Handbook - The Presbytery of Boise

PRESBYTERY OF BOISE
STATED MEETING
May 2, 2015
Kirkpatrick Memorial Community Presbyterian Church
9:00
Registration and Refreshments
(The Stated Clerk must receive all miscellaneous new business, in writing, not later than 9:30AM.)
PLEASE SILEN CE ALL CELL PHON ES, THAN K YOU.
THE CALL
9:30
Call to Order and Opening Prayer
Declaration of a quorum by the Moderator
A quorum of the Presbytery shall be any three teaching elders and
three ruling elders, provided that elders represent at least three churches.
Approve the Agenda
Welcome by Hosts
Recognition of First Time Elder Commissioners and Visitors
(Motion for voice but not vote during the meeting upon request)
Brian Grassley
WORSHIP
Worship
David Carlson
ENGAGEMENT
PRAYING FOR AND WITH ONE ANOTHER
BRIAN GRASSLEY, FACILITATOR
BUSINESS/REPORTS
PAGE
4
Approval of the Stated Meeting Minutes – February 2015
Brian Grassley
11
Coordinating Committee
Barry Fujishin
Moderator’s Report
Brian Grassley
20
Stated Clerk’s Report
Ruth Hicks
20
Budget and Finance
Gary Hindman
20
Personnel
Ed Johnson
20
Committee on Ministry/Committee on Preparation for Ministry
Evelyn Cates
22
Administrative Commissions
Boone
Adrian
Marianne Paul
Rick Irish
22
Presbyterian Women
22
Miscellaneous Business
Jacquelyn Benjamin
Sharing of Celebrations/Upcoming Events from our Congregations
Adjourn with Prayer for lunch
1
April 15, 2015
To:
All Commissioners, Friends and Guests of the Presbytery of Boise
From: David Carlson, Pastor, Kirkpatrick Memorial Community Church
Re:
Invitation!
Please plan to attend the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Presbytery of Boise May 2, 2015.
The meeting will begin at 9:30 AM, but coffee & breakfast snacks will begin at 9:00 AM. Weather
permitting; coffee will be served in the Gazebo, on the church lawn. Lunch will be served at noon,
and a donation of $5 will be gratefully received by the Womens’ Association.
We look forward to showing you the results of our most recent Windows Project: new tempered
glass over our historic – and beautiful – stained glass windows. The results are like the cleaning of
the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, even if our project was a bit smaller!
Directions:
From the east (everywhere except Oregon): take I-84 to the Notus/Parma off ramp (exit 26), where
highway 26 turns west. Take highway 26 through Notus (speed limit 35) on to Parma, a total of 14
miles, and turn right on 3rd Street (see the US Bank on the northwest corner). Go one block north,
and you are there!
From Ontario: take I-84 to the Fruitland off ramp (exit 3), where highway 95 turns south. Take
highway 95 south 14 miles to Parma, and turn left on 3rd Street (see above-mentioned bank and also
the Library on southwest corner). Go one block north and you are there.
From Other Places: you know how to get here – Come on Down!
We look forward to seeing you!
P.S. – a bit of history, next page
2
Kirkpatrick Memorial Community Church
KMCC was founded over 100 years ago as Parma was beginning to develop as a center of
agriculture in the Treasure Valley. Anderson Hall was built in the late ‘teens of the 20th century. Its
architecture shows the influence of the Settlement House movement of that era, where churches
helped immigrants to settle and become part of the American community. The present sanctuary
was built in the early ‘20s, replacing a previous wooden structure at a different location. That move
brought Kirkpatrick church to the heart of “downtown Parma.”
The notion of being a “Community Church” is rooted in the beliefs and purposes of the founders,
people who had experienced the ravages of civil war, the deprivations of the Oregon Trail, and who
deeply desired to bring a sense of community to what was then still the American frontier. Along
with church, they also invested in education and the arts, and the Parma public schools still reflect
that commitment. Parma graduates place among the top tier in Idaho and even nationally in terms of
success in post-secondary education and career achievement. These founders were well aware that
religion had the capacity to divide as well as to unite – and they wanted their new church to be one
that contributed to unity – to community. From its inception, Anderson Hall was intended to be a
community center, open to persons of all faiths and all national origins.
KMCC surely puts it best efforts toward the “Maintenance of divine worship,” the third of the six
Great Ends of the Church. When our beloved longtime choir director retired, we wondered if we would
lose the entire choir, but over a few months our performers reorganized themselves and once again
lift our minds and hearts with music. We continue to struggle with technology – sound board and
Powerpoint – if only there were an easy way.
Our Mission and Outreach Committee has decided that we need a lot more food! We are committed
to potlucks every 5th Sunday; PBJ (peanut butter and jelly) and Games every 3rd Sunday; and Music in
the Gazebo three times in the summer. Our focus is to help our own members get better acquainted
with each other, while also having events to which we can invite a friend.
We enthusiastically support LOVE, INC of Canyon County, which conducts a genuinely lifechanging ministry called the New Hope Relational Program. We house the Sunshine Cupboard, a
local food bank. And we happily host the Lions Club every Tuesday noon.
In the past KMCC was often the seed, or host for shared ministry among the many churches of
Parma. It is ironic that it is more difficult today than it was 20 or 30 years ago to find ground for
cooperation among those who call Christ Lord, but we keep looking for new opportunities to do so.
We believe it is when Christians demonstrate genuine love and caring – both for those in the church
as well as those on the outside – that the world will see the truth of the Gospel (John 17:22,23).
Our motto, which we read every Sunday, is:
In the Heart of the Community …
With the Community at heart.
3
APPROVAL OF THE STATED MEETING MINUTES
PRESBYTERY OF BOISE
Stated Meeting
Saturday, February 7, 2015
First United Presbyterian Church
Nampa, Idaho
CALL TO ORDER
A quorum (consisting of three minister members [teaching elders] and three ruling elders
representing three different churches) being present, moderator Barry Fujishin called the meeting to
order at 9:37 a.m. and offered the opening prayer.
AGENDA
Presbytery voted to approve the agenda with the addition of one item to the report of
the Committee on Ministry.
WELCOME
Rodney Moore welcomed commissioners and guests to the church.
ATTENDANCE
See appendix.
FIRST-TIME ELDERS AND VISITORS
First-time elders present were Marilyn Fordham, Boise First; Andy Dahlke, Boise
Southminster; John Vinson, Parma; ? Witty, Adrian/Homedale. Heidi Smith, Kendall Presbytery,
introduced herself as a visitor. Other visitors included Alan Anderson and Terry Nagel, Boise First;
Lorraine Diehl and Kathy Mattson, Nampa; Senita Watkins, Camp Sawtooth; Karen Alldredge and
Bill Buckendorf, Boone.
WORSHIP
Worship was led by Brian Grassley (who preached) and Alex Chamberlain and included
celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Commissioners thanked Sean Rogers for his wonderful music
with hearty applause.
