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Stated Meeting Minutes May 08, 2018

PRESBYTERY OF THE TWIN CITIES AREA ANNUAL STATED MEETING

MAY 08, 2018 WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

Moderator T.J. Parlette called the meeting to order with the Call to Worship and opening prayer. Call to Worship Ps. 19: 1-4, 14 Look at the heavens!

They are shouting the glory of God. The days and the nights declare the magnificence of God’s creative works.

Their voice goes through all the earth and their words reach the ends of the world. Let our words of praise be acceptable to you. Our Lord, our rock, our redeemer! Invitation to Reconciliation

Let us use our voices to declare those things we have said and done that have separated us from God, and from each other, that we may experience God’s mercy and receive God’s forgiveness.

Unison Prayer of Confession Jer. 23: 25-29

You have called us, O God, and we have refused to listen; you have stretched out your hand and we have not taken it. We have taken what you have given us and used those gifts to hurt others and defy you. We have refused to be tamed by your wisdom. Forgive our inability to recognize you and live out the reality of your gospel. Give us the insight we need to understand your place in our lives so that our words and actions reflect the glory of God in the lives of others. In the name of the Messiah we pray. Amen.

Words of Life Ps. 19: 7-8

The law of the Lord is perfect, and it revives the soul; The decrees of the Lord are sure and make wise the simple;

The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: The commandment of the Lord is clear, and it enlightens the eyes.

Hear the good news! In Jesus Christ, the living Word, we are forgiven. Live in peace! Amen. Opening Prayer T.J. Parlette

* * *


The roll was formed by the stated clerk from registration forms; the Moderator declared a quorum as three teaching elders (TE) and three ruling elders (RE) from three different churches were present.

PRESBYTERY ROLL TEACHING ELDERS

Gilo Agwa

Larry Alderink (HR)

X Brenda K. Alexander (HR)

X Bebe L. Baldwin (HR)

James S. Barge (HR)

Frederick J. Beebe (HR)

Joan B. Beebe (HR)

Louise L. Bender

David Berge

Lindsay Louise Biddle

Sarah Bigwood

X Adam Blons

X Brennan Blue

X Greg Bolt

X Heidi Bolt

X Dixie Brachlow (HR)

James B. Brasel (HR)

Robert Brightman (HR)

Sarah D. Brouwer

David R. Bruneau (HR)

Alison Bucklin (HR)

X Donna Buell (HR)

X Richard D. Buller

John W. Butt (HR)

John R. Buzza (HR)

Kenneth B. Byerly (HR)

April M. Davis Campbell

Paul E. Capetz

Dana Caraway

Julia A. Carlson

J. Scott Cartwright

X William R. Chadwick

Dwight Chamberlain (HR)

Haeyeon Chang

Carl A. Christensen (HR)

Julia O. Christensen

Brent B. Coffin (HR)

X David D Colby

Coqui Conkey

James Cook (HR)

Calvin L. Cooper (HR)

Adam Copeland

Neil Craigan

Donald E. Crannell (HR)

X Karin Craven

Anita M. Cummings (HR)

X John H. G. Curtiss

Robert T. Cuthill (HR)

Gregory Dana (HR)

Richard A. Davis (HR)

X William Davnie (HR)

X Deborah S. DeMeester

Calvin W. Didier (HR)

X Denise Dunbar-Perkins (HR)

X Colin Elliott

X Brian Entz

Bruce D. Ervin

Katherine V. Estes

Roger Ezell (HR)

Anne Fisher

Rebecca Fletcher

X Jeff Foels

Corinne Freedman-Ellis

Herbert Frey (HR)

X Meghan K. Gage-Finn

Alika P. Galloway

Jon W. Galloway (HR)

Ralph E. Galloway

John Gay

X Julie GebbenGreen

Philip GebbenGreen

Don Genereux (HR)

John W. Goertz

Jonathan B. Good

Peggy B. Good

Kimberly A. Goodman

Conrad B. Goodwin (HR)

Diane Goulson


Roger Graf

Sandra S. Gray (HR)

Jean E. Greenwood

O. Carl Grosse

Sheila C. Gustafson (HR)

Robert W. Hamilton

Gary L. Hanson (HR)

F. Nile Harper (HR)

X Elizabeth Hart-Andersen

X Timothy D. Hart-Andersen

Katie (Whipple) Hatlevig

LeRoy Haynes (HR)

Holly Hearon

Joshua D. Heikkila

Sara B. Hein

Elizabeth D. Heller (HR)

Leta J. Herrington

Wayne A. Herstad (HR)

Larry L. Hickle (HR)

Kristine M. Holmgren (HR)

David H. Hopper (HR)

X Cader Howard

Robert K. Hudnut (HR)

X Dayton D. Hultgren (HR)

R. Alan James (HR)

X Jeffrey Japinga

Vaughn R. Jefferson, Jr.

Bernard E. Johnson (HR)

Lisa Johnson

Paul M. Johnson

Kate Johnston

X Kirk Johnston

Chad Jones

Michael Ngeru Kamau

Nancy Kapp (HR)

X Barbara Anne Keely

X Anna Kendig

X Karen Kennerly (HR)

John Kerr

Deborah E. Kielsmeier

Jin S. Kim

Joo Kim

X Judith A. Kim (HR)

Douglas W. King (HR)

Kim Smith King

C. Richard Knowles (HR)

Robert A. Koenig (HR)

Mary Koon

Amy E. Kosari

Newell D. Krogmann (HR)

Raymond B. Kruger (HR)

Laurene Lafontaine

X Judith Landt (HR)

Katherine Lankford

Lisa Larges

X Karen Larson

X Scott Larson

Theresa Latini

Grace Lee

John Lee

X Jong Hyeong Lee

Mark Lee

Mary J. Leisman (HR)

Susan Li

Harry J. Lichy, Jr. (HR)

X David M. Liddle (HR)

JoonHyuk Lim

Tammy Lindahl

John T. Lindquist (HR)

Eun-hyey Park Lok

Robert G. Long (HR)

X Robert E. Lucas (HR)

Robert Lundberg

Richard A. Lundy (HR)

Charles (Rick) MacArthur (HR)

John M. MacFarlane (HR)

X Brittany MacMillan

David M. Maghakian

Harry H. Maghakian (HR)

Max R. Maguire (HR)

X Julie A. Mall

Elisabeth Jane Marlow

L. Edwin Martin (HR)

Paul E. Martin (HR)

Susan J. Marvin

Richard P. Massaro (HR)

X Margaret M. McCray

Harry Kenneth McCullen (HR)

Andrew McDonald

Joan I. McKenzie (HR)


Linda M. Mell (HR)

Katherine S. Michael (HR)

Jennifer Miles-Allen

X W. Douglas Mitchell (HR)

Beverly Modlin

X Paul H. Moore

Stephen M. Muhia

David Mwihia

Kook Jin Nam (HR)

Charles H. Nelson (HR)

John W. Nelson

Julie E. Neraas

Margaret G. Newswanger

Richard Newswanger

Katherine O’Brien Soltau

X Michael E. Olmsted

Anneleise Opitz (HR)

Eugene H. Orr (HR)

X Michael Orsted (HR)

Kayton R. Palmer (HR)

Steve Pannkuk

Benjamin Park

Sung Chul Park (HR)

X David Parker

X Thomas J. Parlette

Clint Patterson (HR)

Donald D. Patterson (HR)

David Peters (HR)

Mary N. Pol (HR)

Glenn E. Polzine (HR)

Douglas R. Potter (HR)

Risley Prakasim

Gwin Pratt (HR)

Elizabeth J. Raitt (HR)

X Cynthia L. Ray

Judith S. Ray (HR)

X Carol L. Reed

Megan Smith Remtema

Kenneth J. Ribe (HR)

Steven Rice

Tammy J. Rider

X Roger J. Ring (HR)

Gregory H. Ritter (HR)

X Gale W. Robb (HR)

Teresa Roberts

X Stephen Robertson

Theresa M. Roos (HR)

X Kara Root

Luke Roske-Metcalfe

Anthony Jermaine Ross Allam

Dan Rotach

X Jay P. Rowland

H. Lyle Rozeboom (HR)

Jay C. Rusthoven (HR)

X Paula Sanders

Jack B. Schaffer (HR)

X Jamie Lynn Schultz

X Dean J. Seal

John B. Severson (HR)

Carol Shaffer

James D. Shannon (HR)

Janet B. Shannon (HR)

David S. Shields (HR)

X David Shinn

John H. Sinclair (HR)

Gene Sipprell

Matthew Skinner

Howard W. Smith (HR)

X Kathryn C. Smith

X M. Joy Smith

Robert Smith

Rob Spahr

David J. Stark

Gordon C. Stewart (HR)

X H. David Stewart

Vanessa Syvertsen

Charles A. Talcott (HR)

H. Allan Talley (HR)

X Jack M. Terry (HR)

X Margaret J. Thomas (HR)

Byron T. Thompson (HR)

L. Douglas Throckmorton (HR)

Gary Titusdahl

Kellie Tracz

Julie Tweit (HR)

X Alanna Simone Tyler

Umo Udo

David Van Dyke

Jacob Van Pernis

X Frank Vardeman (HR)


X Heidi Vardeman (HR)

Daniel Vigilante

X Douglas Walters

H. G. Wardlaw, Jr. (HR)

Lisa A. P. Watson

Thomas K. Watson

Marilyn (Casey) Wells (HR)

John F. Westfall (HR)

Susan E. Whiteman (HR)

David L. Williamson (HR)

X Zachary O. Wilson

Aron W. Wilterding (HR)

Peter T. Wyckoff (HR)

X William C. Yeager (HR)

X Dan Yeazel

Medhat Yoakiem

Byung Chun Yoo (HR)

James York

COMM. LAY PASTORS

Ken Highley

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RULING ELDERS 3 Apple Valley, Spirit of Life 3 Austin, Westminster 3 Baldwin, First Steve Hull, Bill Hawley 2 Belle Plaine, First 2 Blaine, Chain of Lakes Val Owens, Noel Lutsey 4 Bloomington, Oak Grove Unreadable 3 Brooklyn Center, Korean 3 Buffalo, Buffalo Michael Quady 3 Burnsville, Church Apostles 3 Chaska, Shepherd of the Hill Daniel Ress 3 Claremont, First Shelby Winslow, Elaine Hodgman 3 Columbia Hgts, CAN 3 Coon Rapids, Church/Master Doug Burch, Laurie Allen 3 Eden Prairie, Eden Prairie 2 Ellsworth, First 3 Golden Valley, Valley Com Tim Grosshuesch, Linda Todd 2 Hager City, Laurel 3 Hastings, First 3 Hayfield, First 3 Howard Lake, First 3 Hudson, First 3 Kasson, First 3 LeRoy, First 3 LeSueur, LeSueur Eileen Wells 3 Long Lake, Calvin Belinda Breit 3 Maple Plain, First Carol Anderson Minneapolis: 3 Aldrich Avenue 3 Andrew-Riverside MJ Voytek 3 Bryn Mawr Betsy Kerr 2 Grace-Trinity Eugene Allen, Jane Mayer 3 Knox 3 Lake Nokomis Susan Goodspeed, Norm Petrik 3 Liberty Community 9 Westminster Eric Adams, Ed Cunnington, Michael Lindh, Ann Olson 3 North St. Paul, North 2 Oronoco, Oronoco 3 Owatonna, Associated Jerry Ganfield, Ted Bowcock 3 Pine City, First 3 Plainview, Community 3 Plymouth, Plymouth Suzy Robertson 3 Red Wing, First Kay Strobel 3 Rochester, Community 4 Rochester, First Jan Hubbell 3 Rockford, United


3 Roseville, New Life 2 Roseville, Kenya Fellowship 3 St. Croix Falls, First 3 St. Louis Park, Peace St. Paul: 3 Central Al Zdrazil 3 Cherokee Park United Tomie Evans, Jill Jackson, Michael Bates 3 Dayton Avenue 3 Edgcumbe 3 Macalester Plymouth Dwight Colby, Nancy Colby, Rob Ramer 3 Randolph Heights 6 The House of Hope Kathryn Breitbarth 3 Shakopee, First 3 Shoreview, Church/Way Paul Mertz 3 South St. Paul, First Rochelle LeTourneau 3 Stillwater, First Marianne Tyrrell, James Unita, John Kirschhoffer 3 Wayzata, St. Luke Todd Pointer, Jean Worrell, Gwin Hale 3 White Bear Lake, First 3 Woodbury, Trinity Martin Danielson RULING ELDER MEMBERS OF PRESBYTERY Barbara Lutter, COTW, Shoreview Suann Nichols, Westminster, Minneapolis Manley Olson, Westminster, Minneapolis Walter Rockenstein, Westminster, Minneapolis Sue Rutford, First, Stillwater Peter Soulen, Westminster, Minneapolis RULING ELDER OBSERVERS Betty Folliard, House of Hope, St. Paul John Kirschoffer, North, North St. Paul Sally Narr, Chain of Lakes, Blaine Frank Uvodich, Oak Grove, Bloomington CANDIDATES/INQUIRERS Kelley Jepsen, Westminster, Minneapolis Barbara West, Peace, St. Louis Park CORRESPONDING MEMBERS Rev. Versha Policarp Njongai, Secretary of the Presbytery of Kumba, Cameroon RE Maryann Mukete, Kumba Town Presbyterian Church, Carmeroon VISITORS/OBSERVERS Risa Anderson, PTCA Staff Kent Hall, Peace, St. Louis Park Rosemary Hall, Peace, St. Louis Park


Joey Rockenstein, Westminster, Minneapolis Martha Rockenstein, Westminster, Minneapolis

* * *

The docket was APPROVED as presented. The minutes of the Stated Meeting of March 10, 2018 were APPROVED as posted on the presbytery website.

