Unofficial Notes from the January 2006 Presbytery Meeting

 

The omnibus motion passed which dealt with property transactions for Latta Memorial, New London, First Lancaster, and First Strasburg.  It also continued our Synod Peacemaking Network.

 

Rev. Dr. Robert Burns and Elder Donna Webb will be our GA commissioners.

Rev. Dr. Bill Netting will be our Synod commissioner.  Mr. Ken Smith added to COM.

Still looking for a Vice Moderator – Elder from Lancaster county.

 

Worship led by Rev. Christine Blackford and the Wrightsville choir.  Communion served

Rev. Dr. Dick Streeter was installed as our Presbytery Moderator.  He quoted Ephesians 4:31 – 32 as a guiding scripture. “… be kind and compassionate to one another…..”

 

Rev. Roger Uittenbogaard highlighted importance of “Growing Faith Growing Churches”

He and Charlie thanked the outgoing servants for their ministry among us.  He also highlighted the incredible list of accomplishments in 2005 that will continue in 2006.

 

Rev. Charlie Gross told the story of God answering prayer for Paul Risk to the tune of $500,000 for work in Mississippi!  Work trips will be planned.  Call 717.392.4035.

Leadership Training – Mar 5th at Central Downingtown, Mar 12th Highland 2pm – 5pm, to register, send name, address, church, phone, email, church, Deacon, Elder or Clerk to: registration@donegalpby.com

Check out Resources, Personnel on www.donegalpby.com !!  Your connection for help!

 

Rev. Dr. Bill Netting asked for the on-line Clerks report to be done by Feb 22nd!  He also said that the Nottingham Commission needs a couple of Elders.  Call Rev. Bill Kelly at Upper Octorara. 610.857.5787

 

Rev. Stephen Gutridge asked for 3 members at large for the Associate Exec search.

 

Elder Andy Blackwood (ablackwood@axs2000.net) urges all churches to be up-to-date on replacement costs.  Possible source is: Mutual Inspection Bureau of Harrisburg at: 800.227.0232.  When you are considering buying land, email Andy for assistance.

 

Rev. Dr. Bill Brown asked us to look for possible Self Development of People opportunities.  Let’s raise the bar for everyone.  Bill Brown:  717.397.1253

 

Super Duper Camp Donegal Publicity kits were given out!  Everything needed to promote this life-changing experience.  Amy Wade amywade@unidial.com

Survivor 2006 – Diversity Camp is set for July 9 – 14!  Send kids and $$$$$

 

Patty Stoltzfus – ready to receive a call, Wade Pond – continue as inquirer

Shannon Bair passed her examination for ordination!  Ordination/Installation set for March 4th at 11:00am at Highland! Congrats! Gave “A Devotional Affirmation of Faith”

 

Peacemaking highlighted the Anti-racism Leadership Training May 19-21 at Lincoln Univ.  Contact Jane Deford revlattamemorial@epix.net or Leah Johnson leah@bee.net  Also, we were accepted for the Steps Toward Peace trip. Please pray for our journey!

Justice: Barbara Warren presented. The Restoring Creation Enabler position was approved and she was approved to fill the volunteer position.

Hunger - Established our National Presbytery-wide Mission Project as Hurricane Katrina Relief in Gulfport, MS. Remember to ramp up for your Souper Bowl offerings!

 

Vitalization highlighted the Synod Transformation Workshop for church teams!  Held at Best Western in Hazelton, PA April 26 – 29.  Pastor only on 26-27, joined by elders on 28-29.  Space limited!  Nan Best 717.741.4322 or nanbb@suscom.net right away!

Saw video clip of what God’s Spirit is doing at Columbia Presbyterian Church!  To help in this vital ministry, contact Rev. David Powers – 717.515.2293

New Church Development – La Iglesia highlights.  Harvest Community morphing into a new worship community with Westminster West Chester.

 

Mission Beyond Presbytery – caught the huge energy and excitement of the recent Mthatha (South Africa) trip and needs.  To hear and see more of this, contact:

Rick Schmidt – 717.880.6436 or Frederick_Schmidt@yahoo.com

Larry Moir – 717.354.5573 or moircedargrove@onemain.com

Barbara Moir – 717.354.5311

Denise Chandler – 610.932.5726

Sarah Carter – 610.932.3547 or charise47@hotmail.com

Aaron Guman – 610.696.5435 or furious656@comcast.net

We approved the new covenant partnership with The Presbytery of Mthatha.  We are urged to form congregation to congregation partnerships.

World Mission Initiative hosting “The Uniqueness of Jesus and Mission” Mar 24-25 in Pittsburgh.  More – jimloiscaldwell@aol.com or 610.269.8515

Marcia Towers – our co-worker from Highland will be here April 17 – 23.  she can be reached at: marciajt@yahoo.com Contact her for speaking engagements!

 

We passed Admin’s recommendation to adopt IRS charity mileage rate of 14 cents/mile.  This is for Presbytery committee work.  It does not change the pastor’s mileage rate of 44.5 cents/mile (business mileage rate)

 

Committees, Departments, Divisions are urged to set goals and objectives and report progress to Council. 

 

Rev. Dr. John Potter will serve as Interim at Oxford.

Rev. Dr. Dick Streeter will moderate and help out Fairview Presbyterian.

Rev. David Clark is called to Union Presbyterian starting Mar 13th.

We passed the new Sabbatical Leave policy.  Pastors must serve at least one year upon returning from a sabbatical.

 

Evening meals at Presbytery will now cost $6.  Stated Clerk will now publish a list of points accumulated by elders for GA Commission purposes.