INSTALLATION OF THE MODERATOR
Barry Fujishin installed Brian Grassley as moderator of the Presbytery.
TIME OF ENGAGEMENT
Commissioners, led by Ruth Hicks and JoAnn Thiry, honored Bruce Swanson for his service
to the Presbyterian Church, the Presbytery, and the Nampa church.
MINUTES
Presbytery voted to approve the minutes of the stated meeting of November 8, 2014,
with addition of the King Hill church to the list of churches and their membership to
determine parity.
BILLS AND OVERTURES
John Hicks, in behalf of the Bills and Overtures task force, led discussion on the
amendments sent to the presbyteries by General Assembly 2014 for concurrence. [Text to be
deleted is shown with strike-through; text to be added or inserted is shown in italic.]
4
14-1: Presbytery voted to approve amending the Book of Confessions by adding the
Belhar Confession.
14-A: Presbytery voted not to approve amending the Form of Government G-2.0509
by adding the following new paragraph at the end of that section:
“Whenever a former teaching elder has renounced jurisdiction in the midst of a
disciplinary proceeding as the accused, that former teaching elder shall not be permitted to
perform any work, paid or volunteer, in any congregation or entity under the jurisdiction of
the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)”
14-B-1: Presbytery voted to approve amending the Form of Government G-2.0607 as
follows:
“A candidate may not enter into negotiation for his or her service as a teaching elder
without approval of the presbytery of care. The presbytery shall record when it has certified
a candidate ready for examination by a presbytery for ordination, pending a call. Evidence
of readiness to begin ordered ministry as a teaching elder shall include:
“a. [text in a.–c. remains unchanged.]
“d. Satisfactory grades, together with the examination papers examination materials,
together with evaluations that declare those materials satisfactory in the areas covered by any
standard ordination examination approved by the General Assembly. Such examinations
shall be prepared and administered by a body created by the presbyteries.”
14-B-2: Presbytery voted to approve amending the Form of Government G-2.0610 as
follows:
“G-2.0610 Exceptions Accommodations to Particular Circumstances
“By a three-fourths vote, a presbytery When a presbytery concludes there are good and
sufficient reasons for accommodations to the particular circumstances of an individual seeking
ordination, it may, by a three-fourths vote, waive any of the requirements in G-2.06, except
for those of G-2.0607d. If a presbytery judges that there are good and sufficient reasons why
a candidate should not be required to satisfy the requirements of G-2.0607d, it shall approve
by a three-quarters vote some alternate means by which to ascertain the readiness of the
candidate for ministry in the areas covered by the standard ordination examinations. A full
account of the reasons for exception any waver or alternate means to ascertain readiness shall
be included in the minutes of the presbytery and communicated to the presbytery to which
an inquirer or candidate may be transferred.”
14-C: Presbytery voted to approve amending the Form of Government G-3.0106 as
follows:
“All councils shall adopt and implement a sexual misconduct policy and a child
protection policy.”
14-D: Presbytery voted to approve amending the second paragraph of Form of
Government G-3.0301 as follows:
“The minimum composition of a presbytery is ten duly constituted sessions and ten
teaching elders, unless an exception is approved by its synod and the General Assembly giving
consideration to the responsibilities assigned to presbyteries in G-3.01 and G-3.03.
14-E: Presbytery voted to approve amending Form of Government G-5.0102 as
follows:
“The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) At all levels seeks new will be open to and will
seek opportunities for conversation and understanding respectful dialogue and mutual
relationships with non-Christian entities and persons from other religious [entities] traditions.
It does this in the faith that the church of Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, is a
sign and means of God’s intention for the wholeness of all humankind and all creation.”
Presbytery voted to grant Heidi Smith the right to speak.
14-F: Presbytery voted to approve amending the Directory for Worship W-4.9000 as
follows:
Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind or the well-being of the entire
5
human family. Marriage involves a unique commitment between two people, traditionally a
man and a woman, to love and support each other for the rest of their lives. The sacrificial
love that unites the couple sustains them as faithful and responsible members of the church and
the wider community.
“In civil law, marriage is a contract that recognizes the rights and obligations of the
married couple in society. In the Reformed tradition, marriage is also a covenant in which
God has an active part, and which the community of faith publicly witnesses and acknowledges.
“If they meet the requirements of the civil jurisdiction in which they intend to marry, a
couple may request that a service of Christian marriage be conducted by a teaching elder in the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), who is authorized, though not required, to act as an agent of
the civil jurisdiction in recording the marriage contract. A couple requesting a service of
Christian marriage shall receive instruction from the teaching elder, who may agree to the
couple’s request only if, in the judgment of the teaching elder, the couple demonstrate sufficient
understanding of the nature of the marriage covenant and commitment to living their lives
together according to its values. In making this decision, the teaching elder may seek the
counsel of the session, which has authority to permit or deny the use of church property for a
marriage service.
“The marriage service shall be conducted in a manner appropriate to this covenant and
to the forms of Reformed worship, under the direction of the teaching elder and the supervision
of the session (W-1.4004–.4006). In a service of marriage, the couple marry each other by
exchanging mutual promises. The teaching elder witnesses the couple’s promises and
pronounces God’s blessing upon their union. The community of faith pledges to support the
couple in upholding their promises; prayers may be offered for the couple, for the communities
that support them, and for all who seek to live in faithfulness.
“A service of worship recognizing a civil marriage and confirming it in the community
of faith may be appropriate when requested by the couple. The service will be similar to the
marriage service except that the statements made shall reflect the fact that the couple is already
married to one another according to the laws of the civil jurisdiction.
“Nothing herein shall compel a teaching elder to perform nor compel a session to
authorize the use of church property for a marriage service that the teaching elder or the session
believes is contradictory to the teaching elder’s or the session’s discernment of the Holy Spirit
and their understanding of the Word of God.”
The amendment was approved by a vote of 34 in favor, 9 opposed, and 1 abstention.
VISION TASK FORCE
Alex Chamberlain and Andrew Kukla, in behalf of the Vision Task Force, led discussion on
the task force’s report.
It was moved by the Coordinating Committee that item #4 in the report be amended. It
was moved that the first sentence of the proposed amendment be substituted; the motion was not
seconded. It was moved to strike a portion of the amending motion; the motion was defeated. The
amendment as originally moved was defeated.
LUNCH
Presbytery recessed for lunch at 12:10 p.m. with prayer and blessing by the moderator.
Presbytery reconvened at 12:48 p.m.
VISION TASK FORCE, continued
It was moved by the Coordinating Committee that item #6 in the report be amended. A
substitute motion was moved and seconded. Presbytery voted to substitute the following:
Moved that Boise Presbytery hold a consultation on a “Sustainable Staffing Pattern” at a
regular or called meeting with guidance from the Transitional Synod Executive and the
Office of Mid-Council Relations. Presbytery voted to amend item 6 in the Vision Task
Force’s report to read:
6
Boise Presbytery shall hold a consultation on a “Sustainable Staffing Pattern” at a
regular or called meeting with guidance from the Transitional Synod Executive and the
Office of Mid-Council Relations.