DOCKET

We gather for fellowship, worship and the work of the presbytery. Page 3:30 p.m. Registration and Coffee 4:00 p.m. Meeting Called to Order T.J. Parlette Call to Worship Ps. 19: 1-4, 14 Look at the heavens!

They are shouting the glory of God. The days and the nights declare the magnificence of God’s creative works.

Their voice goes through all the earth and their words reach the ends of the world. Let our words of praise be acceptable to you. Our Lord, our rock, our redeemer!

Invitation to Reconciliation Let us use our voices to declare those things we have said and done

that have separated us from God, and from each other, that we may experience God’s mercy and receive God’s forgiveness.

Unison Prayer of Confession Jer. 23: 25-29 You have called us, O God, and we have refused to listen; you have

stretched out your hand and we have not taken it. We have taken what you have given us and used those gifts to hurt others and defy you. We have refused to be tamed by your wisdom. Forgive our inability to recognize you and live out the reality of your gospel. Give us the insight we need to understand your place in our lives so that our words and actions reflect the glory of God in the lives of others. In the name of the Messiah we pray. Amen.

Words of Life Ps. 19: 7-8 The law of the Lord is perfect, and it revives the soul;


The decrees of the Lord are sure and make wise the simple; The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart:

The commandment of the Lord is clear, and it enlightens the eyes. Hear the good news! In Jesus Christ, the living Word, we are forgiven. Live in peace! Amen.

Opening Prayer T.J. Parlette 4:15 p.m. Forming of the Roll Declaration of Quorum Approval of Docket Approval of Minutes of Stated Meeting of March 12, 2018 Welcome and Introduction of New Clergy and First Time Commissioners Seating of Corresponding Members Announcements Omnibus Motion/Consent Agenda 7 Welcome by Host Pastor Tim Hart-Andersen We are called to mission through the discipline of partnership. 4:45 p.m. Committee on Church Vitality Mike Quady 18 Clearwater Forest 19 Mission and Witness Report Brenda Alexander

We fulfill the commitments we make as a covenant community. 5:00 p.m. Examination of Barbara J. West for Ordination David Parker 21

We recognize and honor ministries at important times. 5:30 p.m. Le Sueur Administrative Commission Frank Vardeman 24 Commemoration of Special Ordination Anniversaries

and Retirements David Parker 27

We deepen community through a time of fellowship around tables. 5:45 p.m. Prayer of Illumination


You speak to us, Lord, with tongues of wisdom. Let your Holy Spirit now open us to hear with greater clarity the teachings of today, that we may hold dear in yet new ways what it is you will for us. In Jesus name. Amen

Scripture Reading From the Prophets - Isaiah 51: 4-6

From the Gospels - Mark 8: 34-38

Affirmation of Faith Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not count

equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess to the glory of God: Jesus Christ is Lord! Amen.

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer Dinner blessing will be a part of the prayer Dinner Instructions *After the Dinner break, the meeting will reconvene in the Sanctuary. We address the vision and mission of our presbytery as we look forward to new service and new opportunities. 6:50 p.m. Officer Reports Chair of Presbytery Leadership Team Sue Rutford 29 Executive Presbyter Jeff Japinga 33 Report of the Treasurer Steve Robertson 36 Moderator T.J. Parlette Nominating Committee Manley Olson Committee Members Whose Service is Completed 37 Election of Committee Members and Officers 38 Report of Stated Clerk Barbara Lutter 43 7:20 p.m. Installation of New Officers


Opening Litany As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with

Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer male or female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.

Lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

There is one body and one Spirit, just as we were called to the one hope of our calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.

Anthem “I Will Make a Way” Tom Trenney Call to Discipleship We are called by God to be the church of Jesus Christ, a sign in the world

today of what God intends for all humankind. The great ends of the church are the proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind; the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God; the maintenance of divine worship; the preservation of the truth; the promotion of social righteousness; and the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world.

The call of Christ is to willing, dedicated discipleship. Our discipleship is a manifestation of the new life we enter through baptism. Discipleship is both a gift and a commitment, an offering and a responsibility.

Walter Rockenstein, you are being installed as the Moderator of the

Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area. Anna Kendig, you are being installed as the Vice Moderator. My friends, the grace bestowed on you in baptism is sufficient for your calling because it is God’s grace. By God’s grace we are saved and enabled to grow in the faith and to commit our lives in ways which serve Christ. God has called you to particular service. Would you please show your purpose by answering these questions. Who is your Lord and Savior? Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple, obeying his word and showing his love?


I will, with God’s help. Do you welcome the responsibility of this service because you are determined to follow the Lord Jesus, to love neighbors, and to work for the reconciling of the world? I do. Will you serve the people with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love, relying on God’s mercy and rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit?

I will, with God’s help. Do we, the members of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area, confirm the call of God to Walter, as Moderator, and to Anna as Vice-Moderator, in the service of Jesus Christ? We do. Will you support and encourage them in this ministry? We will.

Installation Prayer Faithful God, in baptism you claimed us; by your Holy Spirit you are

working in our lives, empowering us to live a life worthy of our calling. We thank you for leading Walter and Anna to this time and place. Establish them in your truth, and guide them by your Holy Spirit, that in your service they may grow in faith, hope and love, and be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever.

Almighty God, in Jesus Christ you called disciples and, by the Holy Spirit, made them one church to serve you. Let your Spirit rule your church, so that we may be joined in love and service to Jesus Christ, who, having gone before us, is coming to meet us in the promise of your kingdom. Amen.

Charge and Presentation of the Symbols of the Office Walter Rockenstein, you are now installed to service as the Moderator

of the Twin Cities Area Anna Kendig, you are now installed to service as the Vice-Moderator of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area. Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God through him. Amen

Anthem “Total Praise” Richard Smallwood, arr. Doreen Rao


Remarks from Newly Installed Moderator Blessing We have received peace, grace, and mercy from our

Savior, Jesus Christ. And now, what does he ask of us? To love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our strength.

Then what more shall we say Here am I, Lord, that I should do your will.

Let us go in peace. Amen.

As our meeting draws to an end, we prepare to go forth in the name of the Lord. 8:00 p.m. Adjourn with Prayer Walter Rockenstein Symbols and Gifts of Office 48 Presbyterian Youth Triennium Announcement 50

The next regular stated meeting of Presbytery will be Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at Buffalo Presbyterian Church, Buffalo, MN beginning at 4:00 p.m.

* * * New clergy and first-time commissioners were introduced and welcomed to the meeting, including RE John Kirschoffer, North, North St. Paul who was given voice; TE Douglas Walters who will be installed at First, Claremont; RE Noel Lutsey, Chain of Lakes, Blaine; RE Betty Folliard, House of Hope, St. Paul who was given voice.

Rev. Versha Policarp Njongai, Secretary of the Presbytery of Kumba, Carmeroon, was introduced and seated as a corresponding member for this meeting, along with RE Maryann Mukete, Kumba Town Presbyterian Church, Carmeroon. They are visiting their sister congregation, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis. Pastor Policarp brought greetings from the Presbytery of Kumba and the Presbyterian Church of Cameroon. Announcements: TE Dean Seal, Shepherd of the Hill, Chaska, announced that we are collecting CUB Cards to provide to the North Side Women’s Space, and thanked all who have participated in this mission offering sponsored by the Committee on Ethics.


* * * The omnibus motion was presented for consideration. It was moved and seconded that the omnibus motion be adopted as presented. After the vote, the Moderator declared the motion was APPROVED.

OMNIBUS MOTION/CONSENT AGENDA

I. COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY 1. Request of the Pastor Nominating Committee of First Presbyterian Church Hudson,

WI, to Approve the Call for the Reverend Kendra Grams. [See Attachment A] Subject to the successful completion of the background check:

a. To concur with the judgment of the Pastor Nominating Committee of First Presbyterian Church, Hudson, WI, that the Reverend Kendra Grams is suitable for the position of pastor. (See Attachment A)

b. To recommend to presbytery that it concur with the Committee on Ministry's examination (G-2.0503) of the Reverend Kendra Grams "on her Christian faith and views in theology, the sacraments, and the government of this church."

c. To report that the position was widely advertised:

Total Number Racial Ethnic Women

PIFs received 103 9 37

Video Conference Interviews 3 0 2

Heard Preach in person 2 0 2

Face-to-face Interviews 2 0 2

Offered the Position 1 0 1

Accepted the Position 1 0 1

d. To report that the Pastor Nominating Committee of First Presbyterian Church,

Hudson, WI, implemented its search process in conformance with the provisions of Equal Employment Opportunity for ministers and has considered candidates without regard to race, ethnic origin, gender, age, disability or marital status.

e. To recommend to presbytery that, with concurrence of the congregation action taken on April 15, 2018, the call of First Presbyterian Church, Hudson, WI, to the Reverend Kendra Grams as full-time pastor be approved effective June 21, 2018, according to the following terms:


Cash Salary $ 38,500 Housing/Utility Allowance $ 25,000 Free Use of Manse No Medical/Dental Suppl. $ 1,632.36 (for family dental benefit) Soc. Sec. Offset $ Yes Opt. Retirement Contrib. $ No Automobile Allowance $ IRS rate, vouchered up to $ 1,000 Continuing Ed. Allowance $1,200 per year, cumulative over three years to

$3,600 Other Prof. Expenses $ 1,000 vouchered Continuing Ed. Leave Two weeks per year, cumulative over three years

to six weeks Vacation One month Pension Full Moving Expense Yes. Vouchered up to the reasonable moving

expenses preapproved by First Presbyterian and incurred for two adults and two young children form Rockville, MD to Hudson WI, including moving the cost of household goods, mileage (18cents/mile), reimbursement for two automobiles, meals and lodging incurred during travel, and one house hunting trip.

Sabbatical Yes; Length of leave 3 months. Years of service required: 6 Session approval of dates and plan required.

Parental Leave Yes; Length of leave 8 weeks. (Presbytery guideline is not less than 8 weeks with full salary and benefits, timing in relations to delivery date, adoption or guardianship to be negotiated between clergy & session. Extension of one (1) week may be negotiated as vacation time or leave without pay. Pension benefits to continue on regular salary basis.)

AND that the call be forwarded to the Presbytery of National Capital with the request that, if the way be clear, Reverend Kendra Grams be dismissed to the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area,

AND that the Reverend Kendra Grams be enrolled as an active member of presbytery,

AND


that the Reverend Kendra Grams be appointed moderator of the session of First Presbyterian Church, Hudson, WI, effective June 21, 2018.

f. To report to presbytery that the Reverend Zachary Wilson will complete his service as transitional pastor and as moderator of the session of First Presbyterian Church, Hudson, WI, effective June 20, 2018,

AND to thank the Reverend Zachary Wilson for his service to the presbytery.

g. To recommend to presbytery that the Reverend Zachary Wilson be transferred to

the member-at-large roll of presbytery. h. To report to presbytery that the Reverend Zachary Wilson has been approved for

the 2018 Pulpit Supply List.

ATTACHMENT A Seven Membership Questions Kendra Grams

1. Please tell us about yourself: I am a native Midwesterner (born and raised in Hastings, Nebraska) and a lifelong Presbyterian. I was ordained by Central Nebraska Presbytery on November 17, 2012, and immediately transferred my membership to National Capital Presbytery where I have been serving a congregation of approximately 400 members. I’m passionate about:

• Building up welcoming and interconnected church families where children, youth, and adults alike can learn from one another and find meaningful faith to guide and sustain them in their daily living;

• Congregational transformation and helping congregations explore new ways of sharing and embodying Christ’s love in our beautifully diverse and increasing complex world; and

• Working with people of all backgrounds to further God’s dream of love, peace, justice, and mercy for all of creation

2. How have your understandings grown since ordination?

Since my ordination, the practice of ministry has deepened my belief in both the mystery of God and the power of the Holy Spirit to surprise and transform. Daily, I am reminded of the importance of humility, but also of the importance of boldness for Christ and for God’s work in the world. I’ve come to appreciate more fully the spiritual practice of discernment (in many forms), but also the spiritual practice of play and experimentation. God does not expect us to be perfect or to know all the right “next steps.” But God does expect us to be active, seeking new ways to make Christ’s love


known to all the world. Personal discipleship and the practice of ministry demand faithful listening and faithful action in balance.

3. Tell us something about your spiritual journey: My spiritual journey has been a long one to embrace fully my deepest identify as a beloved child of God and the gifts God has given me for the vocation of pastoral ministry - and for life in general (as partner, mother, daughter, sister, friend, colleague, etc.) As I’ve traveled through my formative years and my initial years of ministry, all my fellow travelers have been teachers and bearers of Christ’s love and God’s grace. As my journey continues, I grow in my appreciation for the value of the body of Christ - that we are knit together and stronger together, each with unique gifts to uphold and strengthen others. Increasingly, I see my call to pastoral ministry as a call to lift up.

• The belovedness of each person

• Examples of God’s grace bringing balance and wholeness to daily living, and

• Ways in which we enriched by the beautiful, but challenging work of being in community.

