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Table of Contents

Call to meeting ................................................................................................................................... 1

Information about host church .......................................................................................................... 3

Offering Recipient ............................................................................................................................... 4

Proposed Docket ................................................................................................................................ 5-6

Table of Motion (A)s ........................................................................................................................... 7

Information about The Confession of Belhar ..................................................................................... 8-14

Report of the Stated Clerk (B) ............................................................................................................ 15-18

Administrative Division Steering Committee (C)

Center Operations (C.1) .......................................................................................................... 19

Ecclesiastical Affairs Committee (C.2) ................................................................................... 20-21

Finance Committeee (C.3) ..................................................................................................... 22

Personnel Committee (C.4) ................................................................................................... 23

Committee on Ministry (D) ................................................................................................................. 24-44

Committee on Preparation for Ministry (E) ....................................................................................... 45

General Council (F) ............................................................................................................................. 46-53

Proposed Revisions to the Gracious Reconciliation and Dismissal Procedure .......................... 54-65

Previously Proposed Revisions to GRDP, July, 2014 .................................................................. 66-77

Ministries Division Steering Committee (G)

Evangelism and Church Growth (G.1) ....................................................................................... 78-81

Nomination Committee (H) (report will appear in the Addendum)

Committee on Representation (I) ....................................................................................................... 81

Informational Flyers ........................................................................................................................... 82-87

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To the Minister-Members and Elder Commissioners to the Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of New Covenant:

On-ti-chu-ka! Greetings and Welcome! The Staff, Session, and Congregation of the Indian Presbyterian Church on the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation are delighted to host the Stated Presbytery Meeting on Saturday, November 15, 2014. We also welcome you to the Piney Woods of East Texas. We have recently celebrated our 130 th Birthday! Our Church was chartered October 27, 1884.

As in other Presbytery Meetings, Registration begins 30 minutes before the meeting begins, and there is an orientation for new commissioners. 15 minutes before the meeting begins. A map with directions to the church and the Special Events Center next door (where the meeting will be) is attached to this invitation.

Childcare will be provided for children who are five years old or younger. Reservations are necessary for those requesting childcare. Unfortunately Childcare cannot be provided for children who are sick or require special care. Parents must bring a sack lunch, snacks, diapers, bottles, etc. Parents should pick up their children promptly after the Presbytery Meeting. Please call the church office no later than one week prior to the meeting to indicate number and age of child/children for whom you are making reservations.

Reservations for lunch are not required. Lunch tickets for 275 people will be made available on a “first come, first served” basis. However, our Church is nestled between the towns of Livingston and Woodville, on Hwy 190. So, the nearest restaurants are found in those towns. There are two small cafes within two-three miles from our Church.

A floor plan of the Church and Special Events Center will be included in the Addendum. Those needing overnight accommodations may contact these hotels:

Best Western Livingston Inn & Suites

335 Hwy 59 Loop S Livingston, Texas 77351

(936) 327-8500

Hampton Inn 1510 Hwy 59 S Loop

Livingston, Texas 77351 (936) 327-2300

Holiday Inn Express Hotel Suites 120 South Point Lane

Livingston, Texas 77351 (936) 327-9600

La Quinta Inns & Suites 402 Hwy 59 S Loop S

Livingston, Texas 77351 (936) 328-5299

Super 8 117 Hwy 59 S Loop

Livingston, Texas 77351 (936) 327-2451

If you prefer tent camping, RV Camping, or Cabins, these are available

at Lake Tom-Big-Bee on the

Reservation. Call Katie Daniel (936) 563-1100

Parking is available in front of the Special Events Center as well as a drop-off area.

Please let the Presbytery Staff know of any equipment, meeting rooms, or display area desired. They will coordinate with us in making provisions. You must arrange for display area ahead of time by completing a Display Request form. Please call Lynn Hargrove. (713) 525-2585, ext. 210 or email her at lhargrove@pbyofcovenant.org.

The Presbytery Packet will be available online and mailed to those churches and ministers without e-mail. It is the responsibility of each commissioner and minister to access this Packet and bring it to the meeting. Unfortunately the Special Events Center does not have WiFi.

We are looking forward to seeing you!