Judy McKay noted that nothing in the way the Presbytery is structured will change until its
bylaws are amended.
Presbytery voted to adopt the report of the Vision Task Force as written (see
appendix).
Presbytery voted to approve an increase in Ruth Hicks’s salary as Stated Clerk to
$2,000 per month and her hours to 20 per month during the transition to a new structure.
COORDINATING COMMITTEE
No formal report.
BUDGET AND FINANCE
The budget and actual income and expenditures for 2014 was distributed and discussed by
Rodney Moore.
COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY
Presbytery voted to approve the Annual Reports of the Teaching Elders and Housing
Allowance. (See appendix.)
Presbytery voted to approve the request of Covenant Presbyterian Church session to
waive the vacancy dues with the Board of Pensions for the head of staff position at the
church, retroactive.
Presbytery voted to appoint Kelly and Mike Nieto to a 1-year term of temporary
service as Co-Pastors effective March 1, 2015.
Presbytery voted to dissolve the relationship between Covenant Presbyterian Church
and Kelly and Mike Nieto and the Associate Pastor position at Covenant Presbyterian
Church.
Presbytery voted to dissolve the pastoral relationship between First Presbyterian
Church, Homedale, and the Rev. Marianne Paul effective February 8, 2015.
Presbytery voted to form an Administrative Commission for Kingman Memorial
Presbyterian Church, Adrian, Oregon, with the following authority:
The Administrative Commission has the full authority of the Presbytery to execute
the limited powers granted by the presbytery (G-9.0502). Those limited powers may include,
inter alia, the powers:
to determine whether a schism exists within the congregation (G-8.0601, G-11.0103);
to make recommendations to the presbytery to dissolve pastoral relationships, or
when requisite authority given by the presbytery, to dissolve pastoral relationships, G9.0503a(4);
to assume original jurisdiction in any case it determines the session is unable or
unwilling to manage wisely the affairs of its church (G-10.0102);
to freeze the assets of the church (real and liquid);
to determine if and when a meeting of the congregation is appropriate for the
purpose of voting to withdraw from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.);
to call that congregational meeting, and provide the moderator and clerk for that
meeting;
to report results of congregational vote to the Council;
to propose to the presbytery the recommendation for the disposition of the property
held by or for the church, and the assumption of the liabilities of the church, in the event
there is no viable faction of the congregation that has been identified as the true church
within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
7
There being no nominations from the floor, Presbytery voted to elect the following as
the Administrative Commission for Kingman Memorial Presbyterian Church, Adrian,
Oregon:
Teaching Elder Brian Grassley, HR
Teaching Elder Rick Irish, HR
Teaching Elder David Carlson, HR, Stated Supply, Kirkpatrick Memorial, Parma
Ruling Elder Liz Leonardson, Southminster
Ruling Elder Kathryn Baker, Bethany, Ontario
Kingman Memorial wishes to become a community—nondenominational—church.
Presbytery voted to approve that, pending approval of Heidi Smith’s terms of
employment by First Presbyterian Church, Emmett, beginning February 15, 2015, she be
authorized to serve in that 1/4 time position as pastor and be appointed to serve as
moderator.
The moderator prayed for Marianne as she leaves Homedale and for the Kingman church,
its leadership, and the Administrative Commission.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION UPDATES
Marianne Paul reported on Boone: the matter is still in the courts, and is going to trial. It is
groundbreaking for Idaho. The Administrative Commission gave the Boone steering committee
authority to appoint a nominating committee and elect a Session.
Covenant: the Administrative Commission considers its work to be done. The
congregation’s “interior leadership” having left, the Administrative Commission has supported the
continuing congregation. The Administrative Commission to Covenant Presbyterian Church having
completed its task, Presbytery voted to dismiss the Administrative Commission with thanks.
NOMINATING
The Coordinating Committee nominated David Beck, HR, to the Nominating Committee,
class of 2017. There being no nominations from the floor, David Beck, HR, was elected to the
Nominating Committee, class of 2017.
The Nominating Committee nominated Marilyn Blair-Clausen, Ruling Elder, Bethany,
Ontario, to the Budget and Finance Committee, class of 2017. There being no nominations from
the floor, Marilyn Blair-Clausen, Ruling Elder, Bethany, Ontario, was elected to the Budget
and Finance Committee, class of 2017.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSIONS, continued
Tom Johnston reported that Trinity Presbyterian Church, Boise, is now officially closed.
Presbytery voted to dismiss the Administrative Commission to Trinity Presbyterian Church,
Boise, with thanks.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
Jackie Benjamin reported on the activities of Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery and its
leadership.
CAMP SAWTOOTH
Senita Watkins, camp co-manager, presented a video on the camp and reported on last year’s
activities and plans for next year. She distributed a box including the video and other goodies to
each congregation.
NEW BUSINESS
Presbytery voted to appoint a special committee to draft bylaws necessary to
implement the recommendations of the Vision Task Force, the nominating committee to
recommend three persons to serve on the committee, and the Coordinating Committee of
8
Presbytery authorized to appoint the Special Committee, which shall report its progress at
the May meeting of the Presbytery and shall propose bylaws to be adopted at the August
meeting of the Presbytery.
STATED CLERK
Ruth noted that in February and March she will work on bylaws and manual of operations,
to be presented at May meeting, when the Presbytery will initiate a search for an individual to fill the
position of Stated Clerk. The Synod of the Pacific Mission Personnel Committee must be
contacted, since the Presbytery is part of the Synod personnel system. Preliminary work will need to
be done by the end of the summer; she will work through the August meeting and retire September
1, 2015.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
Kathryn Baker reported on the Presbytery website. If pastors who blog want links on the
website to their blogs, they should notify her. There are links to GA vote counts on the site.
STATED CLERK, continued
Identification cards for Teaching Elders will be here next week.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, continued
Rick Irish reminded commissioners about available training for spiritual directors.
ADJOURNMENT
Presbytery voted to adjourn at 2:20 p.m. The moderator offered the closing prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Ruth Hicks, Stated Clerk
Judy Austin, Recording Clerk
APPENDIX I – Annual Reports of the Teaching Elders
VALIDATION OF TEACHING ELDERS
2015
SERVING CONGREGATIONS
Name
Salary
Housing
Effective
Salary**
67,275
Pension
Total
Allowances
10,323
Total: Eff. Sal. + Pen.
+ Allow.