4. a. How do you view your theological, spiritual and leadership compatibility with the

congregation to which you are being called to serve? I’m excited to be called to First Presbyterian Church of Hudson, Wisconsin (FPC). I share

their commitments to children and youth, worship and the arts, intergenerational community, and serving neighbors in need. I look forward to nurturing the members of the congregation by bringing their diverse perspectives into conversation with Scripture, so that we can grow together in faith and engage the wider Hudson community more fully, through diverse ministries of caring, worship, education, and service. I believe that my experience in all aspects of congregational life have quipped me to lead FPC into their next chapter of shared ministry. I’m confident that together, we can honor and celebrate the firm foundation of FPC’s faithful history, while also embracing with hope the future to which God is calling FPC.

5. What, in your view, are some of the theological challenges facing the church today?

To paraphrase the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the question to the church today is whether it will be a thermostat seeking to shape the wider culture in accordance with God’s will or simply a thermometer reflecting the wider culture. Like Christians before us and like those who will come after us, followers of Christ today are called to follow Jesus’ example of love and live in accordance with the new commandment that he gave to the first disciples after washing their feet on his last night with them. Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another: (John 13:34). If we are to love one another today according to Jesus’ example, we must welcome the stranger, comfort the mourning, encourage the downtrodden, heal the sick, feed the hungry, seek peace, work to end all forms of oppression, and eat with outcasts. While first-century followers of Christ may


have identified different “strangers and outcasts,” suffered from different diseases, and endured different manifestations of oppression than we do, we share the same charge to follow Jesus’ example of love. In our current culture, it means that we must use our activities of fellowship, worship, and education to build up communities grounded in and strengthened by mutual love for one another, so that we have the courage and endurance to serve Christ and share Christ’s boundless love in the world. If our service is to embody Christ’s bold example of love, we must work to welcome refugees and immigrants; dismantle racism (and other forms of oppression based on prejudice); feed the hungry and change systems in order to eradicate poverty; advance peace and reconciliation in all contexts; promote wholeness and healing of mind, body, and spirit for all people; and provide comfort and continuing care to all who have suffered any form of loss.

6. How would you like to serve/be served by the presbytery?

I hope, through the presbytery, to grow and advance collegial relationships which can strengthen our individual ministries as well as our collective witness to the Twin Cities area and Southern Minnesota. I hope to network with clergy colleagues for mutual support through the joys and challenges of pastoral ministry. I hope to collaborate with all presbyters to seek best practices for ministry in the region, share resources for areas of common interest, and support the diverse work of our congregations and minister members.

7. How are you willing to be a colleague in ministry within this presbytery?

I look forward to getting to know my fellow presbyters and to becoming active in a committee or task force of the presbytery once I’ve had a bit of time to discern where my gifts and passions best align with the needs and opportunities for service in the presbytery. I firmly believe we do the best discernment and ministry when we embrace the gifts and wisdom of all members of God’s family. Accordingly, I look forward to learning and growing with all members of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area.

2. Request by the Session of First Presbyterian Church, Claremont, MN, to Approve the

Call and Terms of Call for the Reverend Douglas Paul Walters As Designated Pastor Fulltime. Subject to the successful completion of the background check. a. To concur with the judgment of the Pastor Nominating Committee of First

Presbyterian Church, Claremont, MN, that the Reverend Douglas Walters is suitable for the position of pastor.

b. To report that the position was widely advertised:


Total Number Racial Ethnic Women

MIFs received 38 3 14

Phone Interviews 0

Heard Preach in person 1 0

Face-to-face Interviews 3 1

Offered the Position 1 0

Accepted the Position 1 0

c. To report that the Pastor Nominating Committee of First Presbyterian Church,

Claremont, MN, implemented its search process in conformance with the provisions of Equal Employment Opportunity for ministers and has considered candidates without regard to race, ethnic origin, gender, age, disability or marital status.

d. To report to presbytery that, if the way be clear by congregational action on April

29, 2018, the Reverend Douglas Walters will serve as full-time designated pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Claremont, MN, for a term of four (4) years, according to the following terms:

Cash Salary $ 24,924.11 Housing/Utility Allowance $ 20,392.45 Free Use of Manse No Medical/Dental Suppl. No Soc. Sec. Offset No Opt. Retirement Contrib. No Automobile Allowance $ IRS rate, vouchered up to $1,200 Continuing Ed. Allowance $ 1,200 per year, cumulative over three years to

$3,600 Other Prof. Expenses $ 500, vouchered Continuing Ed. Leave Two weeks per year, cumulative over three years

to six weeks Vacation One month Pension Full Moving Expense No Sabbatical No Parental Leave Yes, 2 weeks. (Presbytery guideline is not less than

8 weeks with full salary and benefits, timing in relations to delivery date, adoption or guardianship to be negotiated between clergy & session. Extension of one (1) week may be negotiated as


vacation time or leave without pay. Pension benefits to continue on regular salary basis.

AND that the Reverend Douglas Walters be appointed as moderator of the session of First Presbyterian Church, Claremont, MN, effective May 7, 2018,

AND that the Reverend Howard Skip Smith is appointed as a mentor for the Reverend Douglas Walters.

4. Request by the Reverend William Davnie III to be Honorably Retired

To recommend to presbytery, based upon the request of the Reverend William Davnie III, that he be designated “Honorably Retired” as of April 1, 2018.

5. Request by the Reverend Roger Ring to be Honorably Retired

To recommend to presbytery, based upon the request of the Reverend Roger Ring, that he be designated “Honorably Retired” as of February 2, 2017.

6. Request by the Reverend Donna Buell to be Honorably Retired To recommend to presbytery, based upon the request of the Reverend Donna Buell, that she be designated “Honorably Retired” as of July 1, 2018.

7. Request of the Reverend David VanDyke and House of Hope Presbyterian Church, St. Paul, MN, to Dissolve the Pastoral Relationship as of January 21, 2018. To report to presbytery that, based upon the request of Reverend David VanDyke and with the concurrence of the congregation of House of Hope Presbyterian Church, the full-time pastoral relationship between the Reverend David VanDyke and House of Hope Presbyterian Church, St. Paul, MN, be dissolved as of January 21, 2018,

AND that the Reverend David Van Dyke be transferred to the member-at-large roll of

presbytery.

8. Request of the Reverend Diane Goulson to Dissolve Stated Supply Pastoral Relationship with First Presbyterian Church, Belle Plain, MN as of June 1, 2018. To report to presbytery that, based upon the request of Reverend Diane Goulson, and with the concurrence of the congregation of First Presbyterian Church, Belle Plaine, MN the stated supply pastoral relationship between the Reverend Diane Goulson and First Presbyterian Church, Belle Plain, MN, be dissolved as of June 1, 2018,

AND to thank the Reverend Diane Goulson for her service to the presbytery. 9. Administrative Commission for Installation for Reverend Colin Elliott, as Associate

Pastor, St. Luke Presbyterian Church, Wayzata, MN.


To report to presbytery that the following arrangements were approved for the installation of the Reverend Colin Elliot as full-time associate pastor of St. Luke Presbyterian Church, Wayzata, MN:

Date: April 22, 2018 Time: 10:30 a.m. Place: St. Luke Presbyterian Church,

3121 Groveland School Road Wayzata, MN 55391

AND That the following persons were appointed as members of the Administrative Commission: Teaching Elders 1. Rev. John Lee, Member-at-Large 2. Rev. Brennan Blue, Pastor, St. Luke,

Wayzata

Ruling Elders 1. Walter Rockenstein, Vice-Moderator,

Westminster, Mpls 2. Mary Lou Hoff, St. Luke, Wayzata 3. Kathryn Breitbarth, House of Hope, St.

Paul AND

the vice- moderator of the presbytery, RE Walter Rockenstein, presided and propounded the Constitutional questions.

11. Request of the Session of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis MN to

Approve the Position Description for Fulltime Transitional Associate Pastor for Families, Youth and Children. To report to presbytery that pending session approval, the Committee on Ministry approves the Position Description for full-time transitional associate pastor for families, youth and children.

12. The Reverend Anne Fisher is Appointed as the Mentor to the Reverend Dr. Andrew L. McDonald as Transitional Pastor at House of Hope Presbyterian Church.

To report the Committee on Ministry approves and appoints the Reverend Anne Fisher as the mentor to the Reverend Dr. Andrew L. McDonald to work with him during the course of his transitional pastorate.

13. Request of the Sessions of First United Presbyterian Church, Baldwin, WI and First

Presbyterian Church, St. Croix Falls, WI, to Dissolve the Yoke and Allow Both Churches to Continue in the Search Process Separately. To report approval of the request of the sessions of First United Presbyterian Church, Baldwin, WI and First Presbyterian Church, St. Croix Falls, WI, churches to dissolve the yoke between them with both sessions having approved the action on February 7, 2018 and both congregations having approved the action on February 11, 2018,


AND to allow both churches to continue in the search process separately.

14. Request of the Reverend Kenneth Ribe to Transfer his Membership to Presbytery of Northern Waters. To report the dismissal of the Reverend Kenneth Ribe to the Presbytery of Northern Waters, effective March 14, 2017.

15. Request of the Reverend Mark Lee to Transfer his Membership to Charlotte Presbytery To Report the dismissal of the Reverend Mark Lee to the Charlotte Presbytery, effective April 16, 2018.

16. Committee on Ministry Appoints the Reverend Kate Johnston to Moderate the Session of Community Presbyterian Church, Plainview, MN. To Report that the Committee on Ministry has appointed the Reverend Kate Johnston to moderate the Session of Community Presbyterian Church, Plainview, MN while the Reverend John Curtiss is on Sabbatical.

17. Recommend Appointment of the Reverend Howard (Skip) Smith to Serve as the Committee on Ministry Subcommittee Chair of the Board of Pensions from April 2018 to April 2019. To report the appointment the Reverend Howard (Skip) Smith to serve as Committee on Ministry subcommittee chair from April 2018 to April 2019.

18. First Presbyterian Church, Kasson, MN: Request Approval of the Ministry Information Form (MIF) Submitted by the PNC To report to presbytery that the Called Positions sub-committee has approved the Ministry Information Form submitted by the PNC of First Presbyterian Church, Kasson, MN.

19. First United Presbyterian Church, Baldwin, WI: Request for Approval of the Ministry

Information Form (MIF) Submitted by the PNC To report to presbytery that the Called Positions sub-committee has approved the Ministry Information Form submitted by the PNC of First United Presbyterian Church, Baldwin, WI to be placed on the CLC website.

20. First Presbyterian Church, St. Croix Falls, WI: Request for Approval of the Ministry Information Form (MIF) Submitted by the PNC To report to presbytery that the Called Positions sub-committee has approved the Ministry Information Form submitted by the PNC of First Presbyterian Church, St. Croix Falls, WI to be placed on the CLC website.


II. COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY

1. Annual Consultations:

The committee reports that the following annual consultations have been held with the following candidates/inquirers, that they have filed their annual written report with the presbytery, and that the committee has voted to continue them on the rolls:

Michael Ireland Presbyterian Church of the Way, Shoreview, MN Barbara West Peace Presbyterian Church, St. Louis Park, MN Madeleine Benishek Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis, MN

2. Enroll as Inquirer: The following person, having fulfilled the constitutional requirements of G-2.0602 (the applicant shall be a member of the sponsoring congregation, shall have been active in the work and worship of that congregation for at least six months, and shall have received the endorsement of the session of the sponsoring congregation) is now presented to the Presbytery to be enrolled as an inquirer:

Yejee Park Church of All Nations, Minneapolis, MN

3. Ready to Receive a Call: The following person, having fulfilled the constitutional requirements of G-2.0607 (Final

Assessment - evidence of readiness to begin ordered ministry as a minister of the Word and Sacrament), is ready to receive a call:

Kelley Jepsen Westminster, Minneapolis, MN

2018 ANNUAL REPORT Candidates

Benishek, Madeleine Princeton ‘17

Ellwoods, Lisa Bethel ‘07

Friant, Stephanie McCormick ‘09

Jepsen, Kelley Luther ‘18

Ireland, Michael United ‘12

Masters, Ben Austin ‘17

Romine, Phil United ‘16

Sevlie, Joa Bethel ‘10

Voytek, MJ United ‘12

West, Barbara SFTS ‘11

Inquirers

Bergman, Katerina Bethel

Farrand-Bernardin, Shannon Luther ‘19

Hart-Andersen, Madeline Austin ‘18

Park, Yejee Princeton ‘18


Summary: (May 9, 2017 to May 8, 2018) 4 inquirers; 10 candidates 4 of the inquirers and candidates are men; 10 of the inquirers and candidates are women 6 inquirers and candidates come from churches of 300 members or less. 3 inquirers and candidates come from churches of 301-999 members. 5 inquirers and candidates come from churches of 1,000 members or more. 1 inquirer and 0 candidates come from a church outside of the metropolitan area. 0 inquirers have graduated from seminary; 10 candidates have graduated from seminary. 2 inquirers will graduate from seminary in 2018; 1 candidate will graduate from seminary in 2018. There are 3 new inquirers since May 9, 2017. 0 candidates transferred into the Presbytery of the Twin cities Area from another Presbytery. 1 inquirer has become a candidate since May 9, 2017. Kelley Jepsen 2 candidates have been ordained since May 09. 2017. Hae Chang John Nelson Also ordained: Gilo Agwa Brittany MacMillan 0 inquirers and 0 candidates have withdrawn since May 09, 2017. 1 candidate has transferred their covenant relationship to another presbytery since May 09, 2017 on receipt of a call and ordination.