Peace,

Elder Debra L. Battise-Kleinman, CRE

Indian Presbyterian Church

1072 Colabe Road

Livingston, Texas 77351

Phone & Fax: (936) 563-4259

Indianpresbych@yahoo.com Elder Debra L. Battise-Kleinman, CRE

mailto:lhargrove@pbyofcovenant.orgmailto:Indianpresbych@yahoo.com

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Offering Recipient

Kid’s Free Clothing Exchange

Kid’s Free Clothing Exchange provides age-appropriate clothing to children from birth to 18 years of age in a 7 county area around Onalaska, Texas. We receive no government funding or grants. The budget comes from private donations. In the ten years since opening, we have clothed more than 3000 children at least once, and most of them many times, as they can return every 60 days. Our philosophy is that when a child looks good, s/he feels good, having greater self esteem, which helps in school with better grades and a better experience, which translates into the home. The goal is to lift these children up, to bolster their goals and dreams for a bright future. A positive childhood should result in a positive adulthood, enabling them to become good citizens and role models for others. A great need is coming from retiree grandparents on fixed incomes who suddenly become the “parents” of their grandchildren. This helps the children to stay out of foster care, but stretches meager incomes and assets beyond their intended use. Imagine suddenly having to navigate health care and school for a grandchild that you were not expecting to care for on a full time basis. We hear stories from teachers, school nurses, and ministers regarding the changes in attitude and improvement in grades and school performance from the children that we serve. We know that we are making a difference! We thank you for choosing us as your offering recipient today! It will assist us in providing new items, such as the more than 400 pair of new tennis shoes that we provided before this school year began, along with underwear and socks. We also accept donations of clothing. Clothes in poor condition are taken to another organization that pays by the pound, so that is helpful, too. Board of Directors: Lupe Barbosa, Althea Elliott, Lew Vail, John Colville, Lynn Badgerow, Sherry Newport, and Pam Hill

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The Presbytery of New Covenant “Growing congregations that passionately engage their community to make disciples.”

Stated Meeting – November 15, 2014 Indian Presbyterian Church, 1072 Colabe Rd., Livingston, TX 77351

936/563-5166 This year’s theme – Making Disciples

Offering: Kid’s Free Clothing Exchange 9:00 Registration Opens Welcome Area 9:15 New Commissioner Orientation ??? There will be a place available all day for prayer and meditation. Signs will direct you to this location.

For your information, TE means Teaching Elder, and RE means Ruling Elder.

THE DOCKET Please silence all devices!

9:25 am Gathering Song “???” 9:30 am Opening Worship Moderator, RE John Jo

TE Jeff Smith (Houston, St. Andrew’s) preaching Communion

Moment for Mission: Kid’s Free Clothing Exchange 10:15 am Opening Business Moderator and Stated Clerk

Declaration of Quorum and Adoption of the Docket Welcome by Host Church – CRE Debbie Battise-Kleinman Welcome of Others (First time Commissioners, Corresponding Members, New

Minister Members, Visitors) Omnibus Motion (B.1) Moderator’s Remarks and Appointments

Tellers Nominations to Nominating Committee

10:25 am Report of the Stated Clerk (B) TE Lynn Hargrove

Administrative Commissions for Installations/Ordinations 10:30 am Vote on the Confession of Belhar Moderator John Jo

Presentation by TE Greg Han (Member at Large) 11:00 am Celebration of Ministry: Interfaith Ministries TE Greg Han 11:05 am Report of the General Council TE Laurey Murphy

First Reading: Proposed Revisions to the Gracious Reconciliation and Dismissal Procedure

Action Item: Election and Installation of Treasurer and Stated/Recording Clerk

11:35 am Celebration of Ministry Dick Humphrey Powerful Tools for Pastoral Caregivers

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11:40 am Ecclesiastical Affairs Committee TE Becky Downs Action Item: Parity Plan 11:50 am Celebration of Ministry Sam Locke

Presbyterian Mission Agency: Special Offerings

NOON FELLOWSHIP AT TABLE/OPEN SPACE CONVERSATIONS 12:30 Vision Team TE David Sawyer 1:30 pm Reconvening Hymn “??” 1:35 pm The WORD – Laureen Suba (pending COM sustaining her examination)

2:00 pm Committee on Ministry TE John Hirling

Committee on Examination RE Greg Feigh Action Items: Teaching Elder Ethics Document

Ministries Division RE Jody Harrington Outreach Committee – Covenant Agreement w/CUPS

Administrative Division RE Jane Larkin

Nominating Committee RE Gayle Smith

Committee on Preparation for Ministry TE Kevin Boyd Committee on Representation RE Sharon Dardon

Celebration of Ministry: Camp Cho-Yeh ???