102,153
Kukla
36,000
31,050
24,555
Carlson
Francis
26,275.18
16,000
46,775.18
15,146.31
12,900
68,371.49
Geisel
Glass
18,227.40
29,000
49,427.40
19,359.70
11,212.90
80,000
K Nieto
M Nieto
Paul
Wilson
PT 3,161
15,804
22,016
13,421.92
800
36,237.92
**Total Effective Salary may contain items not shown on the chart, e.g. reimbursements or 403b
VALIDATION OF TEACHING ELDERS
2015
SERVING SPECIALIZED MINISTRY
[Bold – have submitted reports]
9
Housing Allowance Request
19,500
Elizabeth Ryder
16,520
Green, Richard
Rogers, Phil
Thiry, JoAnn
14,400
Westfall, Nina
Alex Chamberlain
Goldthwaite, Ruth
Murphy, John
Smith, Mark
Thomas Lobaugh
16,000
7,000
APPENDIX II – Attendance
Teaching Elders
Pastor
Beck, David
Beck, Elizabeth
Binns, Jerry
Carlson, David
Chamberlain,
Alex
Dunn, Edward
Francis, Karen
Geisel, Marty
Glass, Marci
Goldthwaite,
Ruth
Grassley, Brian
Green, Richard
Hicks, Lee
Hicks, Ruth
Hindman, Gary
Irish, Rick
Jones, Wes
Keener, Ed
Kirk, Francis
Koah, Tim
Kukla, Andrew
Lobaugh, Tom
Marshall, Ralph
Matthew, John
McKay, Judy
Murphy, John
Nieto, Kelly
Nieto, Mike
Paul, Marianne
Payne, John
Pickrell, John
Rogers, Phil
Ryder, Elizabeth
Shrumm, Norm
Smith, Mark
Swanson, Bruce
Thiry, JoAnn
Van Nest, Bob
Westfall, Nina
Wilson, Daryl
Wood, Larry
February 7
X
X
X
X
EXC
X
EXC
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
EXC
X
X
X
EXC.
X
EXC
X
X
X
X
10
Ruling Elders
Church
Adrian (1)
Boise, Covenant (3)
Boise, First (3)
Boise, Southminster (3)
Emmett, First (1)
Homedale (1)
King Hill, King Hill Com. (1)
Nampa, First United (2)
Elder Commissioners
Ron Abbott
Phil Ruebel
Rick Smith
Mathew Eardley
Marilyn Fordham
Louise Nagel
Carolyn Blackhurst
Andrew Dahlke
Commissioned
Ruling Elders
Elders on
Coordinating
Committee
Julie Anderson
Carol Brunlinger
Randy Marshall
Evelyn Cates
Sharon Holford
Jacquelyn
Benjamin
Barry Fujishin
Ken Jones
Willard Kneidl
Sally Moore
Ontario, Bethany (1)
Owyhee, Owyhee (1)
Joya Hill
Parma, Kirkpatrick Memorial (2)
Tom Johnston
John Vinson
Joey Mills
Kathryn Baker
Jerry Hamby
Weiser, Ch. of the Redeemer (1)
REPORT OF THE COORDINATING COMMITTEE
FOR INFORMATION
1. The minutes of the April meeting as information:
PRESBYTERY OF BOISE
Coordinating Committee
April 13, 2015
First Presbyterian Church, Boise
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Barry Fujishin, chairman, who offered the
opening prayer.
Committee members present were Kathryn Baker, Jacquelyn Benjamin, Evelyn Cates, Alex
Chamberlain, Barry Fujishin, Brian Grassley, Ruth Hicks, Gary Hindman, Andrew Kukla, and
Liz Ryder. Also present was Judy Austin, recording clerk.
The Coordinating Committee voted to approve the agenda for the meeting.
The Coordinating Committee voted to approve the minutes of its meeting of January
19, 2015.
Stated Clerk
Ruth noted that a process needs to be determined for hiring a new Stated Clerk, since her
term expires at the end of August. The chair of the Personnel Committee, Ed Johnson, has not
been involved thus far; the other members of the committee are Gary Hindman, Lorie
Icenhower, Randy Marshall, and Marianne Paul. This process may best wait until after the
Presbytery consultation on May 13.
11
The new bylaws will be given a first reading (with time for questions but not for proposing
amendments) at the Presbytery meeting on May 2. The new manual of operations will be
presented and voted on at the August meeting.
Presbytery Consultation
Following discussion about who should attend, the Coordinating Committee voted to
call a special meeting of the Presbytery of Boise on Wednesday, May 13, from 1 to 9 p.m.
at Covenant Presbyterian Church, Boise, for the purpose of for the purpose of consulting
with the Synod of the Pacific Transitional Executive, Jane Odell, and the General
Assembly Mid-Council Staff, Sue Krummel, to help the Presbytery of Boise determine a
future staffing configuration. There will be a supper provided for a small charge, and all
interested parties are encouraged to attend.
Presbytery Meeting
The time of engagement at the May 2 Presbytery meeting will be a time of prayer.
Finance Committee
No report.
Personnel Committee
No report.
Administrative Commissions and Other Congregational Matters
The Boone Church court case awaits the filing of an appeal to the Idaho Supreme Court by
those who have left the denomination and clarification of some parts of his decision by the trial
judge.
The Adrian church is meeting Wednesday with Cliff Looney, a Vale attorney (and member
of the Ontario church) who has served on the GA Permanent Judicial Commission. It is likely
that the congregation will vote to dissolve; property issues will be worked out.
The Homedale church is doing well; Bruce Swanson is moderating its Session. Kathryn
Baker will post the church newsletter on the Presbytery website.
Committee on Ministry
Marianne Paul will be interim at Nampa, Bruce Swanson moderating at Homedale, and
Daryl Wilson moderating at Ontario.
Readers of ordination exams are Daryl Wilson and Carol Brunlinger, with alternates Ruth
Goldthwaite and Alex Chamberlain.
There will be a Presbytery work day at the Homedale church on Saturday, June 27.
Hilary Roethlisberger, Southminster, wishes to become an inquirer. She has had two years
of seminary, at Princeton, and then dropped out to start a family.
Heidi Smith will be examined at the May 2 meeting for membership in the Presbytery; she
has been called to the Emmett church as a temporary pastor.
Mission Committee
The committee is seeking another $50,000 in mission money this year. It plans a Presbyterywide mission project, moving from church to church as the base. Among plans are a Cam
Sawtooth picnic, work at the Presbyterian nursing home in Ontario and at Hope House and
Maple Tree House in Weiser.
Nominating Committee
No report.
12
Presbyterian Women
The Covenant and Christ (split from Covenant) PWs are holding a retreat at Nazareth
Retreat Center, led by Kelly Nieto; women from other churches are welcome. Eastern Oregon
and Boise Presbyteries are meeting jointly on September 26 to hear a participant in the PW
Global Exchange program. The fall gathering will be in Weiser; no date is yet set.
The Coordinating Committee voted to approve the agenda for the Presbytery
meeting.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m. with closing prayer by Brian Grassley.