III. BOARD OF TRUSTEES

1. Sale of Dayton Avenue Presbyterian Church Property

The Board of Trustees reports adoption of the following resolution:


RESOLVED: that the Board of Trustees grants the session of the Dayton Avenue Presbyterian Church permission to list for sale the real property of the Dayton Avenue Presbyterian Church, based on G-4.0206 of the Book of Order. Listing of the property will occur within the normal parameters of past Presbytery actions concerning sale of property. The terms and conditions of any proposed sale must be reported to and approved by the Board of Trustees prior to being finalized.

* * *

Welcome by Host Pastor: Host Pastor, Tim Hart-Andersen, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis, welcomed the presbytery. He spoke about Westminster’s recently completed addition and renovation, and the “Open Doors, Open Futures” campaign, and expressed excitement to host the meeting in the newly-built Westminster Hall.

Moderator Parlette thanked Westminster Presbyterian Church for its hospitality and warm welcome and presented our host with the gift of a communion set used during the 2010 General Assembly.

* * *

Moderator Parlette introduced the first section of business: “We are called to mission through the discipline of partnership." Committee on Congregational Vitality: Moderator Parlette welcomed RE Mike Quady, First Presbyterian Church, Buffalo, to the lectern to present the report from the Committee on Congregational Vitality. RE Quady reported that the committee will accept applications for congregational Development Grants until May 18, 2018. The committee hopes to announce the grant recipients later in the summer. He announced that all PTCA congregations have equal standing with respect to the grants. The committee’s written report follows.

COMMITTEE ON CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY

The Committee on Congregational Vitality will again administer the awarding of Congregational Development Grants in 2018. Grant applications are due by Friday, May 18th. Completed grant forms can be submitted by mail to the presbytery office, or by email attachment to


[email protected]. You can find the grant forms and even apply online at the presbytery website by going to the CCV page: http://ptcaweb.org/committees/committee-on-congregation-vitality. Click on the “Congregational Grant Forms” link at the bottom. The Congregational Development Fund was established by the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area in 2016 to encourage or expand congregational ministry by supporting innovative, and perhaps risky, ministry initiatives at the congregational level. The Presbytery anticipates that the use of these funds will result in revitalized congregations, new forms of ministry in our presbytery, growing and healthy partnerships, and most importantly, changed lives. This is the second year of grant funding. All PTCA congregations have equal standing in consideration for the $100,000 pool of grants. Be sure that your grant application has been approved by your Session. Committee member Scott Larson has been leading our review of current programs for discernment and church revitalization. The committee is considering how best this work might be shared with the presbytery. In the mean time you’re welcome to contact Larson at [email protected] or to talk to him at 612-296-3347 about his findings or your own insights into church vitality in our current church settings. The CCV is trying to determine the value of our current subscription with MissionInsite, which provides demographic information for your church’s community. Our MissionInsite subscription costs $3,200 per year. The program hasn’t been utilized much since the conclusion of the Ministry in a Changing World initiative two years ago. A few churches have recently shown an interest in MissionInsite. The committee is considering:

• What is the best way for the CCV to share information about the program with the presbytery’s churches and provide guides to it insights.

• How can local church leaders best learn the program to gather the data they need to help their local mission and ministry.

• Is demographic information useful in helping local churches expand their mission and reach potential new members?

Looking forward, the committee wants to know what areas you believe would help make your church more vital in your community. We are exploring workshops and other resources that can aid congregations, including a communcations/social media workshop this fall. How do you think the presbytery could partner with your congregation around issues of church vitality? Please let us know.

The report was RECEIVED.

* * *

mailto:[email protected]

http://ptcaweb.org/committees/committee-on-congregation-vitality

http://ptcaweb.org/committees/committee-on-congregation-vitality



Clearwater Forest: Moderator Parlette recognized TE Deb DeMeester, Member at Large and RE, John Kirschoffer, North, North St. Paul and president of the Clearwater Forest Board. They reported on the staff changes at Clearwater Forest, and described the staff plan and program for this year. They described some of the capital improvements to be completed this year. The report was received.

(The remainder of this page intentionally left blank).


* * *

Mission and Witness Committee: TE Brenda Alexander, HR, was invited to the lectern by Moderator Parlette, to report for the Mission and Witness Committee. TE Alexander introduced RE Betty Folliard, House of Hope, ST. Paul, explaining that the committee had awarded a scholarship to RE Folliard to attend the recent United Nations Commission on the Economic Status of Women as part of the PC(USA) delegation. RE Folliard thanked the presbytery for its support and spoke about the PC(USA) delegation’s experience at the commission. TE Alexander then reported on the 2018 Mission Team’s trip to Denham Springs, Louisiana in April, where the team worked on several different projects repairing and rebuilding homes damaged by hurricanes. The Team will present a more detailed report of their experiences at the September stated meeting. Moderator Parlette thanked the Mission Team and TE Alexander, and the report was RECEIVED.

* * * Moderator Parlette introduced the second section of business: “We fulfill the commitments we make as a covenant community.” Committee on Ministry: Moderator Parlette invited TE David Parker, Co-chair of the Committee on Ministry to report. TE Parker introduced Barbara Jean West, a candidate under care of this presbytery. She has received a call from Spencer Memorial Presbyterian Church, Lemmon, South Dakota. At the request of the Presbytery of South Dakota, she appears for examination by the presbytery on her “wisdom and maturity of faith, leadership skills, compassionate spirit, honest repute and sound judgment” (G-2.0607). The Committee’s the written report is as follows: Barbara West, Examination for Ordination as a Teaching Elder. [See Attachment A]

a. To recommend to presbytery that it examine Barbara West “on her “wisdom and maturity of faith, leadership skills, compassionate spirit, honest repute and sound judgment” (G-2.0607) on behalf of the Presbytery of South Dakota for ordination as a teaching elder. Barbara is a candidate under care of our presbytery, and she has been certified ready to receive a call;


b. To report to presbytery, should the way be made clear and the examination be

sustained, that the following arrangements have been approved for the ordination of Barbara West. Date: May 12, 2018 Time: 4:00 p.m. Place: Peace Presbyterian Church,

7624 South Cedar Lake Road St. Louis Park, MN 55426

AND That the following persons be appointed as members of the Commission:

Teaching Elders 1. Rev. Zachary Wilson, Pastor, First,

Hudson 2. Rev. Donald Genereux, Honorably

Retired 3. Rev. Denise Dunbar-Perkins,

Honorably Retired

Ruling Elders 1. Sandra Hawley, Plymouth, Plymouth 2. Sally Narr, Chain of Lakes, Blaine 3. Terry Kubista, Peace, St. Louis Park 4. Walter Rockenstein, Westminster,

Mpls.

AND that the moderator of the presbytery, the RE Walter Rockenstein, preside and propound the Constitutional questions;

AND c. To recommend to presbytery that, if the way be clear, upon her ordination, Barbara

West be dismissed to the Presbytery of South Dakota.

ATTACHMENT A

Statement of Faith Barbara West I believe in the Triune God, present in three persons, each unique, yet coming from the same substance. I believe in the Creator God who gave us the breath of life and the freedom to choose our own ways. God who created the universe, and all that is in it, has been in relationship with creation since the beginning of time. I believe the God of love created us to serve God and to live in peace with all of creation. When we failed, God called for justice through the voices of the prophets. When we continued to rebel, God came to us in the form of Jesus. Jesus walked where we walk, ate what we eat, drank what we drink, and felt what we feel - yet he did this perfectly, without sinning. His birth


as a first century Palestinian Jew, subverted the dominant paradigm of the time. And his life, communing with the “other”, shows us how to live our life. Because of humanity’s inability to understand what Jesus preached, he was tortured and crucified. Three days later, he was raised from the dead, showing us that death is not final. We, unlike Jesus, fail and fall short of all that we are commanded to do as God’s children. We are weak and even good intentions end up not fulfilling God’s call to live as people of God. Yet, in the resurrection of Christ Jesus, we see the hope of just how big God is and how God’s grace covers all, forgiving everywhere we fall short. Yet, God is still more than this. The Holy Spirit is here, active in our daily lives, in ways we sometimes do not understand. The Spirit lifts us up and empowers us to become the children of God we were created to be. I believe that we respond to God through two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. In our Baptism, God claims us. God invites us to be a family not dependent on blood or proximity, but a family who shares the belief in the Triune God revealed in the scriptures. Baptism illustrates the covenant between humanity and our Creator as well as our covenant with our fellow creatures. When we partake in the Lord’s Supper, we are remembering who we are and whose we are. We remember the saving grace of Jesus Christ and pray for the coming Kingdom of God that he preached about as recorded in scripture. The church celebrates with our relational God and humbles itself before our God. With both sacraments, we celebrate and remember that Christ lived with us, loved us, suffered with us, and showed us ways to create wholeness. For as long as humans have considered a divine creator, the question of God’s will, in relation to suffering, has been discerned and debated. My theodicy is comprised of four concepts. First, God’s relation to the world is a mystery but God is all powerful and all loving, does not want or cause suffering, and desires wholeness for all of creation. Second, because of God’s early existence as Jesus, and continuing presence in the Holy Spirit, God shares in our grief and understands our pain. Third, by luring creation to accompany each other, something good ultimately evolves from our experiences of suffering. Finally, I believe we are ethically and morally called to serve one another. As children of God, our ultimate responsibility is to be a conduit for the Trinity to bring wholeness to creation. As Christ, God was fully human and entered into our becoming physically. God’s relationship to the world is being with us when we suffer and inviting us to be in relationship with others who are ill or in pain. God never forsakes us and is always with us through the power, and presence, of the Holy Spirit. Christ provided an example by which we should all live. With the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ a new relationship of God to creation consists with God bearing the relationlessness of death and revealing God’s self as a being of infinite love. I believe in the Creator God who nurtures and loves all of creation and I believe, as followers of the risen Christ, we are to nurture and love all of creation in response.

Barbara Jean West read her Statement of Faith. After a period of questioning, Moderator Parlette declared the examination arrested.


It was moved that the examination be sustained, that Barbara Jean West be ordained, and that after her ordination she be dismissed to the Presbytery of South Dakota. The motion was seconded. The Moderator asked that Barbara Jean West be escorted from the room, opened the floor for questions and discussion and then called for the vote. The Moderator declared the motion CARRIED, and invited Barbara Jean West into the meeting whereupon she was congratulated. She announced plans for her ordination, and prayer was offered by the Moderator.

* * *

Moderator Parlette announced the third section of business, “We recognize and honor ministries at important times.” Le Sueur Administrative Commission: Moderator Parlette welcomed TE Frank Vardeman, HR, to report on the AC’s work. TE Vardeman first gave thanks for the 152 years of faithful ministry of the Le Sueur congregation, and then introduced RE Eileen Wells, who expressed thanks to the presbytery for its support of the congregation. TE Vardeman summarized the recommendations of the AC and amended recommendation #4 to reflect more accurate amounts: Approximately $175,000 cash assets remaining; approximately $125,000 to be transferred to the LeSueur Community Foundation. It was moved and seconded that the closing date for transfer of the real property be on or before May 30, 2018. The motion CARRIED. It was moved and seconded that the AC’s recommendations, set forth below, be adopted. The motion CARRIED.

FINAL REPORT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION FOR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF LE SUEUR

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. In accordance with G-3.0301a, that the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area dissolve the Presbyterian Church of Le Sueur Church, Le Sueur, Minnesota, effective upon the transfer of title for the property to the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area and dissolution of the Presbyterian Church of Le Sueur Corporation.


2. That the official records of the Presbyterian Church of Le Sueur be transferred to the

stated clerk of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area for ultimate deposit with the Presbyterian Historical Society.

3. That the real property located at 404 Turril St., Le Sueur, MN be placed on the market for sale, and the sale proceeds be deposited with the Presbytery according to PTCA policy in the Strategic Use of Presbytery Resources Report (January 2016); and that pending the sale, that the Board of Trustees oversee the management and maintenance of the property, including but not limited to the potential lease of the property pending its sale.

4. That the congregation’s remaining funds, totaling approximately $120,000.00 be distributed as follows:

a. $50,000.00 to the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area (“the expense fund”) to be used to defray expenses incurred with the maintenance, repair and management of the real property pending its sale;

b. Approximately $70,000.00 and, after the sale of the building, the remainder of the expense fund, if any, be forwarded to the Le Sueur Community Foundation to be used for congregational mission initiatives in the Le Sueur Community.

5. That the Administrative Commission be dismissed upon completion of the above. REPORT: Following decades of faithful ministry, this congregation found that its dwindling membership and energy level were making it difficult to maintain a vital Presbyterian presence in their community. Changes in that community, from a white-collar town centered on the presence of Green Giant to a blue collar down with less consistent economic basis, brought many challenges. As one session member put it “there are too many churches for this city to support.” One factor in this decision was the significant financial endowment held by the Presbyterian Church of Le Sueur. Rather than use these funds up by extending the life of the church, the congregation decided that it would be better stewardship to use these funds to continue the legacy of their ministry in new ways. Report of the mission gifts made by the Session, and those proposed/approved by the AC to be made prior to the dissolution.


Gifts continuing the legacy of the Presbyterian Church of Le Sueur: Recipient Amount Reason

Rev. Sara Hein $30,000 In lieu of a severance package, in thanks for Rev. Hein’s

faithful ministry and in recognition of the hardship

imposed on the pastor and family when a church closes.

