-tweet events, but not excessively. Pick up a few key points from each session and

hashtag them with the event hashtag. f. After the event: Continue to post a few items for a short time to wrap up any loose

ends.

23. Best Practices for Personal Social Media Usage. As staff of a church or the Presbytery, you are likely viewed by friends, family, and other followers as a representative of that institution.

1. Be transparent and honest about your identity, and you may want to say something like, “The views I express are not necessarily those of the [CHURCH NAME].”

2. Be accurate. Before posting, take a moment to Google a news story to be sure you have facts correct. Rely on mainstream, reputable news sources.

3. Be respectful. Long, drawn-out arguments on social media consume energy and cause emotions to flame. It is easy to become angry and post insults. This damages your reputation and the reputation of the [CHURCH NAME] and is best avoided.

4. Maintain confidentiality. Do not post confidential or inside information about the community members of [CHURCH NAME] or staff. In general, don’t post anything about your work that you would not present at a conference.

5. Posting events, photos, videos. You may post about official [CHURCH NAME] events on your personal page, but the best practice for page administrators is to post on the organization’s page first. You may share to your own personal page or create an entirely new post, but you should tag your organization’s page when doing so. This will encourage more people to like and interact with your page.

6. Be aware of liability. You can be held legally liable for what you post on your personal site and on the sites of others. Individual bloggers have been held liable for commentary deemed to be copyrighted, defamatory, libelous, or obscene (as defined by the courts).

7. Protect your identity. Don’t provide personal information (home address, telephone number, or email address). It is a good practice to create a separate, non-work email address that is used only with your social media site.

Presbytery Council: Recommended Bylaws Changes

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PROPOSED BYLAWS CHANGES Title of presbytery executive: Section 3.02. Elected Staff The presbytery shall elect an executive to provide leadership and inspire vision for the whole mission and ministry of the Presbytery. elected staff member shall be a General Presbyter. He or she must be eligible for membership in Presbytery and shall be elected by Presbytery. When a vacancy occurs, Presbytery shall elect a search committee nominated by the Committee on Representation. The search committee shall be composed of four teaching elders and four ruling elders. It shall present to Presbytery a nominee for election to the staff position and recommend the terms of employment. General Presbyter

Term: Five years and shall be eligible for re-election upon recommendation of the Personnel Committee and Presbytery Council. Purpose: The General Presbyter is the servant of the Presbytery and of the Church at large, seeking to provide leadership and inspire vision for the whole mission and ministry of the Presbytery. Definition of Position: The General Presbyter is presbytery executive is the servant of the presbytery and the church at large and functions as the Chief Administrative Officer of Presbytery and supervisor of the staff of the Presbytery. He/she is to assist the Presbytery in the implementation of strategy and program, and be a resource to the Presbytery and responsible for providing staff services to its Council and Committees.

COMMENT: This change leaves the matter of a specific title up to the search committee and/or personnel committee instead of enshrining a particular title in the bylaws and is consistent with the language of the Book of Order which states (G-3.0110):

“The council (i.e. the presbytery) shall make provision in its manual of administrative operations (G-3.0106) for the process of electing executive staff and the hiring of other staff, the description of the positions, the method of the performance review, and the manner of termination of employment. (G-3.0104)”

Presbytery Council: Recommended Bylaws Changes

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Elimination of CRV and NRC Committees: Section 7.05 Committee for Congregational Renewal and Vitality Composition: Presbytery shall elect six people including the Moderator, in two classes with three members in each class. Responsibility: To fulfill functions to provide resources and education to support evangelism efforts and enable vibrant communities of Word and Sacrament. Section 7.06 7.05. Presbytery Youth Committee Composition: Presbytery shall elect eighteen (18) people including the Moderator, in two classes with nine members in each class including youth congregational members. Two-year terms for members of this committee shall be from July 1 of one year to June 30 of their second year. Responsibility: To fulfill functions of leadership development through worship, service, learning and equipping the saints. Section 7.07 7.06. Personnel Committee Composition: Presbytery shall elect four (4) people including the Moderator, in two classes with two members in each class. Purpose: To facilitate Presbytery's practices and policies relating to persons employed by Presbytery. This is a committee of Council and is directly accountable to Council. Section 7.08 Network Resource Committee Composition: Presbytery shall elect six (6) people including the Moderator, in two classes with three members in each class. Purpose: To fulfill functions of networking, resourcing evangelism, mission, prophetic witness, responsible administration, and justice ministries to assist leaders in our vibrant communities of Word and Sacrament. This is a committee of Council and is directly accountable to Council. Congregational members may be invited by Council to serve with voice but not vote.