Respectfully submitted,
Ruth Hicks, Stated Clerk
Judy Austin, Recording Clerk
2. NOTE: The Coordinating Committee voted to call a special meeting of the Presbytery of
Boise on Wednesday, May 13, from 1 to 9 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, Boise, for
the purpose of for the purpose of consulting with the Synod of the Pacific Transitional
Executive, Jane Odell, and the General Assembly Mid-Council Staff, Sue Krummel, to help
the Presbytery of Boise determine a future staffing configuration.
3. The bylaws are being presented for a “first reading.” Questions about process can be
entertained. Discussion and motions will take place at the August meeting. The task group
that presents the proposed bylaws based on the new Vision are: Ruth Hicks, Kathryn Baker,
Joey Mills and Brian Grassley.
VISION FOR THE PRESBYTERY OF BOISE
ADOPTED: FEBRUARY 8, 2014
1.
Mission Statement:
As Boise Presbytery we are a covenant community of congregations, ruling elders and teaching
elders joining together in mission offering mutual support, providing for worship and
sacraments, nurturing faithful disciples of Jesus Christ and connecting with the councils of the
Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. in solidarity with our ecumenical partners and with the interfaith
community.
2. Our Vision:
We envision a presbytery in which there is dedicated service of teaching and ruling elders, and
the full participation of congregations. We propose that we work together as a presbytery and as
committees to carry out the responsibilities of a presbytery described in the form of Government
G-3.03. We also propose that in addition to the mission projects of congregations, that the
presbytery develop mission projects that all congregations can support through personal
involvement and financial contributions.
3. Committee structure for the Presbytery of Boise:
Mission Strategy Committee (A representative from each congregation)
Long Range Planning
Supporting and connecting with the mission efforts of congregations
Development of Presbytery mission projects
Recommendations for establishing new worshiping communities
Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations
Representation
Young Adult, Youth ministry (including Triennium participation)
13
Leadership Development Committee
Education for Elders and Deacons
Planning for education of presbytery committees with committee chairs
Planning and coordination of times of engagement for presbytery meetings
Training specific ruling elders to administer the Lord’s Supper when committee on ministry
and mission strategy deem it necessary, (e.g. in congregations without pastors and for new
worshiping communities)
Promote and interpret Presbyterian resources.
Relate to the Shared Ministry Board
Relate to Camp Sawtooth Board
Committee on Ministry
Encourage, guide and resource congregations
Recommend appointments of moderators for congregations without pastors
Recommend reception or dismissal of teaching elders
Presbytery reference checks in pastoral searches
Recommend reception, merger or dismissal of congregations
Support, nurture and discipline of teaching elders and commissioned ruling elders
Validation of specialized ministries of teaching elders
Approval of sabbatical plans
Approval of education plans for candidates for commissioned ruling elder and review of
seminary education of candidates for teaching elder
Committee on Preparation for Ministry: Work with inquirers and candidates for teaching
elder and commissioned ruling elder.
Financial Management Committee
Presbytery budget
Mission budget (with mission strategy)
Financial planning and oversight
Mission interpretation and Stewardship
Personnel Committee
Nominating Committee
Permanent Judicial Commission
4. There is no Coordinating Committee. Committees will bring action items directly to the
presbytery by submitting them for the agenda to the Stated Clerk, who will prepare the agenda
and the call to the meeting.
5. Presbytery meetings will include worship, times of engagement, business meetings with consent
agendas, and times for committees to meet with each other for coordination, and separately for
education or business.
6. Staffing pattern:
Stated Clerk, 1/3 Time, with compensation similar to the current compensation to be worked
out by Personnel Committee.
Recording Secretary, $100.00 per meeting
Boise Presbytery shall hold a consultation on a “Sustainable Staffing Pattern” at a
regular or called meeting with guidance from the Transitional Synod Executive and the
Office of Mid-Council Relations.
7. At this time there will not be an executive presbyter. After the presbytery has developed a
mission strategy, it may be feasible to call an executive for mission.
14
DOUBLE STRIKE-THROUGH = DELETE
ITALICS = NEW WORDING/ADDITION/CHANGE
Bylaws 08/12 August 2015
PRESBYTERY OF BOISE BYLAWS
CHAPTER I
NAME, DEFINITION, and BOUNDS
1.10
The corporate name is “The Presbytery of Boise.”
1.20
The Presbytery of Boise is the ecclesiastical council affiliated with the Synod of the Pacific
and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A), having original jurisdiction
over all local churches and missions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A), within the bounds
described below.
1.30
The bounds of the Presbytery comprise the Counties of Owyhee, Canyon, Ada, Elmore,
Payette, Gem, Washington, Adams, Valley, and Boise in the State of Idaho; area surrounding
Adrian and Ontario in Malheur County in the State of Oregon; and that part of the County
of Elko in the State of Nevada that comprises the Duck Valley Reservation.
1.35
The relationship between the Presbytery and its churches is a collaborative relationship. The
Presbytery has oversight of the churches with regard to the churches’ conformity to the
Book of Order of the PCUSA. The Presbytery is also expected to serve the churches by
providing resources and skills that will enable the churches to better accomplish their
mission. The churches provide the financial support and the service of talented church
members.
1.40
The rules for governing bodies of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
so far as they apply to a Presbytery shall be the rules of the Presbytery of Boise. In addition
the following Bylaws shall govern the proceedings of the Presbytery.
1.50
The fiscal year of the Presbytery shall be the calendar year.
1.60
In matters not governed by these Bylaws the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A) and the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR) shall
govern the procedures of this Presbytery.
1.70
The executive body of the Presbytery is the Coordinating Committee.
1.80 1.70
There is a Permanent Judicial Commission as required by the Constitution of the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
CHAPTER X CHAPTER II
CIVIL CORPORATION
10.102.10There shall be a corporate body called The Presbytery of Boise, incorporated perpetually
under the laws of the State of Idaho, authorized to do business in the States of Oregon and
Nevada as a foreign corporation, and under these Bylaws, to include the ecclesiastical body
known as the Presbytery of Boise.
10.202.20There shall be a Board of Trustees (Board of Directors) of the Civil Corporation, which
shall consist of the following members of the Coordinating Committee. Presbytery: chairpersons of
the committees and Moderator of Presbyterian Women, the Stated Clerk, Moderator of the Presbytery, and
Vice Moderator of the Presbytery. All members of the Board of Trustees shall have voice and vote at meetings
of the Presbytery. The Stated Clerk of the Presbytery shall be the Secretary of the Civil
Corporation. The Treasurer of the Presbytery shall be the Treasurer of the Civil
Corporation. The President of the Civil Corporation shall be nominated by the Nominating
Committee of Presbytery and elected by the Corporation’s members for a three-year term at
an annual meeting of the Civil Corporation. The Vice-President of the Corporation shall be
the Moderator of the Coordinating Council.
10.302.30The meeting of the Civil Corporation shall be held annually at the conclusion of the fourth
Stated Meeting of the Presbytery.
10.402.40The Board of Trustees of the Civil Corporation shall meet on call.