La Iglesia El Cordero De Dios $30,000 This Spanish speaking congregation has worshipped at

the Le Sueur church for the last 7 years or so. This gift

will help them transition to a new home.

Le Sueur Area Food Shelf $30,000 This important ministry has been supported by the

congregation and members for many years.

Presbyterian Church of Oronoco $10,000 Currently pastored by Rev Lisa Pinney Johnson, a “child

of the Le Sueur congregation.”

Lakeside Presbyterian Church $10,000 Currently pastored by Rev Kari Jutilia, a “child of the Le

Sueur congregation.”

American Baptist Seminary of

the West

$10,000 Dean of Students LeeAnn Snow Flesher, PhD, is a

“child of the Le Sueur congregation.”

University of Dubuque

Theological Seminary

$10,000 Many former pastors at Le Sueur were graduates of

Dubuque, and the school intentionally focuses on rural

ministry

Presbyterian Clearwater Forest $20,000 Youth are the future of the church.

Presbyterian Board of Pensions

Assistance Fund

$20,000 To support those who serve, or have served, the church.

TOTAL $170,000

BUILDING AND PROPERTY Of the remaining funds held in reserve, $50,000.00 shall be used for expenses that may arise in relation to the selling of the church building and property. (#4a above). Funds realized from the sale of property will go into the Presbytery funds set up to receive fund from closing or departing congregations (sometimes referred to as “the buckets”). CONCLUSION. We give thanks for the 152 years of faithful service and ministry of the Presbyterian Church of Le Sueur. And, we give thanks to the Administrative Commission members, Rev. Frank Vardeman, Larry Cumpston, Ann Wasescha, Eileen Wells Pautz and Rev.


Meg Newswanger for their work on behalf of the Le Sueur congregation and the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area.

Moderator Parlette thanked the AC for its work, and the report was RECEIVED.

* * * Commemoration of Special Ordination Anniversaries. TE David Parker, co-chair of the Committee on Ministry, was recognized by the Moderator to announce the ordination anniversaries of teaching elders in our presbytery. The presbytery recognized these milestones with appreciation.

2018 ORDINATION ANNIVERSARIES

71 Years

John Sinclair

65 Years

Frederick Beebe

64 Years

Calvin Didier

63 Years

Robert Cuthill

62 Years

James Barge

Robert Lucas

Robert Long

61 Years

Dayton Hultgren

Harry Lichy, Jr.

Richard Lundy

Kayton Palmer

Jay Rusthoven

60 Years

Donald Crannell

Nile Harper

Max Maguire

Glenn Polzine

Doug Potter

David Shields

Douglas Throckmorton

Byung Chun Yoo

55 Years

John Butt

Harry Kenneth McCullen

50 Years

John Severson

Herbert G. Wardlaw

45 Years

Doug Mitchell

David Williamson

40 Years

Herbert Frey

Jon Galloway

Roger Graf

John Lindquist

Ken Ribe

35 Years

Leta Herrington

Mary Leisman

Cindy Ray

Judith Ray


30 Years

John Goertz

Jean Greenwood

Joan I. McKenzie

Gene Sipprell

Julie Tweit

25 Years

Paul Moore

Gale Robb

Carol Schaffer

M. Joy Smith

20 Years

Julie GebbenGreen

Kimberly Goodman

Deborah Kielsmeier

Amy Kosari

Stephen Muhia

Jay Rowland

David Shinn

15 Years

Judith Landt

John Lee

Michael Olmsted

10 Years

Donald Genereux

Robert Hamilton

Dean Seal

5 years

Anna Kendig

Anthony Jermaine Ross Allam

Jacob Van Pernis

Daniel Vigilante

Katie (Whipple) Hatlevig

* * *

TE Parker then reported that TE Roger Ring has been granted Honorably Retired status, at his request, and thanked TE Ring for his ministry as a chaplain.

RETIREMENT OF ROGER RING

Roger retired February 2, 2017, from a 35 year career at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. Roger spent two years in the Presbytery of Detroit, two years in the Presbytery of Chicago, and 36 years in the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area. He was ordained in 1977 within the UPC in the USA by the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area. He says, “I fell in love with the clinical and the educational experiences I had in hospital ministry and continued learning and teaching within the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) for the entire 40 years of my active ministry. Gratitude-simple and profound-is the only response I have, to have been fortunate enough to stand on the sacred ground with families in their traumas, seminary interns in their bewilderment of how to be a healing agent by listening and not doing, grieving parents holding a life lost, patients experiencing freedom from addiction, and chaplain residents successfully graduating from an intense year of training to become Board Certified Professional Chaplains.” As his favorite theologian, Paul Tillich so aptly put it: "We want only to show you something we


have seen and to tell you something we have heard-that every here and there in the world and now and then in ourselves is a New Creation.” Roger’s hope is that we may all be open and present to God’s grasping of us to be that New Creation for each other.

We give thanks for the ministry of Roger Ring and ask God’s blessings in his

retirement.

* * *

In preparation for our meal together, Moderator Parlette noted this is an

opportunity for us to “deepen community through a time of fellowship around

tables.”

5:45 p.m. Prayer of Illumination You speak to us, Lord, with tongues of wisdom. Let your Holy Spirit now open us

to hear with greater clarity the teachings of today, that we may hold dear in yet new ways what it is you will for us. In Jesus name. Amen

Scripture Reading From the Prophets - Isaiah 51: 4-6

From the Gospels - Mark 8: 34-38 Affirmation of Faith Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with

God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess to the glory of God: Jesus Christ is Lord! Amen.

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer Dinner blessing will be a part of the prayer Dinner Instructions *After the Dinner break, the meeting will reconvene in the Sanctuary.

* * *


Moderator Parlette thanked the Westminster Bell Choir for their Introit, and reconvened the meeting at 6:50 p.m. in the sanctuary of the church to “address the vision and mission of our presbytery as we look forward to new service and new opportunities,” and he invited the officers to give their reports. Report of the Presbytery Leadership Team. RE and chair Sue Rutford noted that the PLT continues to discuss the meeting times and dates, as well as content, for stated meetings of the presbytery. The Presbytery Leadership Team is responsible for making nominations to serve on the Nominating Committee. RE Rutford nominated the following names in BOLD for election at this meeting. 5/19=6 Phil GebbenGreen, TE, Edgcumbe, St. Paul, MN 5/19=1 Katie Estes, TE, First Presbyterian, South St. Paul, MN 5/19=1 Linda Wold, RE, Valley, Golden Valley, MN 5-20=6 Betsy Kerr, RE, Bryn Mawr, Minneapolis, MN 5/20=2 David Maghakian, TE, Member-at-Large 5/20=2 5/21=3 Al Depman, RE, First, Rochester, MN 5/21=3 Thomas Ruter, RE, New Life, Roseville, MN 5/21=3 Paul Mertz, RE, Church of the Way, Shoreview, MN

The Moderator called for nominations from the floor; there were none. The vote was taken and the Moderator declared the slate ELECTED. RE Rutford reported that RE Thomas Ruter will serve as chair. RE Rutford announced, on behalf of the Personnel Committee, that Risa Anderson, Office Manager, will retire from full-time employment on September 30, 2018. The PLT written report follows and was RECEIVED.

PRESBYTERY LEADERSHIP TEAM REPORT Meeting Structure and Practice The Presbytery Leadership Team has been having a lot of conversation about Presbytery meetings. They are our largest and most regular point of connection as a community, and we want these meetings to support, enrich, and service our goals of equipping and supporting leaders and connecting congregations. We want these times of gathering to be more than just


one more meeting; we want them to provide useful, inspiring and interesting content and meaningful moments of fellowship as we strive together to fulfill our calling as people of Christ. The March 2017 meeting provided workshops on a variety of topics and an inspiring time with General Assembly Stated Clerk J. Herbert Nelson. There were connections made with folks who had not attended a meeting before and that was valuable to many. We were encouraged by that meeting, and by your regular feedback, to continue to think about guiding Presbytery meetings toward greater usefulness. Our table discussions in January (see full summary, below) and ongoing conversation amongst the members of the PLT bring us to this proposal on how we want to format and schedule our meetings in the coming year. Format: We see four “building blocks” of a meeting. The amount of time and content of each block will vary from meeting to meeting as the needs and goals of the body vary. We want to create meeting content that enriches and supports our community.

• Worship

• Business—the mandated and traditional work that we must do as a corporate body and allows us to live out our values and commitments as Presbyterians.

• Fellowship—time to gather in community, generally over a shared meal, in ways that build and strengthen relationships.

• Education/inspiration—workshops, speakers, and other content that enriches and supports our Presbytery community and the ministries of our churches. This is likely to be the most variable piece of the meeting.

Schedule: We want meetings scheduled at times and in places that make them accessible for as many of our members as possible. There is no one time that works for everyone, of course. Weekdays, weeknights, and weekend mornings all have challenges for different members of our community because of families, employment, and the needs of congregations. However, we are committed to creating a schedule that will hopefully make Presbytery attendance easier for a larger group of people. This is a difficult thing to do, and we understand that we may need to make more scheduling changes in coming years. For the upcoming year, we propose continuing with five stated meetings, in September, November, January, March, and May. One will be during the day on a weekday, time to be determined. The other four will be on either Tuesday from 4:00 - 8:00pm or on Saturday from 9:00am - 1:00pm. The September meeting will be Tuesday, September 11, from 4:00 - 8:00pm at Buffalo Presbyterian Church in Buffalo. The other four dates will be released soon, based on this report. We will continue to schedule Presbytery meetings in geographically varying churches as has been our past practice.

Summary: Presbytery Table Discussions (January 20, 2018)


At the Presbytery meeting on January 20, the Presbytery Leadership Team (through Presbytery moderator TJ Parlette) asked members and commissioners a series of questions. Here is a brief summary of what you said in that discussion. Question #1: “Using the YELLOW INDEX CARDS on the table, I invite each person to write 3 “guiding words” you hope might shape our presbytery’s life and work and ministry this year.

One way to sort two hundred

words into a meaningful

interpretation is through a

“word cloud,” where the words

most often repeated are

featured more prominently.

Here’s how your guiding words

appear when put all together:

Question #2: “Think for a moment about the ways the presbytery has supported your congregation. Then, please take a GREEN INDEX CARD and write down 2 specific ways that the presbytery can or has supported congregations, and specifically, your congregation. Amidst more than 100 unique responses, these key themes emerged.

• More than a third of respondents asked for increased opportunities for teaching/education/resourcing. Stewardship, youth ministry, evangelism, for example. And while we most usually think of education or resourcing for clergy leadership, these responses clearly included educational opportunities for ruling elders and other congregational leaders and members: elder/deacon training, for example.

• The next two most requested areas were support for local ministry and making intentional contact/building connection between presbytery and congregations. Come see us; really listen to us. And not just once in a while, but on a regular basis. “Participate in our mission, worship, or service.” Support was a word used a lot, both in question #1 and #2. Sometimes that was defined—training, communication, guidance


for pastors and PNCs—or tied to social issues (the opioid crisis, for example). Often, however, support was more generically expressed as building connections. Listening was a word often used, most often asking the Presbytery to listen to congregations.

There was not significant feedback around funding for local congregations (though one person suggested the Presbytery “hand deliver a check”), nor around particular resourcing in a congregation’s mission or vision. Question #3: “Now take an ORANGE INDEX CARD and think for a moment about how your individual congregation might offer support to other congregations, or to another congregation. Write down 2 specific ways your congregation could do this? There was less certainty here, or at least less specificity, but a couple of themes emerged:

• That congregations can, and should, learn best practices from each other was clearly affirmed. Many acknowledged that individual congregations must take more initiative on their own in order to build these connections to another (or other) congregation(s), including praying for them regularly.

• That the presbytery could sponsor, or at least facilitate, shared ministries that individual congregations cannot do alone was also affirmed: a mission trip (like the upcoming one in April, sponsored by the Mission and Witness committee) or youth events (Triennium) or even a hockey team!

Part of the challenge expressed in these responses is how churches learn what is happening in other congregations. Help us build better networks, was one sentiment. We’re doing good things, said another, but don’t know how to share that. But, wrote others, we can barely find people to do our own ministries, let alone lend them to others. How the Presbytery Leadership Team Intends to Use This Information: The Presbytery Leadership Team thanks all of the members and commissioners for their feedback and input. It will use this information in its work around these key areas:

• focusing the content and frequency of Presbytery meetings;

• evaluating the ways the Presbytery better establishes connections with its congregations, both through its ongoing work with the task force on Congregational Connections and an improved communications plan; and

• advising the Presbytery on the use of the Presbytery Strategic Initiative Funds. This feedback also points to an issue beyond a program tweak or financial priorities. To be a presbytery committed to mutual support and connectionalism, two themes reflected in the feedback, is to be a presbytery that truly lives by these values. And that is a task and challenge for all of us, not simply the PLT.

* * *


Report from the Personnel Committee Rev. David Colby, chair The Personnel Committee of the Presbytery reports to and through the Presbytery Leadership Team. It has four members plus the Moderator or his/her designee and is staffed by the Executive Presbyter. Effective organizations conduct consistent and non-threatening annual performance reviews. This gives staff a chance to receive feedback, share joys and frustrations about their job and the process ensures that staff responsibilities are aligned with the organization’s goals. We will have met with the Stated Clerk before the May presbytery meeting, and we will conduct the Executive Presbyter's review in mid-May. The Treasurer’s review will occur in the Fall. As the Presbytery continues to explore our identity and key goals for the coming years, the Personnel committee stands ready to help lineup our staffing structure to best meet those goals and serve the presbytery.