New Business (Only if submitted four days prior to meeting date, so it can be posted online 3 days prior) Closing Prayer Adjournment (By rule of the presbytery, no later than 4:00 pm, unless the assembly votes by a 2/3 majority to extend beyond)

Following adjournment, clerks will meet for session records review in Room ???.

The next Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of New Covenant will be

Saturday, March 21, 2015 at St. Philip Presbyterian Church 4807 San Felipe, Houston, TX 77056 713/622-4807

http://www.covenantpresbyterian.org/

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Table of Motions

Shall the Presbytery of New Covenant approve the inclusion of The Confession of Belhar in The Book of

Confessions of the PC(U.S.A.)? NOTE: This requires a 2/3 majority of the 172 presbyteries to pass. We will use a

written ballot for this vote.

From General Council

Shall we approve the withdrawal of the revisions of the Gracious Reconciliation and Dismissal Procedure that

was offered at the July, 2014, meeting of the Presbytery of New Covenant?

Shall we accept the newly revised Gracious Reconciliation and Dismissal Procedure that is offered at today’s

meeting of the Presbytery of New Covenant as a first reading?

Shall we approve the election of the Rev. Lynn R. Hargrove as the Stated and Recording Clerk of the Presbytery

of New Covenant to a three year term ending December 31, 2017?

Shall we approve the election of RE Peter Koester as the Treasurer of the Presbytery of New Covenant to a three

year term ending December 31, 2017?

From the Committee on Ministry

Shall we grant Teaching Elder Mark W. Stoub Honorably Retired Status effective May 3, 2015? Shall we grant Teaching Elder Debbie Leo Honorably Retired Status effective December 31, 2014? Shall we grant Teaching Elder Samuel Hsu Honorably Retired Status effective October 1, 2014? Shall we grant Teaching Elder Linda Sharon Honorably Retired Status effective October 15, 2014? Shall we approve the Proposed Minimum Terms of Compensation for 2015?

Shall we approve the policy entitled, “Teaching Elder Ethics in Cases of Disagreement with Denominational Policies, Statements and/or Decisions In the Presbytery of New Covenant” ?

A

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The Confession of Belhar

This information appeared in the November-December 2014 issue of Presbytery of New Covenant Connections.

Background

In this next year, presbyteries across the country will have the opportunity to participate in the process of

amending our Book of Confessions. This is outlined in our Book of Order, Chapter 6. It takes six years to amend

the Book of Confessions. Here is the process:

1) The proposal to amend The Book of Confessions is approved by the General Assembly for study in the church;

2) The General Assembly appoints a committee of ruling elders and teaching elders, numbering not fewer than

fifteen, of who not more than two shall be from any one synod, to consider the proposal. The committee shall

consult with the committee or council from which the proposal originated. It shall report its findings to the next

General Assembly;

3) The next ensuing General Assembly considers the report of the study committee and approves the proposed

amendment and recommends it to the presbyteries for vote.

4) The proposed amendment receives approval in writing of two thirds of the presbyteries.

5) The proposed amendment is approved and enacted by the next ensuing General Assembly following the

amendment’s receipt of the necessary two-thirds approval of the presbyteries.

We are in the middle of this process with the Confession of Belhar. Step 3 happened in July at the 221st General

Assembly, and we are now to step 4, where the presbyteries will vote. The Presbytery of New Covenant will

vote at its November 15th, 2014 meeting which will be held at Indian Presbyterian Church in Livingston. We are

one of 172 presbyteries across the country. A two-thirds majority equals 115.

Why Belhar? Why now?

The Confession of Belhar comes out of South Africa, when the church dared to speak with unusual clarity about

apartheid. It focuses the confession of the church on its own life rather than looking outside the walls to find

fault, while ignoring its own sin. It helps us to see how our witness has fallen short of the gospel.

The themes of unity and reconciliation are key in this confession. We are called to be united in the one triune

God. We are offered new life in Jesus Christ which breaks down dividing walls of hostility within humanity and

transforms hatred into love. Unity is God’s will for humanity which reaches beyond of differences of gender and

economics, nationality, ethnicity and race.

Belhar’s witness to the unity of God, and the unity created by the good news of Jesus Christ through the power

of the Holy Spirit, calls us to the hard work of spiritual transformation and surrender to the way of Jesus Christ

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who came to unite all believers in the visible communion of the church. We look first at ourselves when faced

with church division, rather than moving quickly to blame others.