10.502.50 In accordance with the Book of Order, G-4.0206a, the consent of Presbytery shall first be
obtained in changing the location of church buildings; or if congregations wish to rent,
encumber, or sell their real property.
15
CHAPTER II
THE COORDINATING COMMITTEE
2.10
The work of the Presbytery shall be under the oversight of an executive body named the
Coordinating Committee. Its responsibilities shall be to recommend and assist the
Presbytery in administering a strategic plan, including the development of plans for new
churches; the coordination of all agencies needed for the work of the Presbytery, and the
planning of the agenda of Presbytery meetings. The Coordinating Committee of the
Presbytery of Boise shall supervise and carry out such executive, promotional, and
administrative duties as are referred to it by the Presbytery, a part of which shall be carried
out through the Council Committees of Personnel and Budget and Finance.
2.20
The members of the Coordinating Committee shall be the Moderator of the Coordinating
Committee, the Stated Clerk, the Moderator of the Presbytery, Vice-Moderator of the
Presbytery, the chair of the Committee on Representation, the chair of the Presbytery
Program Committee, the chair of the Committee on Ministry, the chair of the Mission
Alliance Committee, the President of the Civil Corporation, the chair of the Budget and
Finance Committee, the chair of the Personnel Committee, the chair of the Nominating
Committee, the Moderator of Presbyterian Women, and a representative of the board of
Camp Sawtooth.
2.25
Presbytery membership shall be granted to any ruling elder who is a member of the
Coordinating Committee. Civil Corporation. Presbyterian membership to the Moderator of
the Presbyterian Women.
2.30
The Coordinating Committee shall serve as the Trustees of the Civil Corporation of the
Presbytery of Boise.
2.40
The Coordinating Committee shall nominate members of the Nominating Committee for
election by the Presbytery.
2.60
The Coordinating Committee may recommend to Presbytery the appointment of a recording
clerk, as a compensated position, to assist the Stated Clerk as specified by the Personnel
Committee.
2.70
The Coordinating Committee shall meet at least four times during the calendar year.
2.80
The Coordinating Committee shall encourage the establishment and maintenance of those
ecumenical relationships that will enlarge the life and mission of the church. Book of Order,
G-3.0301a.
CHAPTER IV CHAPTER III
OFFICERS OF PRESBYTERY
4.10 3.10
The officers of the Presbytery shall be, Coordinating Committee Moderator,
Moderator of the Presbytery, Vice-Moderator of the Presbytery, Stated Clerk, Treasurer, and
President of the Civil Corporation.
4.20 3.20
The Moderator of the Presbytery shall serve one calendar year following election,
and shall perform the duties assigned to that office according to the Book of Order G3.0104. The office shall be served alternately as nearly as possible by ruling elders and
teaching elders. The Moderator may appoint commissions of Presbytery.
4.30 3.30
The Vice-Moderator shall fulfill the duties of Moderator as delegated by the
Moderator. Should a vacancy occur in the office of the Moderator, the Vice-Moderator shall
succeed to the office for the duration of the term.
4.35 3.40
The Moderator and Vice-Moderator shall be nominated by the Nominating
Committee for approval by the Presbytery. The ordinary progression will be for the ViceModerator to serve as Vice-Moderator of the Presbytery, then Moderator, of the Presbytery.
then Moderator of Coordinating Committee.
4.40 3.40
The Stated Clerk, Treasurer, and President of the Civil Corporation shall serve
three-year terms.
4.50 3.50
The Stated Clerk shall be responsible for proper conduct of the office, according to
the Book of Order, G-3.0104. The Stated Clerk shall be responsible for parliamentary
procedures, and the interpretation of the Constitution of the PC (USA), for all
correspondence and records, and for the minutes of the Presbytery. at both Coordinating
Committee meetings and Presbytery meetings. The Stated Clerk shall examine the minutes
16
and record books of all churches in the Presbytery. The Stated Clerk shall be the Secretary
of the Civil Corporation. This officer shall receive compensation for services.
4.60 3.60
The Stated Clerk may appoint a person to serve as parliamentarian, subject to the
approval of the Presbytery.
4.70 3.70
The Treasurer shall receive all Presbytery funds and disburse them at the direction
of the Presbytery. Treasurer shall forward the proper apportionments to the General
Assembly and the Synod of the Pacific. The Treasurer shall prepare and submit a financial
statement concerning the financial condition of the Presbytery at each stated meeting and an
annual financial statement at the first stated meeting of the calendar year.
4.80 3.80
The President of the Civil Corporation of the Presbytery of Boise (Bylaws Chapter
IX) should be one who is familiar with civil law.
CHAPTER III CHAPTER IV
THE TASK GROUPS
3.10 4.10
The services of the Presbytery may be provided by committees or task groups under
the oversight of the Presbytery. of the Coordinating Committee. A task group is a team of
volunteers undertaking the task of providing a service for the Presbytery. Throughout its
existence the work of a task group is subject to review by the Coordinating Committee. the
Presbytery. When the task is accomplished the task group disbands.
CHAPTER V CHAPTER V
MEETINGS
5.10
Four Stated meetings of the Presbytery shall be held each year. The meeting dates for the
coming year shall be announced by the Coordinating Committee Stated Clerk at the last
Stated Meeting of the year.
5.20
The handbook and docket shall be determined and arranged by the Coordinating Committee
the Stated Clerk and announced by the Stated Clerk at least ten days before the date of the
meetings.
5.30
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper may be celebrated at each meeting, and shall be
celebrated at the first stated meeting of the calendar year.
5.50
Committees, the Coordinating Committee, and commissions of Presbytery shall submit
reports of their activities and request for actions to the Stated Clerk to be sent with the call
and proposed docket of the Presbytery meetings.
5.60
Non-Budget Items: Any proposal for expenditure of money not previously budgeted shall be
referred to the Coordinating Committee. Financial Management Committee and reported to the
Presbytery.
5.61 5.70
The Moderator shall call a special meeting at the request, or with the concurrence,
of two teaching elders and two ruling elders, the ruling elders being of different churches, or
at the determination of the Coordinating Committee. Should the Moderator be unable to
act, the Stated Clerk shall, under the same conditions, issue the call. If both Moderator and
Stated Clerk are unable to act, any three teaching elders and three ruling elders, the ruling
elders being of different churches, may call a special meeting. Notice of the special meeting
shall be sent not less than ten days in advance to each minister and to the session of every
church. The notice shall set out the purpose of the meeting, and no other business than that
listed in the notice shall be transacted.
5.62 5.80
A quorum of the Presbytery shall be any three teaching elder minister members
(teaching elders) and three ruling elder elder (ruling elder) members, commissioners provided that
at least three churches are represented by the ruling elders.
CHAPTER VI
COMMITTEES OF PRESBYTERY
6.10
Committees of Presbytery
1. Committee on Ministry, which includes the Committee on Preparation for Ministry,
shall be a minimum of six members, consisting of an equal number of ruling and
teaching elders.