* * *

Report of the Executive Presbyter. Executive Presbyter Jeff Japinga thanked the Moderator and PLT chair for their service to our presbytery and presented each leader with a gift on behalf of the presbytery. The presbytery displayed its appreciation with applause. EP Japinga then reported on the work in which he is engaged. He noted that the energy and irresistible nature of our congregations inspires him. He sees generosity, energy and imagination in abundance with people passionately engaged in doing the work of the church. His written report follows and was RECEIVED.

EXECUTIVE PRESBYTER REPORT

Three years. Three years ago this week, I stood in front of the meeting of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area as the nominee to be your transitional executive presbyter. You said yes. One year.


Last year, I stood before you again as the subject of a recommendation to have me stay on for a new, five-year term. You said yes again. The May meeting of Presbytery is not simply a personal anniversary for me but the annual meeting of the Presbytery, and as such, it seems an appropriate time to assess where we are and how we’re doing as a Presbytery. I want to do it more briefly, if only because my March report was lengthy, and you don’t need a series of lengthy reports. March was an overview of “what we’re doing”—ten distinct initiatives that have been part of the PLT’s work and my work; ten specific means by which the Presbytery can live out its stated mission, to support congregations and to equip leaders. Here they are again, not in ten pages but in ten brief button points. (If you need to review these in more detail, please go on the website and find the March minutes.)

❖ How should we come together as Presbytery in ways that best honor both our constitutional responsibilities and our mission and vision? PLT is reporting on that at this meeting.

❖ What committees should continue forward to help us carry out our mission and vision? We have a robust committee structure for a robust Presbytery that in many ways no longer exists, at least with the members and budgets of decades past. That said, our task is not to formally try to re-structure our way out of this problem.

❖ How we push toward a more aware commitment to anti-racism. The PLT has

empowered an anti-racism task force and set aside budget dollars to support common efforts, and that task force, delayed, to be sure, is now working, focused on congregational empowerment on issues of racism.

❖ The financial oversight of the presbytery. Over the last year, the service we’ve

received by our accounting, payroll, and remittance provider, the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, has hampered our ability to provide the Presbytery with regular and complete accounting, and has prevented the Presbytery from investing some of our funds more strategically. We’re working constantly and consistently to correct that. You’ll receive an update from our treasurer at this meeting.

❖ The budget of the presbytery. Presbytery is supported primarily by per capita

payments and generous mission contributions from our congregations. How we allocate that support, in times when expectations exceed income, will continue to be an important discussion.

❖ Spending from the congregational development and strategic initiative funds. This

is underway. A second round of Congregational Development grants is currently in


the application stage. Expect some clear reporting in September from the PLT around the Strategic Initiative Funds.

❖ Presbytery connections with congregations: PLT has authorized an effort that would

put representatives of PLT in conversation with every session over the course of 2018; look for it.

❖ Strategic initiatives fund: A brief discussion of the content and use of the Presbytery

Strategic Initiative Fund can be found above, under the “MONEY” subheading. There are some suggestions there on ways forward. But there are other opportunities.

❖ Responding to congregational needs: One of two key Presbytery directions is

support of congregations. It’s the right goal, but one we are not structurally equipped to carry out with significant effectiveness. Currently, congregational support happens on a more ad-hoc basis, primarily through responses from committees and individuals contacted by congregations. That does not need to stop; and, in fact, informal networks of congregations and leaders ought to be encouraged, and perhaps funded in new ways. The question is, how can the Presbytery be more intentional in its goal of supporting congregations, without spending enormous effort and time on another restructuring.

❖ Communications. Newsletters, print or electronic, are quickly becoming dinosaurs in

the age of Twitter and Instagram. We must adapt for smart-phone communication. We must get more visually oriented. We need to put a more comprehensive strategy in place.

Each of the items outlined in the March report, and briefly reviewed here, will require significant effort. Each has the opportunity to make the Presbytery stronger, more responsive, a better version of itself; to help the Presbytery better live out its commitment and vision to support our congregations and equip our leaders. And if we accomplish everything on this list as well as possible, it won’t get us to where we need to be. To be a church “governed by presbyters, gathered in councils, seek(ing) to represent the will of Christ, with shared power exercised jointly,” won’t be accomplished in a set of ten PLT-led initiatives, no matter how imaginative; nor in some form of re-structure or more effective committees, no matter how inspired; nor in your EP or uber-qualified staff and officers running themselves ragged fixing things. We’ll simply be tired. There’s an old line, that when you go to Home Depot to buy a drill, you’re not buying a drill; you’re buying the hole in which you’ll hang your beloved’s picture. Neither do we come together as a Presbytery simply to be busy or to run the machinery. We come to experience


new life, the Gospel, through Jesus. To be transformed. And to share that good news with others. It’s not what we do, or how we do it, but why. We’re coming up on summer, with no July scheduled meeting. Summer is a time for vacation and a bit slower pace. Perhaps it can be a time for reflection as well—about that which we will choose to be and to build, as a Presbytery, in supporting congregations and equipping leaders. And that means all of us. John F. Kennedy was right nearly sixty years ago, and I hope he won’t mind this paraphrase. Because it really is not simply about what your Presbytery can do for you, but about what you can do for your brothers and sisters in ministry all across the PTCA. To be a church “governed by presbyters, gathered in councils, seek(ing) to represent the will of Christ, with shared power exercised jointly” requires our common commitment. This is a report on what we’re doing, and how we’re doing it. As we near the close of another annual meeting, it’s also important that all of us challenge ourselves to ask why we’re doing this—and in doing so, to recommit ourselves to the promise and possibility for a presbytery and a future shaped by God.

* * *

Report of the Treasurer: Treasurer and TE Steve Robertson reported that the presbytery is in the process of moving our accounting services to Bergan KDV. His written report follows, and it was RECEIVED.

TREASURER’S REPORT

In March of this year, a report to the Presbytery from your Board of Trustees, Treasurer, and Presbytery Executive informed you of the Board’s decision to move our accounting and bookkeeping services from the Synod of Lakes and Prairies to our presbytery’s accounting firm BerganKDV. The report outlined the significant reasons for this move, along with the anticipated outcomes of taking control of our own accounting. Following an unfortunate six-week delay that confounded even the highest levels of tech support at Intuit, we are up and ready to run our own accounting platform through QuickBooks (QB) for Non-profits, utilizing a QB 2018 desktop version that is housed through Point-North Networks, the network solution company used by our BerganKDV. They provide a secure network and regular backup of our software and data. We are finalizing the chart of accounts and other setup details, even as we prepare to begin using the system for accounting of our 2018 activity.


Following are updates on the progress of specific aspects of the transition and other matters relating to our accounting and financial services. 2017 October / November / December Month-end Financial Statements (including 2017 Year-End) The Presbytery does not yet have fourth-quarter or year-end financial statements from 2017. These statements must still be produced by the Financial Services department of the Synod of Lakes and Parries. The Synod, along with their own consulting accounting firm, is making progress on working through accounting issues discovered around the Synod’s own accounts as well as the presbyteries it served. They are now working presbytery-by-presbytery to resolve the issues and produce initial draft financial statements. They recently requested additional documentation from the presbytery to support their work, and we are gathering that information. These initial draft statements are now expected within the next 2-3 months. We anticipate that there will be a number of individual issues in those reports that may require more in-depth follow up. The Board of Trustees and the Presbytery Leadership Team have and will continue to receive complete updates at every meeting. Please be assured: the Presbytery’s cash and investment assets are fully protected. 2017 Remittances from Congregations These receipts include Per Capita, General Mission Giving, Special Offerings, Theological Education Fund contributions, and Extra Commitment Opportunities (including support of individual mission co-workers.) A number of our churches have made us aware of errors in 2017 reports or of non-reporting of remittances. The Synod has begun a review of this information and hopes to have it sorted out soon. Congregations have not received reports from the Synod for 2017, and those funds have not been forwarded to the General Assembly for 2017. The Synod has been in contact with the GA on behalf of the presbyteries and congregations, and the staff there are aware of the situation. I am in contact directly with a couple of mission co-workers who are anxiously awaiting our ability to forward on their contributions to GA. We deeply regret the affect this has had on congregations and the missions you support; we will continue to work with the Synod to correct this as soon as possible. 2017 and 2018 Payments and Distributions To the best of our knowledge, all the scheduled disbursements and payments for 2017, including Mission and Witness grants, payroll, and operating expenses have been paid. In addition, bills for 2018 year-to-date have been paid either by the Synod or now directly by the presbytery, and some Mission and Witness grants have been paid as of the end of April. The remainder of those 2018 year-to-date Mission and Witness grant distributions will go out in the next couple of weeks. 2017 and 2018 Payroll Information


As of the March 15, 2018 payroll date our presbytery payroll is working properly and payroll is accurate and we are being billed on a regular monthly system from the Synod. There remain only two payroll matters to be resolved from 2017 that will require continued follow-up on my part over the months ahead. 2018 Year-to-Date Information I have begun to compile and input all our 2018 year-to-date payments and receipts into the QB accounting software. It is my hope to have this done by month-end May 2018 so we can begin to generate preliminary financial statements for our year-to-date financial activities for 2018. 2018 Remittances from Congregations As we gather and input our 2018 year-to-date data into our new QB accounting software, we hope to be able to reconcile and forward directly to the General Assembly 2018 remittances for congregations beginning in June of this year (after a clean May month-end and year-to-date financial statements).

There are also two other important financial matters to report to you since the March meeting: Arlington Hills PC / Mission Cristina Elim Contract for Deed The contract for deed on the sale of the former Arlington Hills Presbyterian Church to Mission Cristina Elim was paid in full nearly two years early, on April 13, 2018. The presbytery received $1,125,916.19. In accordance with the presbytery’s approval of the Strategic Use of Presbytery Resources document in January, 2016, those receipts are part of the presbytery’s Strategic Asset Funds. Further, to honor an agreement in that same Strategic Funds document that a portion of these funds be directed to three congregations upon receipt of the full payment of the contract, disbursements have been made by the presbytery to Presbyterian Church of the Way, Shoreview; North Presbyterian Church, North Saint Paul; and Trinity Presbyterian Church, Woodbury. Investments The Board of Trustees approved a revised Investment Policy on April 17, 2018, naming the Presbyterian Foundation as the Investment Advisor and stipulating other terms of our investment strategy. On April 25, I received an initial proposal from Anita Clemons, VP and Managing Director of Investments of the Foundation proposing an investment strategy for the presbytery. As of this writing, we are working to get the Investment Sub-Committee of the BOT together with Anita to review that proposal and to move forward with a comprehensive investment strategy for the presbytery’s cash assets, including the Strategic Asset Funds. I am happy to answer other questions you may have about the details of our transition and the progress we are making.


Report of the Moderator. Moderator Parlette presided at the ordination and installation of Brittany McMillan on March 25, 2018, at Westminster Presbyterian church, Austin, Minnesota, and reported that Vice-moderator Rocky Rockenstein presided at the installation of Colin Elliott as Assistant Pastor at St. Luke Presbyterian Church, Wayzata, Minnesota. Moderator Parlette reported that the four areas of focus for the PLT for the coming year include (1) development of the policy for using “Bucket 2” funds; (2) development and implementation of the strategy for presbytery-congregation relationship building; (3) structuring the stated meetings of the presbytery to include 4 building blocks (worship, business, fellowship and inspiration/education); and (4) developing a communications strategy for the presbytery that increases our “story-telling” abilities. His written remarks are attached to these minutes, and his report was RECEIVED.

* * * Nominating Committee: Moderator Parlette welcomed RE and chair Manley Olson to report. Moderator Parlette thanked all those who have completed service on a presbytery committee this year, noting special appreciation for RE Olson’s service to our church. He noted that RE Olson has completed 30 years of service to the presbytery, in addition to his active service in local churches, in our synod and at General Assembly in numerous positions over the years. The presbytery thanked RE Olson with applause and an ovation.