We have seen people in our country in conflict over differences in race, issues of war and peace, poverty and

abundance, political viewpoints, and sexual relationships. There are many things that divide us. Where we find

reconciliation is in the gospel of God, who alone can bring us together as one family in Christ. We hear the

message that all are welcome at the Lord’s Table. In Belhar, we are confronted with our own lack of welcome,

our arrogance, and our prejudices.

The Confession of Belhar grew out of the struggle of South African Christians to give witness to the gospel in the

face of apartheid. So, to, we are called to give witness in the face of the injustices we see here in our own

country. Belhar reminds us of the biblical principles of unity, justice and reconciliation, which we then can

demonstrate in our discipleship and mission in the world, as we proclaim, “Jesus is Lord.”

For more information, please see the PC(U.S.A.) website (www.pcusa.org ). There are resources there for

further study on the Confession of Belhar, including “Why Belhar, Why Now: Belhar and the U.S. context: A

Letter from the Special Committee on the Confession of Belhar” which provided information for the writing of

this article.

http://www.pcusa.org/

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Report of the Stated Clerk

November 15, 2014

For information

Investigating Committee 01-13 began their work together in December, 2013, to investigate allegations of

sexual misconduct filed against a Minister member of the Presbytery of New Covenant. Their work has been

delayed due to a case in civil court which should be heard in early 2015. The members of the Investigating

Committee are RE Doug Earle, TE Jonathan Murray, and RE Kim Shrull (chairperson).

Following the July, 2014, meeting of the Presbytery of New Covenant, we hosted several conversations about

the proposed revisions to the Reconciliation and Dismissal Procedure. The host locations were at the presbytery

offices, Memorial Drive in Houston, and St. Andrew’s in Beaumont. Additionally, suggestions were offered by

many members of the presbytery through email and other forms of communication. The writing team estimates

that more than 100 suggestions were received and considered for inclusion in the revisions to the Gracious

Reconciliation and Dismissal Procedure.

The roster of the members of the Permanent Judicial Commission is found on the next page, in order for us to

be compliant with the Book of Order.

The minutes of the 2013 meetings of the Presbytery of New Covenant were approved without exception, and

the results reported to the Synod of the Sun.

Correspondence received

The Clerk of Session of Peace Presbyterian Church in Pearland sent a letter of request for a Discernment Team

under the Reconciliation and Dismissal Procedure. The members of that team have been appointed. They are

TE Scott Cummings, RE Jim Newsome, RE John Schweers, and RE Alex Evans who will represent the congregation

of Peace, and, to represent the Presbytery of New Covenant are RE Gordon Bellah, Jr. (Houston, Clear Lake), TE

Kristy Forbes-Vits (Bellaire, ChristChurch), TE Scott Harbison (Houston, St. Luke’s), and RE Rosy Murphy

(Houston, Community of the Servant Savior). TE Steve Spidell has been approved by the team to be the

facilitator. The first meeting has been delayed due to travel schedules, and should be held on Novembetr 12 at

6:30 pm.

The Clerk of Session of Caldwell, First, has requested that an Administrative Commission be appointed to help

with a conflict in the church. Members of the commission are being appointed, as well as defining the scope of

their work.

Administrative Commissions for Ordinations/Installations

These commissions for ordinations and installations are dismissed with our thanks:

To ordain Amy Klinkovsky on July 26 at 10:00 am at First Presbyterian Church in Bryan, TX. Amy was called to

serve as an Evangelist in Los Angeles, CA.

B

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To ordain Brian Long on July 26 at 4:00 pm at Atascocita Presbyterian Church in Atascocita, TX. Brian was called

to serve as Designated Pastor of New Hope Presbyterian Church in Katy, TX.

To ordain and install Brandon Gaide as Associate Pastor of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church (MDPC) in

Houston, TX, on August 16.

To install Rev. Brian Long as Designated Pastor of New Hope Presbyterian Church in Katy, TX, on August 16 at

10:00.

To ordain and install Kathleen Davies on August 24 at 2:00 pm at Community of the Servant Savior in Houston,

TX. Kathleen was called as Designated Pastor of Community of the Servant Savior.

To install Rev. Dr. Jim Gill as Designated Pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church in Baytown, TX, on September 14 at

3:00 pm.