2. Committee on Representation – A minimum of two members.
17
3. Nominating Committee – A minimum of three members, nominated by the
Coordinating Committee and elected by the Presbytery.
4. Mission Alliance Committee – A minimum of six members with the opportunity of any
designated member of a congregation to attend the meetings without vote.
5. Presbytery Program Committee – A minimum of six members.
6. Budget and Finance Committee – A minimum of five members to include the
chairperson of the Personnel and Mission Alliance Committees. Chairperson of this
committee may serve as treasurer of the Presbytery.
7. Personnel Committee – A minimum of three members.
The following committee structure is from the approved Vision. Minimums have been
transferred where appropriate from the previous structure.
1. M ission Strategy Committee – A minimum of six members and a representative from each
congregation
Long Range Planning
Supporting and connecting with the mission efforts of congregations
Development of Presbytery mission projects
Recommendations for establishing new worshiping communities
Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations
Representation
Young Adult, Youth ministry (including Triennium participation)
2. Leadership Development Committee – A minimum of six members
Education for Elders and Deacons
Planning for education of Presbytery committees with committee chairs
Planning and coordination of times of engagement for Presbytery meetings
Training specific ruling elders to administer the Lord’s Supper when committee on ministry and
mission strategy deem it necessary, (e.g. in congregations without pastors and for new worshiping
communities)
Promote and interpret Presbyterian resources.
Relate to the Shared Ministry Board
Relate to Camp Sawtooth Board
8. Committee on Ministry - shall be a minimum of six members, consisting of an equal number of
ruling and teaching elders.
Encourage, guide and resource congregations
Recommend appointments of moderators for congregations without pastors
Recommend reception or dismissal of teaching elders
Presbytery reference checks in pastoral searches
Recommend reception, merger or dismissal of congregations
Support, nurture and discipline of teaching elders and commissioned ruling elders
Validation of specialized ministries of teaching elders
Approval of sabbatical plans
Approval of education plans for candidates for commissioned ruling elder and review of seminary
education of candidates for teaching elder
Committee on Preparation for Ministry: Work with inquirers and candidates for teaching elder
and commissioned ruling elder.
3. Financial M anagement Committee – A minimum of five members
Presbytery budget
Mission budget (with mission strategy)
Financial planning and oversight
Mission interpretation and Stewardship
Personnel Committee
4. Nominating Committee – A minimum of 3 members, nominated by the Board of
Trustees and elected by the Presbytery
18
5. Permanent Judicial Commission – Membership per Book of Order
6.20
6.30
6.40
6.50
6.60
6.70
Committee members and chairpersons shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee
and elected by the Presbytery.
Committee members shall be elected in classes for three-year terms. Committee members
are eligible for re-election to a second term. A committee member shall not serve
consecutive terms of more than six years.
Committees shall consist of laypersons and ministers with at least one half the members
being laypersons. ,following the Book of Order, G-3.0109 prescription for balance and representation.
Committees shall be responsible for submitting their budget requests for the coming year to
the
Budget and Finance Committee of the Coordinating Council Financial Coordinating Committee
prior to the third Stated Meeting of the Presbytery.
Committees shall report annually to the Nominating Committee their needs and
recommendations for the new class to be nominated.
There shall be a joint annual meeting of the Nominating Committee and the Committee on
Representation.
CHAPTER VII CHAPTER V II
PERMANENT JUDICIAL COMMISSION
7.10
There shall be a permanent Judicial Commission composed of a minimum of seven persons
in accordance with all the provisions of the Book of Order D-5.0100.
7.20
Duties and all other characteristics of the Permanent Judicial Commission shall be those
described in the Book of Order, D-5.0202.
7.30
Members of the Permanent Judicial Commission shall be elected in classes for six-year
terms.
7.40
The Permanent Judicial Commission shall meet at least once a year for purposes of
organization.
CHAPTER VIII
COMMISSIONERS TO GOVERNING BODIES
8.10
General Assembly (8.11-8.14)
8.11
Commissioners and alternates to the General Assembly shall be elected at the direction of the
General Assembly fourth Stated Meeting of the Presbytery the year prior to the General
Assembly meeting.
8.12
The Teaching Elder Commissioners and the alternate shall be nominated by the Nominating
Committee from among those ministers who are members of the Presbytery, provided those
persons have attended the majority of the stated meetings of the Presbytery during the
preceding 12 months. The list shall not include inactive ministers. They shall ordinarily, but
not necessarily, be those who have rendered the longest service since their last attendance as
General Assembly commissioner.
8.13
The Ruling Elder Commissioner and the alternate shall be nominated to the Presbytery by
the Nominating Committee. Those nominated shall be ruling elders who have attended
Presbytery and are familiar with the issues of the church.
8.14
The Young Adult Advisory Delegate and the alternate shall be nominated by the
Nominating Committee and elected by the Presbytery. The youth delegate shall be between
18 and 22 years of age.
8.20
Synod (8.21-8.22)
8.21
Commissioners to Synod and alternates shall be nominated to the Presbytery by the
Nominating Committee and elected in classes at the fourth Stated Meeting of the Presbytery,
in compliance with the standing Rules of the Synod of the Pacific.
8.22
In electing Synod Commissioners the procedures for the election of General Assembly
Commissioners shall be followed.
8.30
Presbytery (8.31)
8.31
Commissioned Ruling Elders shall have the right to voice and vote at Presbytery meetings.
19
CHAPTER IX
INTER-PRESBYTERY AGENCIES
9.10
Camp Sawtooth Board of Directors (9.21-9.23 9.11 – 9.13)
9.11
Boise Presbytery shall be represented on the Board of Directors responsible for maintaining
the program and facilities of the Camp Sawtooth.
9.12
The Nominating Committee shall nominate and the Presbytery shall elect annually at the
fourth Stated Meeting two persons to serve on the Camp Sawtooth Board for three-year
terms.
9.13
Presbytery representatives to the Camp Sawtooth Board shall be responsible for reporting
annually to the Presbytery. Reports shall include a complete statement of programs, finances,
and future plans.
9.14
Shared Ministry Board (9.15 – 9.17)
9.15
Boise Presbytery shall be represented on the Shared Ministry Board that is responsible for
the cooperative venture of the Presbyteries of Boise and Eastern Oregon in lay leadership
training and education. Each person will serve on the Shared Ministry Board for a three-year
term. Board members are eligible for re-election to a second term. A Board member shall
not serve consecutive terms of more than six years.
9.16
The Shared Ministry Board shall have oversight of the Paul Kessell Resource Center.
9.17
Presbytery representatives to the Shared Ministry Board shall be responsible for reporting
annually to the Presbytery. Reports shall include a complete statement of programs, finances
and future plans.
CHAPTER XI CHAPTER X
AMENDMENTS
11.1010.10These Bylaws shall supersede and invalidate all former Bylaws of this Presbytery.