PERSONS COMPLETING SERVICE ON A COMMITTEE IN MAY 2018 ** Are completing 6 years of service on this committee

Presbytery Leadership Team Bill Davnie, TE, Honorably Retired Sue Rutford, RE, First, Stillwater Deborah Isabelle, RE, Liberty, Mpls Bills and Overtures Meg Newswanger, TE, First, Maple Plain David Van Dyke, TE, Member-at-Large Board of Trustees Dayton Hultgren, TE, Honorably Retired Bill Davnie, TE, Honorably Retired Suann Nichols**, RE, Westminster, Mpls Jym Hubbell**, RE, New Life, Roseville


Larry Cumpston, RE, Central, St. Paul Committee on Congregational Vitality David Maghakian, TE, Member-at-Large Barbara Lutter, RE, COTW, Shoreview Alika Galloway, TE, Liberty, Mpls Committee on Ethics Anna Kendig, TE, Chaplain Herbert Perkins, TE, UCC Al Zdrazil, RE, Central, St. Paul Committee on Ministry Linda Wold**, RE, Valley, Golden Valley Called Positions Janice Dickinson, RE, HOH, St. Paul Committee on Preparation for Ministry Ann Olson**, RE, Westminster, Mpls Joy Smith, TE, Cherokee Park, St. Paul Don Robinson, RE, Committee on Representation Paula Sanders, TE, Member-at-Large Iesha Galloway-Gilllman, RE, Liberty, Mpls Ralph Johansen, RE, Buffalo, Buffalo Herbert Perkins, TE, UCC Vince Gin, RE, First, Hudson David Maghakian, TE, Member-at-Large Mission and Witness Barbara West, RE, Peace, St. Louis Park Jan Hubbell, RE, New Life, Roseville Nominating Committee Manley Olson**, RE, Westminster, Mpls Eric Adams**, RE, Westminster, Mpls David Liddle**, TE, Honorably Retired Doug Rutford, RE, First, Stillwater Permanent Judicial Commission Paul Moore**, TE, COL, Blaine Gale Robb**, TE, Honorably Retired Elizabeth Raitt**, TE, Honorably Retired Sandra Hawley**, RE, Plymouth, Plymouth Personnel Judy Kim**, TE, Honorably Retired Ann Bursch, RE, New Life, Roseville Synod of Lakes and Prairies Jim Payne**, RE, Valley, Golden Valley

RE Olson then nominated the following slate of officers for election:

NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT For Action:

One-year term 5/19 Moderator: Walter (Rocky) Rockenstein, RE, Westminster Presbyterian Church,

Minneapolis Vice Moderator: Anna Kendig, TE, Member-at-Large, Chaplain at U of M Medical Center


PLT Chair: T.J. Parlette, TE, First Presbyterian Church, Rochester

Three-year term 5/21 Stated Clerk: Barbara Lutter, RE, Presbyterian Church of the Way, Shoreview

There were no nominations from the floor, and after the vote, Moderator Parlette declared the slate duly elected. RE Olson then nominated the slate of nominees for election on presbytery committees: Names in BOLD to be elected or reelected at this meeting. Vacancies are indicated only to reach the number needed for minimum committee membership. The numbers on the left are the code used to track terms and expiration dates. Most terms are for 3 years. 5/21=3 is a term expiring in May 2021 and the person will have served 3 years at the completion of the term. 5/21=6 means the person will have completed 6 years which is the maximum service allowed on most committees. Years of service of other than 3 or 6 are the result of filling unexpired terms. All committee chairs and members of PLT are elected for 1 year but may be reelected. Most terms end with the Annual Meeting in May. PRESBYTERY OFFICERS/PRESBYTERY LEADERSHIP TEAM (up to 6 at large) 5/19=3 TJ Parlette, TE, Rochester, First, Chair 5/19=2 Walter(Rocky) Rockenstein, RE, Minneapolis, Westminster, Moderator 5/19=2 Barbara Lutter, RE, Shoreview, Church of the Way, Stated Clerk 5/19=3 Steve Robertson, TE, Hastings, First, Treasurer 5/19=1 Anna Kendig, TE, Minneapolis, U of M Medical Center, Vice-Moderator 5/19=3 Deb Kielsmeier, TE, Member-at Large, At Large 5/19=3 Cindy Ray, TE, Roseville, Presbyterian Homes and Services, At Large 5/19=2 Jeff Foels, TE, St. Paul, The House of Hope, At Large 5/19=1 5/19=1 5/19=1 Jeffrey Japinga, TE, Executive Presbyter, ex-officio BILLS & OVERTURES COMMITTEE (8 members) Chair: 9/18 Peter Soulen 9/18=2 Attie Kay Yost, RE, Hudson, First (222nd GA)


9/18=2 Jake Van Pernis, TE, Howard Lake First 9/18=2 Katie Estes, TE, South Saint Paul, First (222nd GA) 9/18=2 Peter Soulen, RE, Minneapolis, Westminster (222nd GA) 9/18=4 Burt Nygren, RE, Minneapolis, Westminster (221st GA) 5/19=1 Vince Gin, RE, Hudson, First 5/20=2 Steve Hull, RE, Baldwin, First 5/21=5 Diana Barber, RE, Minneapolis, Westminster BOARD OF TRUSTEES (12 Members) Chair: 5/19 Barbara Anne Keely 5/19=3 Brian Alton, RE, St. Paul, The House of Hope 5/19=2 Chase Davies, RE, Shoreview, Church of the Way 5/19=1 5/19=1 5/20=3 Julie Wong, member, Minneapolis, Westminster 5/20=6 Cindy Ray, TE, Roseville, Presbyterian Homes and Services 5/20=3 Frank Vardeman, TE, HR 5/20=3 Barbara Anne Keely, TE, Member-at-Large 5/21=6 David PeKarna, RE. St. Paul, The House of Hope 5/21=3 5/21=3 5/21=3 COMMITTEE ON CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY (9-15 members) Chair: 5/19 Mike Quady 5/19=3 Mike Quady, RE, Buffalo, Buffalo 5/19=3 Rebecca Erickson, RE, Stillwater, First 5/19=3 Ken Latham, RE, Woodbury, Trinity 5/20=3 Heidi Vardeman, TE, Saint Louis Park, Peace 5/20=3 Gilo Agwa, TE, Member-at Large 5/20=3 Scott Larson, TE, Member-at Large 5/21=6 Kathleen Vellenga, RE, St. Paul, Dayton Avenue 5/21=3 Karen Larson, TE, Member-at-Large 5/21=3 COMMITTEE ON ETHICS (9 members) Chair: 5/19 5/19=5 Don Patterson, TE, HR 5/19=3 Dean Seal, TE, Chaska, Shepherd of the Hill 5/19=1 5/20=2 5/20=2


5/20=2 5/21=6 Mary Koon, TE, Bloomington, Oak Grove 5/21=3 Roger Jensen, RE, St. Paul, The House of Hope 5/21=3 Ralph Johansen, RE, Buffalo, Buffalo COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY (15-21 members) Co-Chair: 5/19 Carol Reed Co-Chair: 5/19 David Parker 5/19=6 Susan Li, TE, Member-at-Large 5/19=3 David Parker, TE, Shoreview, Church of the Way 5/19=3 Deb DeMeester, TE, Synod of Lakes and Prairies 5/19=3 Diane Smith, RE, St. Paul, The House of Hope 5/19=2 Paula Sanders, TE, Member-at-Large 5/19=2 Kirk Johnston, TE, Hayfield First 5/20=6 Carol Reed, TE, Long Lake, Calvin 5/20=3 Cader Howard, TE, Stillwater, First 5/20=3 Ken Huskins, RE, Minneapolis, Westminster 5/20=3 Dan Vigilante, TE, Minneapolis, Grace Trinity 5/20=3 Sue Goodspeed, RE, Minneapolis, Lake Nokomis 5/20=3 Howard (Skip) Smith, TE, HR 5/21=6 Judy Landt, TE, HR 5/21=3 5/21=3 COM Called Positions Sub-Committee (4-8 members) Chair: Gale Robb 5/20=3 Denise Dunbar Perkins, TE, Minneapolis, Abbott-Northwestern 5/20=3 John Curtis, TE, Plainview, Community 5/20=3 Bernard Johnson, TE, HR 5/21=6 James Brasel, TE, HR 5/21=6 Gale Robb, TE, HR 5/21=6 Elizabeth Remfert, RE, Rochester, First 5/21=6 Kathryn Breitbarth, RE, St. Paul, The House of Hope 5/21=3 Anne Fisher, TE, Plymouth, Plymouth COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY (15-21 members) Co-Chair: 5/19=1 Luke Roske-Metcalfe Co-Chair: 5/19=1 Lisa Johnson 5/19=6 Luke Roske-Metcalfe, TE, Minneapolis, Ebenezer 5/19=6 Lisa Johnson, TE, Oronoco, Oronoco 5/19=3 Eugene Allen, RE, Minneapolis, Grace Trinity 5/19=3 Michael Lindh, RE, Minneapolis, Westminster


5/19=3 Holly Hearon, TE, Member-at-Large 5/19=3 Robert Lundberg, TE, Presbyterian Homes 5/20=3 Greg Bolt, TE, Red Wing, First 5/20=3 Rebecca Fletcher, TE, Member-at-Large 5/20=3 Carol Anderson, RE, Maple Plain First 5/20=2 5/21=6 Doug Throckmorton, TE, HR 5/21=6 Jean Emmons, RE, Stillwater. First 5/21=3 Lois Glewwe, RE, South Saint Paul, First 5/21=3 Kate Johnston, TE, Member-at-Large 5/21=3 MISSION AND WITNESS COMMITTEE (7-11 members) Chair 5/18 Brenda Alexander 5/19=3 Gary Titusdahl, TE, St. Paul Dayton Ave. 5/19=3 Alanna Simone Tyler, TE, Minneapolis, Park Avenue Methodist 5/20=6 Brenda Alexander, TE, HR 5/20=6 Ken Wooley, RE, Hudson, First 5/20=6 David Mwihia, TE, Member-at-Large 5/20=3 Corrine Freedman-Ellis, TE, St. Paul, Macalester Plymouth 5/21=6 Dixie Brachlow, TE, HR 5/21=3 Phil Benson, RE, Maple Plain, First PERMANENT JUDICIAL COMMISSION (no fewer than 7 members) 5/20=6 Peter Soulen, RE, Minneapolis, Westminster 5/20=6 Larry Lee, RE, St. Paul, The House of Hope 5/23=6 Rochelle Le Tourneau, RE, South Saint Paul, First 5/24=6 Ed Martin, TE, HR 5/24=6 Margaret McCray, TE, Minneapolis, Westminster Counseling Center 5/24=6 Michael Olmsted, TE, Austin, Westminster 5/24=6 PERSONNEL COMMITTEE (4 members plus Moderator or designee) Chair: 5/19 David Colby 5/19=1 Walter(Rocky) Rockenstein, RE, Minneapolis, Westminster, (Moderator) 5/20=2 Sue Rutford, RE, Stillwater, First 5/20=3 Cathy LaPoint, RE, Golden Valley, Valley Community 5/21=3 David Colby, TE, St. Paul, Central 5/21=3 Meghan Gage-Finn, TE, Minneapolis, Westminster SELF DEVELOPMENT OF PEOPLE (7-11 members, 50%PTCA, Majority RE) Chair: 5/19 David Stewart


There were no nominations from the floor. After the vote, Moderator Parlette declared the slate ELECTED.

* * * Report of the Stated Clerk: Stated clerk Barbara Lutter presented her report, which was RECEIVED.

STATED CLERK’S REPORT I. Presbytery Corporate Business: Closing of Sale of AHP Property

On Friday, April 13, 2018, I represented the Presbytery at the refinancing of the property formerly associated with Arlington Hills Presbyterian Church. Mission Christiana Elim, the purchaser of the property, obtained financing to satisfy and pay in full the Contract for Deed held by the presbytery one full year early. On behalf of the PTCA, I signed the Warranty Deed transferring title of the property to the buyer and received the check for the sale proceeds due. According to the pastor of the Christiana Elim congregation, its membership has grown significantly in the past four years, with between 400-450 adults attending worship each Sunday, and 130-150 children present each week for Sunday School and Youth classes. The pastor expressed his appreciation to the presbytery for entrusting the congregation with the property, and we prayed together after the business was completed. On a personal level, this closing was especially heartfelt for me, as I was a member of AHP and I was serving as PLT chair when AHP closed. How wonderful to know that the church building is now serving a new, growing and vibrant ministry. How wonderful to anticipate the opportunities we now have within our presbytery as we use the financial resources from the sale of that property to nurture and support the ministries of member congregations, in support of the presbytery’s strategy for the mission of the church, and as a tool for the accomplishment of the mission of Jesus Christ in the world.

II. Presbytery Ecclesiastical Business

A. Overture Advocates for the 223rd General Assembly. Four Overtures submitted by the PTCA will be considered at the upcoming General Assembly; our presbytery has the opportunity to designate an Overture Advocate for each of these Overtures. The following persons have agreed to represent the PTCA as Overture Advocates:


Peter Soulen, RE, Westminster PC, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Overture 15 (Amendment of G-2.0509 & D-10.0401d) and Overture 56 (Paid Parental Leave) Tomie Evans, RE, Cherokee Park United, West St. Paul, Minnesota; Overture 57 (Climate Change) Dean Seal, TE, Shepherd of the Hill, Chaska, Minnesota; Overture 58 (MLK, Jr Letter from Birmingham City Jail)

B. Orientation for Commissioners and YAAD to 223rd General Assembly. In addition to the

online training and informational session sponsored by the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, an Orientation session was held on April 13, 2018 for our GA delegation. All four Commissioners were present, as was EP Jeff Japinga and the stated clerk.

GA Committee Assignments for our delegation are: Barbara Anne Keely, Social Justice Issues Committee David Parker, Middle East Issues Committee Walter Rockenstein, Moderator of the Mission Coordination Committee Philip Romine, Theological and Church Growth Issues Committee

C. Dismissal of Administrative Commissions, with Gratitude:

1. Administrative Commission for the Ordination and Installation of the Rev. Brittany

MacMillan at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Austin, Minnesota

TEs: Rev. Michael Olmstead, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Austin, Minnesota Rev. T.J. Parlette, First Presbyterian Church, Rochester, Minnesota Rev. Kate Johnston, Member-at-Large Ruling Elders: Lynn Wanzek, First Presbyterian Church, Hayfield, Minnesota Elizabeth Remfert, First Presbyterian Church Rochester, Minnesota Jodi Vortherms, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Austin, Minnesota

In fulfillment of its charge, the Administrative Commission met on March 25, 2018 to ordain and install the Rev. Brittany MacMillan at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Austin, Minnesota. Moderator T.J. Parlette propounded the constitutional questions. Having completed its work, the Administrative Commission is dismissed with the deep gratitude of the presbytery.