To install Rev. Kristy Click as Designated Associate Pastor of Spring Branch Presbyterian Church in Houston, TX,

on September 14 at 5:00 pm.

To install Rev. Jonathan Murray as Designated Pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in College Station, TX on

October 26 at 10:30 am.

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Presbytery of New Covenant Permanent Judicial Commission Members

November, 2014

The Book of Order requires that the roster of the Permanent Judicial Commission be reported annually to the

presbytery (D-5.0206b).

Class of 2014

Rev. Guinn Blackwell-Eagleson (Member at Large)

Ms. Monica Lin (Houston, Formosan)

Rev. Steven Spidell (Member at Large)

Class of 2016

Mr. Jim Allison (Houston, Pines)

Rev. Kent Landry (Mo. City, Southminster)

Rev. Linda McCarty (Member at Large)

Class of 2018

Mr. Jane Henson (Houston, Memorial Drive)

Ms. Julie McLemore (Houston, St. Philip)

Mr. Phil Cummings (Houston, Grace)

In accordance with the Book of Order (D-5.0206), the following is a roster of names of Permanent Judicial

Commission members whose terms have expired within the past six years.

Class of 2012

Rev. Guinn Blackwell-Eagleson (Member at Large)

Mr. Mike Harrington (Houston, Memorial Drive)

Rev. Michael Umbenhaur (Orange, First)

Class of 2010

Rev. James Currie (Pasadena, First)

Ms. Laura Higley (Houston, First)

Rev. John Hirling (Houston, Westminster)

Class of 2008

Mr. Winston Crowder (Houston, St. Philip)

Mrs. Elizabeth Jeter (Houston, Northwoods)

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Many thanks to Ann Williams and Janice Schessler for their work preparing the minutes for review!

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CENTER OPERATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT November 15, 2014

Pursuant to an overall operations plan based on inspections, observations and meeting with the Presbytery staff, the following has been accomplished:

o In 2012 the concentration was focused on curb appeal as information and bids were gathered for other work. The building was cleaned and repainted and landscaping was simplified and improved once the irrigation system was repaired.

o In 2013 the telephone system was replaced with is more advanced model. The new system can be upgraded or repaired by any competent technology contractor rather than restricted to a single manufacturer. A teleconferencing system was installed in the second floor conference room allowing meets with multiple parties in various locations.

o In 2014 the focus was on maintenance issues with included a roof replacement and replacement of two 10-ton air conditioning units.

Throughout these years, general maintenance has been performed with the help of presbytery staff members Forbes Baker and Patricia Brantley, and with the handyman services of Harry Wronk. In 2014, this committee along with members of the finance committee formed an advisory group to assess the property known as University Presbyterian Church. Studies have been made on the cost to tear down the existing vacant building, potential sale of land, renovation expense and property potential in order to form a recommendation to Presbytery, which is forthcoming. Respectfully submitted, Gail Northern Chair – Building Operations Members: Gary Akin (Northwoods, Houston), Tom Montgomery (First, Houston), and Gail Northern (Pathways Church of Houston). Staff support: Forbes Baker

C.1

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Ecclesiastical Affairs Committee November 15, 2014

The three members of the Ecclesiastical Affairs Committee of the Presbytery of New Covenant spent the last year having meetings to plan meetings. Yes, that is our function. Therefore, we can claim to be the most Presbyterian of all of the committees. Even this report which you are reading now, dear Presbyterians, was written by a committee. We like meeting THAT MUCH! (Actually I made that up. The Committee Chair wrote the report.) In our meetings to plan meetings, we have accomplished many things, including planning three meetings in three totally different locations. We have also visited each of those locations as a committee, and had meetings there with the church members who had invited us to have meetings at their churches. Other than planning meetings, and attending meetings to report on our meeting planning, the main thing we do each year is to prepare something called an “Equalization Report” which recommends to the Presbytery of New Covenant how many Ruling Elders each congregation GETS to elect to attend our well-planned meetings. To come up with this number, we use an algorithm. Actually, we let Garry Schoonover, who used to serve on this committee but doesn’t any more, use the algorithm. We just read the report and vote on recommending it to you. We submit this year-end report to you now in the sure and certain hope that you will have a full appreciation of how hard our committee has worked to provide the Presbytery of New Covenant with truly amazing meetings this year! The members of the Ecclesiastical Affairs Committee are: Chairperson TE Becky Downs (Houston, John Knox), TE John Wurster (Houston, St. Philip) and RE Jean Young (Houston, Pinecrest).