11.2010.20These Bylaws shall be amended by the following process:
1. Written notice of the proposed change shall be sent with the call to a stated meeting
where it shall be presented, but not debated.
2. Vote on the change shall take place at the following stated meeting.
3. A two-thirds majority shall be required for adoption.
REPORT OF THE MODERATOR OF THE PRESBYTERY
REPORT OF THE STATED CLERK
To be entered into the minutes:
The annual reading of the minutes of the session took place on April 11, 2015. The
following churches are out of compliance: Homedale First, Owyhee, and Church of the
Redeemer. The following churches were accepted without exception: Boise First,
Southminster, Adrian, Emmett First, King Hill, Nampa, Bethany, Kirkpatrick Memorial and
Covenant. Boone Memorial does not have minutes – the AC keeps their minutes of
meetings.
REPORT OF THE BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
The report will be handed out at the presbytery meeting.
REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY/COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR
MINISTRY
FOR INFORMATION:
1. COM approved the interim contract and interim call of the Rev. Marianne Paul to the Nampa
church, effective May 1, 2015.
2. Daryl Wilson is moderating the session of Bethany church and Bruce Swanson is moderating the
session of the Homedale church.
20
3. An exit interview was conducted with the Rev. Karen Francis as she moves from Bethany to a
chaplain position with St. Luke’s.
4. COM approved the Cooperative Exam Readers for 2015: TE Daryl Wilson, RE Carol Brunlinger,
Alternates Ruth Goldthwaite and Alex Chamberlain.
5. The COM is developing new processes for the yearly evaluation of Commissioned Ruling Elders and
the Validation of teaching elders not serving congregations.
6. Homedale is asking the presbytery to come to a Work Day the last Saturday in June. Information will
be sent to the churches, pastors, and clerks of session.
FOR RECOMMENDATION:
1.
Examine the Rev. Heidi Smith, Kendall Presbytery, for membership.
Heidi Smith
Statement of Faith
I believe in One God, revealed in Three Persons wholly indwelling in one another. His triune nature
reminds us we are created to be in community.
I believe God the Father is the Creator of all things; creation is ongoing and more complex than we can
comprehend. Like Paul and Calvin, I believe God reveals His power through creation; having seen
creation we have no excuse for unbelief.
I believe Jesus the Son came to more clearly reveal God. In His humanity He occupied a time and space
in history; through His divinity He was God since before the beginning of time and will be God forever.
I believe in His Resurrection; the end of earthly life is not the end of life as God knows it. There remains
mystery in death, but I am confident God is present on the other side of it.
I believe in the Holy Spirit as God present with, within and around us. The Spirit speaks and reveals all
truth but it is up to us to listen. I believe we are called into personal relationship with God, mediated by
the Spirit. I believe we cannot fully understand God in this life, but the imperfection in understanding is
due to our limitations; God has no limitations.
I believe Scripture is authoritative and contains the basis for our relationship with God; still, the “great
cloud of witnesses” both before and after Christ’s incarnation provides valuable illumination about God's
nature and will. I stand with Calvin in believing that reading, hearing and preaching of the Word are
essential and that the two sacraments instituted by Christ—baptism and the Lord's Supper—are means of
grace supplemental to the Word.
I believe humanity is imperfect; we require God’s grace to be in relationship with Him, with others and
with our world.
I believe evil results from turning our backs on God. Despite our brokenness, we are justified once and
for all by grace through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross, but our sanctification is a process, not a
single event. We will not achieve perfection in this life. We will err, but in our striving, prompted by
grace, we become closer to God.
I believe in the church as a family of believers called into community, ordained by God, to minister and
witness to the world.
I believe forgiveness is essential to relationships between people; it only happens when God is a part of it,
and it occurs when we take ownership in our transgressions. The ultimate forgiveness was Christ’s death
on a cross.
I value experience and reason; God would not have given us minds without expecting us to use them,
just as He expects us to use all our gifts. Knowledge does not conflict with wisdom or faith. Scientific
frontiers are experiences in faith; if we had to see before we could believe, we would not look for cures
21
for disease, new technologies, or expand our horizons. It is because we believe that we continue to
seek—reaching out for knowledge is an extension of reaching out to God, who we cannot see but whose
presence surrounds us and sustains us like the air we breathe.
2. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry recommends Hillary Roethlisberger as an Inquirer
for ministry. Hillary is a member of Southminster church.
REPORTS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSIONS
REPORT OF THE PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery of Boise—May 2, 2015
The 2015 PWP Spring Gathering was at Southminster on March 14, 2015. Forty women attended from eight
churches in our Presbytery. We were introduced to Artisans For Hope by presenter Hildy Ayer, who told
us, “This is a place where refugees connect, learn, create and earn.” It is a community-based, volunteerdriven nonprofit organization in Boise, with the goal of helping incoming refugees develop the skill base,
language acquisition, and confidence to successfully integrate into their new community. All this is
accomplished by building on the traditional fiber-related handcraft skills and interests and stories of the
refugees. More information at www.artisansforhope.org.
The Spring 2015 edition of “Spirit Weaving,” the newsletter of PW of the Presbytery of Boise, has been
published and is available on the Presbytery website.
Covenant Presbyterian Women are sponsoring a Women’s Mini-Retreat on Saturday, May 16, 2015, from 9
a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Nazareth Retreat Center, 4450 N. Five Mile Road, Boise. Girls and women 14 years and
older are invited. Retreat fee is $35.00, to be paid by April 26th. Questions may be directed to Joni Kelley
(297-5600) or Dottie Barrons (378-1290).
Twelve women from Presbytery of Boise are attending the Churchwide Gathering in Minneapolis June 18-21:
one from Emmett, Nampa and Parma, with four from Southminster and five from Ontario, including two
mother/daughter teams. The 2015 PW Churchwide Gathering theme is “One Body, One Spirit.” The
Gathering will take place June 18-21 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The cost will be: Registration @ $395; 3
nights at the Hyatt @ $169 plus tax ($507+); and airfare. Carol Collins of the Kirkpatrick Memorial
Community Church in Parma is the recipient of PW scholarship funds to attend the Gathering. It isn’t too
late to register. Registration booklets are available online, and you can also register online at:
http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/pwgathering.
On September 26th there will be a PW Global Exchange to the Caribbean presentation by Linda Lee in Baker
City. We will get to know the women from Eastern Oregon Presbytery who will also attend. It is hoped
that a busload of women will attend from the Boise Presbytery!
The 2015 Fall Gathering will take place October 10th and will be hosted by the women of Church of the
Redeemer in Weiser.
Submitted by Jacquelyn Benjamin, Moderator of PW in the Presbytery of Boise
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
SHARING OF CELEBRATIONS/UPCOMING EVENTS FROM OUR CONGREGATIONS
ADJOURN WITH PRAYER FOR LUNCH
22