COMMENT:

This change removes two of the standing committees (neither of which is required by the Book of Order), since the work of these committees is being incorporated into the newly formed Center for Learning.

Committee on Ministry Part 2

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COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY 13 February 2021

COM Part II FOR ACTION The Committee on Ministry recommends Presbytery: Temporary Pastoral Relationships APPROVE the covenant of the Rev. Terry Webster to serve as interim pastor at the Richwood Presbyterian Church, part-time (20-25 hours per week), for a period of one year, effective February 15, 2021. This Agreement may be terminated by either party with 30 days written notice. Terms: Effective Salary Vouchered Reimbursable Business Expense Allowances Salary $13,232 Auto mileage at IRS maximum rate Actual Housing $13,232 Continuing Education $2,000 Other Terms Board of Pensions Dues for HR Full Vacation 4 weeks Study Leave 1 weeks APPROVE the covenant of the Rev. Tim McQuade to serve as designated transitional pastor at Saint John Westminster Union Church for a period of 2 years, effective March 28, 2021. Terms: Effective Salary Vouchered Reimbursable Business Expense Allowances Salary $54,000 Auto mileage at IRS maximum rate Actual ($2,000) Housing $21,000 Continuing Education $2,000 Other Terms Board of Pensions Dues Full Vacation 4 weeks Study Leave 1 weeks Retirements DESIGNATE as honorably retired:

• The Rev. Michael Brewer, as of January 31, 2021 • The Rev. Rhoda Brumfield, effective February 15, 2021

FOR INFORMATION Membership ENROLLED as a member of the presbytery in validated ministry the Rev. Rebekah Nolt, Pastoral Resident, Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church, upon her ordination on January 24, 2021. RECEIVED into membership of the presbytery in validated ministry the Rev. Yundon (Tom) Jeong, upon receiving transfer of ordination from the Korean Presbyterian Church (Korea) to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), effective January 20, 2021.

Designated Offering

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About The Designated Offering for this Presbytery Gathering

When giving online, by telephone or by mail, you can indicate that your offering is part of the Presbytery of Cincinnati designated offering. Instructions are available on the links below or you can add the information in the memo line of your paper check.

The Rev. Dr. Jonathan and Emily Seitz serve as Presbyterian Mission Co-Workers in Taiwan, where they are 13 hours ahead of Cincinnati’s time zone (Jonathan offered to stay up and join our call!) To learn more, view their video here: https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/missionconnections/the-rev-dr-jonathan-and-emily-seitz/

To donate to the Seitz’s ministry online go to: https://www.presbyterianmission.org/donate/E200383/

Shelvis and Nancy Smith-Mather have been mission co-workers in South Sudan since 2011, serving with RECONCILE International, the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan (PCOSS), Across, and Yei Teacher Training College (YTTC) Watch their video https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/missionconnections/shelvis-and-nancy-smith-mather/

To give to their ministry online, go to: https://pma.pcusa.org/donate/make-a-gift/gift-info/E200316/

Nancy reports their family has been in the US since March 2020 when the PCUSA called them back home due to the pandemic. They are shown with their family’s newest member, a three-month-old daughter. Their six-year-old had surgery Feb. 12. They are hoping to travel to Uganda and then South Sudan in June; and then to Oxford where Shelvis will continue his research on peace building

https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/missionconnections/the-rev-dr-jonathan-and-emily-seitz/

https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/missionconnections/the-rev-dr-jonathan-and-emily-seitz/

https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/global/sudan/

packet, february 13, 2020 presbytery gathering

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