The Equalization Report follows on the next page.

C.2

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Presbytery of New Covenant Equalization Report by Congregation Size

November 15, 2014 Congregation Membership (2013) RE: 2012 2013 2014 2015 Houston, Memorial Drive 3461 7 12 12 12 Houston, First 3132 7 12 12 12 Houston, Northwoods 1274 4 5 7 8 Houston, Windwood 1087 5 4 6 7 Houston, Korean Central 1052 4 4 6 6

Houston, Clear Lake 1013 4 4 6 6 Woodlands, Woodlands 657 3 3 4 4 Conroe, First 649 3 3 4 4 Houston, St. Philip 575 3 2 3 4 Houston, Pines 562 3 3 3 4 Beaumont, St. Andrew’s 540 3 2 3 4 Katy, Grand Lakes 509 2 2 3 3 Webster, Webster 508 3 3 3 3 Houston, St. Andrew’s 489 2 2 3 3 Bryan, First 413 2 2 2 3 Atascocita, Atascocita 364 2 2 2 3 18 Churches with 179-356 members 2 Mo. City, Southminster; Houston, St. Paul; Brenham; Houston, St. John’s; Baytown, Faith; Houston,Spring Branch; Pasadena, First; Sugar Land, First; Angleton, First; Bellaire, ChristChurch; College Station, Covenant; Galveston, First; Nacogdoches, Westminster; Bay City, First; Orange, First; West Columbia, Bethel; Huntsville, First; Houston, St. Thomas

61 Churches with under 178 members 1 1 1 1 Total Churches 95 Total Teaching Elders 216 (Total Ruling Elders by Office = 33) + (Total RE from Congregations = 183) = 216

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PRESBYTERY OF THE NEW COVENANT

FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT November 15, 2014

RESPONSIBILITIES Oversight of all Presbytery finances including: preparing the annual budget; reviewing all finances on a monthly basis; managing investments; coordinating sales of unused property; acting as the financial contact for any/all Presbytery committees; reviewing proposed major financial actions by local churches including property acquisition and/or sales; making recommendations, as appropriate, to the Administrative Division Steering Committee and to the General Council; etc.

COMMITTEE FORMAT: The Committee regularly meets monthly to review the monthly financial activity of the Presbytery. Other special issues are also discussed, as is their potential impact on the Presbytery finances. There are six elected Committee members that serve alternating three-year terms. The Presbytery Director of Business Affairs and Finance provides staff support

MAJOR FOCUS OVER LAST YEAR

1. Prepared 2014 Presbytery Budget: a. Approved at Presbytery meeting in March

2. Reviewed the Presbytery monthly finances:

a. Revenues and expenditures

3. Disposed of Unused Presbytery property: a. Finalized sale of four properties b. Sale pending on one additional property c. Leased two properties

4. Developed a formal Presbytery investment policy

a. How best should we manage the PNC unrestricted liquid finances i. What general principals should be used? ii. What investment instruments should be used? iii. Near Term (cash flow), Short Term (2-5 yr), Long Term (5+ yr) iv. How protect for operating cost variability? v. How and by whom should it be managed?

b. General components i. Proposes types of investments for each of near/short/long term ii. Administered by Finance Committee iii. General principals reviewed annually by GC

The members of the Finance Committee are: 2014: TE Harland Merriam, RE Don Murray (chairperson) 2015: RE Ada Fuller, RE Dave Johnson 2016: RE Cathy Bliton, RE Celia Morgan

C.3

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Personnel Committee 2014 Year-End report November 15, 2014

Among its tasks completed during 2014, the Committee...

Offered biannual luncheons for the care and feeding of the Presbytery Staff, and sought to offer

pastoral care in other ways;

Monitored proposed changes to the Presbyterian Board of Pensions dues, seeking to respond to them

in recommendations for staff compensation or terms of call to the Finance Committee for the 2015

Presbytery Budget;

Coordinated or completed the yearly performance evaluations of presbytery staff;

And, continued to look ahead to future staff transitions, as key staff members plan their retirements

over the next few years.

Respectfully submitted,

T.E. Fred N. Seay, Moderator

The present members of the Personnel Committee of the Presbytery of New Covenant are RE J.O. Dravis

(Southminster, Missouri City), RE Beverly Fluke (Memorial Drive, Houston), Moderator, TE Fred N. Seay

(First, Sugar Land); with staff support from General Presbyter TE Mike Cole.