2. Administrative Commission for the Installation of the Rev. Brennan Blue at St. Luke Presbyterian Church, Wayzata, Minnesota

TEs: Rev. Alika Galloway, Member-at-Large; Liberty Community Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota Rev. David Shinn, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis, MN Rev. Jeff Japinga, Executive Presbyter, PTCA Rev. Jim Brasel, Honorably Retired Ruling Elders: Walter Rockenstein, Vice-Moderator, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota Janie Warner, St. Luke Presbyterian Church, Wayzata, Minnesota Tamara Rogers, St. Luke Presbyterian Church, Wayzata, Minnesota

In fulfillment of its charge, the Administrative Commission met on March 4, 2018 to ordain and install the Rev. Brennan Blue at St. Luke Presbyterian Church, Wayzata, Minnesota. Vice-Moderator Walter Rockenstein propounded the constitutional questions. Having completed its work, the Administrative Commission is dismissed with the deep gratitude of the presbytery.

D. Updates of the Work of Administrative Commissions

1. Dayton Avenue Presbyterian Church. The full report of the Administrative

Commission is attached below.

2. Eden Prairie Presbyterian Church. The Supreme Court of the United States has not yet determined whether to accept our Petition. Our legal counsel has informed us that another Petition has been filed before SCOTUS involving the same legal issues as our case by the Episcopal Church. The SCOTUS will consider both Petitions later in May.

3. Presbyterian Church of Le Sueur. The Administrative Commission presents its final

report to the presbytery at this stated meeting.

E. Presbytery Minutes Review. The Synod review of the Minutes of stated meetings of 2017 will take place May 11-12, 2018 at Lakeshore Center, Lake Okoboji, Iowa. I will attend.

F. Stated Clerk Training. Training for new stated clerks will take place May 13-16, 2018 in

Louisville, and I will be in attendance.


In Gratitude: Over the past two months, I have had the pleasure of talking with a number of teaching and ruling elders regarding how they would like to serve in our presbytery. I appreciate the openness to consider service opportunities which were present in each of these conversations. Our presbytery benefits from a depth of leadership, and I am grateful for the commitment each person and each congregation make as members of this presbytery.

REPORT OF DAYTON AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION

Report to the Presbytery The Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area, at the request of the session of the Dayton Avenue Presbyterian Church, appointed an Administrative Commission in May, 2017, with the following action:

Motion: In response to the action of the session of Dayton Avenue Presbyterian Church, St. Paul, Minnesota, requesting that Presbytery appoint an administrative commission to assist the session and congregation in discerning the future of the congregation, and in accord with Book of Order G-3.0109b(4), the Presbytery elects the following person(s), and additional persons to be named by the Moderator, to form an Administrative Commission for this purpose. REs: Dave Pekarna, ADD: Kathryn Breitbarth TEs: The Commission shall have full authority to work with the session and congregation to determine the congregation’s future structure, location, and/or closure, and to assist the session and congregation in implementing whatever decision is made, or to recommend to Presbytery any additional action that may be necessary.

Through more than a dozen unique AC meetings, three additional meetings with the session of the Dayton Avenue Church, and innumerable contacts with persons in the greater Saint Paul community (and beyond), the Administrative Commission undertook a wide exploration of possible avenues toward a new or revitalized ministry at the historic corner of Dayton Avenue and Mackubin Street in Saint Paul. At every turn, however, two factors kept impeding forward movement: a building structure that will require significant (up to $1 million) in deferred exterior maintenance, governed by the requirements of the Saint Paul historic district in which DAPC resides; and an outstanding loan to the Synod of Lakes and Prairies of approximately $175,000. No matter how deeply we looked into local demographics; how creatively we looked at mission models for revitalization; how widely we talked in the community, the financial challenges of the exterior maintenance and building indebtedness remained clear and present, and we finally believed these factors could not be overcome under current circumstances.


For that reason, the session of the Dayton Avenue Presbyterian Church and the PTCA’s Administrative Commission jointly offer the following recommendation to the Board of Trustees:

To grant the session of the Dayton Avenue Presbyterian Church permission to list for sale the property of the Dayton Avenue Presbyterian Church, based on G-4.0206 of the Book of Order. Listing of the property will occur within the normal parameters of past Presbytery actions concerning the sale of property. The terms and conditions of any proposed sale must be reported to and approved by the Board of Trustees prior to being finalized.

The Administrative Commission will continue to work with the session of the Dayton Avenue Presbyterian Church, both in the marketing of the property and in discerning the long-term ministry vision of the congregation. This work on a long-term vision for ministry will include a future location for the ministry that may or may not involve a lease-back of space within the current building, a new proposed location for ministry (alone or in possible partnership with another congregation), or the eventual closure of the congregation. Under the authority given it by the Presbytery, the AC will also approach the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, on behalf of the Dayton Avenue Presbyterian Church Session, to request consideration of temporary moratorium on debt service, until such time as the building is sold, as a way to preserve the congregation’s diminishing reserves. The Administrative Commission will return to the Board of Trustees with the terms of any proposed sale, as well as a recommendation on use of a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the building, based on these further discussions of ministry and terms of any proposed sale. Once the indebtedness to the Synod is satisfied by sale proceeds, the AC may request that some portion of the remaining sum be dedicated to support a renewed vision and ministry of the Dayton Avenue Presbyterian Church, as this is an existing congregation that hopes in some way to continue its ministry together.

* * *

Moderator Parlette then invited newly elected officers RE Walter Rockenstein and TE Anna Kendig to the front of the sanctuary, and he presided over their installation using the following words: Opening Litany

As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer male or female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.


Lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

There is one body and one Spirit, just as we were called to the one hope of our calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.

Anthem “I Will Make a Way” Tom Trenney Call to Discipleship

We are called by God to be the church of Jesus Christ, a sign in the world today of what God intends for all humankind.

The great ends of the church are the proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind; the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God; the maintenance of divine worship; the preservation of the truth; the promotion of social righteousness; and the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world.

The call of Christ is to willing, dedicated discipleship. Our discipleship is a manifestation of the new life we enter through baptism. Discipleship is both a gift and a commitment, an offering and a responsibility. Walter Rockenstein, you are being installed as the Moderator of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area. Anna Kendig, you are being installed as the Vice Moderator. My friends, the grace bestowed on you in baptism is sufficient for your calling because it is God’s grace. By God’s grace we are saved and enabled to grow in the faith and to commit our lives in ways which serve Christ. God has called you to particular service. Would you please show your purpose by answering these questions. Who is your Lord and Savior? Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple, obeying his word and showing his love? I will, with God’s help. Do you welcome the responsibility of this service because you are determined to follow the Lord Jesus, to love neighbors, and to work for the reconciling of the world? I do. Will you serve the people with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love, relying on God’s mercy and rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit?

I will, with God’s help. Do we, the members of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area, confirm the call of God


to Walter, as Moderator, and to Anna as Vice-Moderator, in the service of Jesus Christ? We do. Will you support and encourage them in this ministry? We will.

Installation Prayer

Faithful God, in baptism you claimed us; by your Holy Spirit you are working in our lives, empowering us to live a life worthy of our calling. We thank you for leading Walter and Anna to this time and place. Establish them in your truth, and guide them by your Holy Spirit, that in your service they may grow in faith, hope and love, and be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever.

Almighty God, in Jesus Christ you called disciples and, by the Holy Spirit, made them one church to serve you. Let your Spirit rule your church, so that we may be joined in love and service to Jesus Christ, who, having gone before us, is coming to meet us in the promise of your kingdom. Amen.

Charge and Presentation of the Symbols of the Office

Walter Rockenstein, you are now installed to service as the Moderator of the Twin Cities Area Anna Kendig, you are now installed to service as the Vice-Moderator of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area. Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God through him. Amen

Anthem “Total Praise” Richard Smallwood, arr. Doreen Rao Remarks from Newly Installed Moderator Blessing

We have received peace, grace, and mercy from our Savior, Jesus Christ. And now, what does he ask of us?

To love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our strength.

Then what more shall we say Here am I, Lord, that I should do your will.

Let us go in peace. Amen.


SYMBOLS AND GIFTS OF OFFICE The Gavel. This gavel was given to the Presbytery in loving memory of Dr. James Wallace, a pioneer Presbyterian, and the acting president at Macalester College from 1894 to 1906. During his term as president, he expanded the curriculum, expanded the college’s endowment and stabilized its budget. As one of Macalester’s six faculty members, Dr. Wallace taught Greek and Bible Studies. Dr. Wallace guided Macalester College through perilous years, and it was his courage and vision that kept Macalester College open when other minds had determined to close it. There was a dignity in his presence and a reserve of intellectual power and independence that enabled him to meet ~ on terms of mutual respect ~ the greatest leaders of education, commerce, finance and the Church. The Moderator’s Cross. The Moderator’s Cross symbolizes the uniting of the presbytery of Minneapolis and the presbytery of St. Paul, in 1975. And, as many of you will remember, this was not an easy birth. Apparently, the Minneapolis presbytery voted in favor of the union; the St Paul presbytery opposed it. The issue went to the Synod of Minnesota for resolution. So, our heritage is of division and balance. The legend of the moderator’s cross reads:

“Two streams of life come together at the base of the Cross in new life creating the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area. The upward flowing of that life extends through the upturned arms embracing all of humanity in the love of God found in Jesus Christ. A Lake Superior agate centered in the earth depicts the place from which that love is expressed to persons throughout the world. The overall design of the Cross conveys the movement of God’s Spirit among God’s people, that they shall find trust, hope and new life in God’s love, given to them.”

The Moderator’s Stole. The Moderator’s stole is a replica. It’s a copy of a stole created for Sandy Hawley in honor of her year as moderator. This stole symbolizes the yoke of service taken on by the Moderator. The doors of the Chapel at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville inspired the design. Using all the liturgical colors of green, red, white and purple, the stole also contains symbols basic to our Christian beliefs: the cross representing the incarnate love of God given to us through Jesus Christ; the circles of green, yellow and white signify eternity and our growing in faith and love through Jesus, and these circles form the Celtic Cross which signifies our Presbyterian historical link to Scotland; the open Bible with alpha and omega symbolizing the centrality of Scripture and the sovereignty of God; rays of sun denote Jesus Christ as the light to the world and our commitment to carry the gospel to others; the descending dove represents the Holy Spirit, and the grapes and wheat represent the elements of Holy Communion in their basic form, indicating our dependence on and connection to the earth and its resources.


The Vice-Moderator’s Cross.

DONATION OF REV. DR. WALTER ROCKENSTEIN’S PECTORAL CROSS

TO THE PRESBYTERY OF THE TWIN CITIES AREA AS A

SYMBOL OF THE VICE MODERATOR’S OFFICE

I am donating my father’s pectoral cross to the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area to serve as the symbol of office for the Presbytery’s Vice Moderator. My father, the Reverend Doctor Walter H. Rockenstein, was drawn from his Methodist roots to the Presbyterian Church by its reformed theology and democratic, connectional governance system. He received his Bachelor’s of Sacred Theology and Master’s of Sacred Theology in Old Testament from Western Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and his Ph.D. in Religious Communication from Northwestern University and the Federated Theological Faculty of the University of Chicago. Ordained as Presbyterian Minister of Word and Sacrament/TE in 1945, he served churches in Carrolton and Minonk, Ohio, and in Wenona, Illinois. In 1952, he became the Director of the Mountaineer Mining Mission, a Presbyterian national mission post that served eight mine communities around Morgantown and Fairmont, West Virginia. In addition to his duties as Director, he was the pastor at the Canyon and Rock Forge Presbyterian Churches. In 1956, he joined the Speech Department Faculty at West Virginia University and began his teaching ministry. During this time, he chaired the Committee on Educational Broadcasting that established the University’s public broadcasting system. This system grew to become West Virginia Public Broadcasting. During his teaching ministry, he remained active at the Presbytery and Synod levels teaching workshops on preaching and religious communication, serving on numerous committees, and acting regularly as a supply pastor. He took a special interest in ecumenical efforts, helping to found the Monongalia County Ministerial Association. Walter (Rocky) Rockenstein, Vice Moderator November 1, 2017

* * *

The Presbytery attendance was reported as follows:


Category Present Not Present

Total

Teaching Elders 69 208 277

Ruling Elders 48 140 188

Elder Ruling Commissioners Elected by Sessions 0 1 1

Elder Members of Presbytery 6 4 10

Elder Observers 7 -- --

Candidates and Inquirers 2 11 13

Corresponding Member 2 -- --

Visitors 5 -- --

Total 139 -- --

Churches 39 22 61

The next Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area stated meeting will be held September 11, 2018 beginning at 4:00 p.m. at Buffalo Presbyterian Church, Buffalo, Minnesota. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________________________ ________________________________ Barbara Lutter, Stated Clerk Date


SAVE THE DATE! Presbyterian Youth Triennium

Purdue University West Lafayette, Indiana

July (15)16-20, 2019

It’s not too early to start planning for this tri-annual gathering of Presbyterian

youth. Please consider attending this event with the PTCA delegation. Wendy Griffin, registrar for PYT2019, is looking for Adults and Youth to serve on

the planning team.

For more information about PYT2019, or to express interest in being part of the PTCA Here’s My Heart planning team, contact Wendy at [email protected]

Highlights from PYT2016 can be found on Instagram @ptca.triennium


presbytery of the twin cities area annual stated … · bernard e. johnson (hr) lisa johnson paul...

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