C.4

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COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY NOVEMBER 15, 2014

PRESBYTERY MEETING REPORT I. Recommended for Actions

A The committee recommends and moves that Teaching Elder Mark W. Stoub be granted Honorably Retired Status effective May 3, 2015.

B The committee recommends and moves that Teaching Elder Debbie Leo be granted Honorably

Retired Status effective December 31, 2014.

C The committee recommends and moves that Teaching Elder Samuel Hsu be granted Honorably Retired Status effective October 1, 2014.

D The committee recommends and moves that Teaching Elder Linda Sharon be granted Honorably

Retired Status effective October 15, 2014

E The committee recommends and moves that the Proposed Minimum Terms of Compensation for 2015 be approved. See Appendix A – page 39

F The committee recommends and moves that presbytery adopt the Teaching Elder Ethics in Cases of Disagreement with Denominational Policies, Statements and/or Decisions In the Presbytery of New Covenant. See Appendix C – page 44

II. Actions taken on behalf of Presbytery A. Pastoral Call between Love Presbyterian Church, Houston and Teaching Elder Chun Jae Jang approved by 8/5/14 by COM; sustained examination of the Committee on Examinations on 8/23/14; and COM sustained the examination on 9/2/14. Ordained: 5/7/02; Transferring from L.A. Presbytery of Korean Presbyterian Church Abroad. (Statements of Faith follow the COM report)

Salary $20,301 Housing, Utility and Furnishing Allowance 25,320 Reimbursement of SECA in excess of 7.65% 3,490.01 Auto Allowance @ IRS Rate 6,000 Board of Pensions Dues 17,188.85 Study Leave Allowance (cumulative for 3 years) 1,500 Study Leave 2 weeks Vacation 4 weeks Reimbursement of SECA up to 7.65% 3,490.01

Education: 1997 Presbyterian Theological College, Seoul, Korea BTh 2000 Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Seoul, Korea MDiv B. Transfer of membership Teaching Elder Jimmie Chaffin, Honorably Retired; COM approved on 8/5/14 sustained examination of the Committee on Examinations on 9/27/14; COM sustained the examination on

D

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10/7/14. Ordained: 6/20/82; Transferring from Arkansas Presbytery. (Statements of Faith follow the COM report) Education: 1953 Henderson Stated Teachers College BA 1960 Ohio State MA 1982 Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary MDiv 1997 McCormick Theological Seminary DMin 2001 San Francisco Theological Seminary Diploma in the Art of Spiritual Direction COM met on August 5, 2014 A. Granted permission to be put on the Pulpit Supply List 1. Cameron Highsmith, candidate under care of Arkansas Presbytery

B. Approved Agreement of Dissolution of Pastoral Relationship 1. Between Katie Cummings and Houston, Grace C. Approved Pastoral Call 1. Between College Station, Covenant and Jonathan Murray as Designated Pastor – 2 year term effective 9/1/14 .

Salary $23,194 Housing and Utility Allowance 30,000 Auto Allowance @ IRS Rate 2,400 Books, Professional Dues 1,600 Moving Expenses 3,000 Board of Pensions Dues 18,618 Study Leave Allowance (cumulative for 3 years) 1,700 Study Leave Time (cumulative for 3 years) 17 days Vacation 4 weeks Social Security Compensation up to 7.65% 4,406 Matching employer contribution to PC(USA) Retirement Savings Plan After employee’s contribution

2,400

2. Between The Woodlands Community and Charlie Hornes as Associate Pastor effective 10/15/14

Salary $36,000 Housing and Utility Allowance 24,000 Other paid Insurance – dental 400 Auto Allowance @ IRS Rate 2,500 Moving Expenses All as incurred Board of Pensions Dues Full Study Leave Allowance (cumulative for 3 years) 2,000 Study Leave Time (cumulative for 3 years) 2 weeks Vacation 4 weeks + 5 PTO days Social Security Compensation up to 7.65% 4,500

D. Approved Stated Supply Contract 1. New part-time contract between Isabel Rivera-Velez and Iglesia Latina Presbiteriana, Houston, TX NCD to serve Stated Supply, effective 8/10/14, 19 hours a week

Salary $12,000 Housing and Utility Allowance 12,000 Travel @ IRS Rate 2,400

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Study Leave 1,700 Vacation 4 weeks Study Leave 2 weeks Clergy Retreat 3 days + $250

E. Approved Renewal Interim Pastor Contract 1. Renewal of interim contract between John Hirling and Houston, Westminster 75% time, effective 7/1/14 – approved Marcotte

Salary $24,934 Housing and Utility Allowance 16,623 SS Supplement 3,443 Auto Allowance @ IRS Rate 750 Board of Pensions 16,138.56 Study Leave 1,950 Books 450 Vacation 4 weeks Study Leave Time 2 weeks Clergy Retreat 3 days + $250

F. Approved dismissal of membership 1. Michael Fry to ECO effective 7/28/14 2. Christopher French effective 7/28/14

G. Approved transfer of membership out of NCP

1. Stephen Rehrig to Mission Presbytery effective 6/1/14

H. Approved and received Annual Reports/Members at Large/Validated Beyond the Congregation

Ministries

Katherine Hester Doehring Callie Candee Jack Barden Andrew Dearman Rose Niles Kevin Keaton Paul Hooker Debbie Leo John Potter Paul Alexander I. Approved and received Annual Reports/Members at Large/Serving Temporary Positions Helen Rose Moore Robert Rush Timothy Marquez Joseph Delgatto Howard Edington Robert Rush Troy Jarvis Richard Kleiman J. Approved validating ministry 1. Grant Sam Knight permission to labor inside the bounds of ECO as he serves and completes his interim pastor at Houston, Grace. K. Approved and received Annual Reports/Members at Large Jane Pettit Gregory Headington David Brewer L. Approved Changes in Terms of Call 1. Revised Katherine Hester Doehring and United Campus Ministry in Aggieland, College Station effective 7/1/14

Salary $14,784 $19,500

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Housing and Utility Allowance 1,500 Auto Allowance @ IRS Rate 2,500 Board of Pensions Dues 12,180 Study Leave Allowance (cumulative for 3 years) 1,450 Study Leave Time (cumulative for 3 years) 2 weeks Vacation 4 weeks Annual Review 6/15/15

2. Margaret Desmond and Port Neches, Trinity effective 7/1/14

Salary $24,200 $24,200 Housing and Utility Allowance 21,000 21,000 Auto Allowance @ IRS Rate .56 .56 Board of Pensions Dues 15,820 Study Leave Allowance (cumulative for 3 years) 1,700 1,700 Study Leave Time (cumulative for 3 years) 2 weeks 2 weeks Vacation 4 weeks 6 weeks Annual Review 7/30/14

3. Jeff Smith and Houston, St. Andrew’s correction - 4 weeks for Study Leave not 2 weeks

M. Approved New Contract for Commissioned Ruling Elder 1. Between The Woodlands, Alden Bridge and Craig Wood for one year effective 9/1/14 – 8/31/15. Craig Wood will be granted the permission to do the following functions: baptism, Lord’s Supper, moderate session, voice at Presbytery meeting, vote at Presbytery meeting and perform marriages. N. Craig Wood will end CRE contract with Caldwell, First effective 8/31/14 O. Appointed Transition Team and or Liaison 1. Dickinson, First – Craig King, Sr., moderator/need a RE – approved Herron/Johnson 2. Houston, Juan Marcos – Helen DeLeon, moderator/need a RE – approved Herron/Johnson 3. Needville, St. Paul’s – Debbie Cenko, moderator/need a RE – approved Herron/Johnson P. Approved Commission to install and/or ordain 1. Brian Long – to ordain on July 26, 2014 at 4 pm at Atascocita - approved Herron/Johnson To preside and propound the constitutional questions: RE John Jo, Moderator NCP, Houston, Korean Central To preach the sermon: TE Dr. Judye Pistole, Pastor, Alva, First, Oklahoma Presbytery, To charge the pastor: TE Jacqueline Hannan, Pastor, Atascocita, Atascocita To charge the congregation: TE Dr. Nora Fitch, Pastor, Houston, St. Thomas To complete the commission: TE Dr. James Currie, Pastor, Pasadena, First; RE Treleaven, NCP; RE George Williams, Atascocita, Atascocita; RE Ann Owen, Atascocita, Atascocita and RE David Rainey, Katy New Hope 2. Brandon Gaide – to ordain and install on Aug 10, 2014 at 9:45 am at Memorial Drive – as Associate Pastor for Next Generation approved Herron/Johnson To preside and propound the constitutional questions: RE John Jo, Moderator NCP, Houston, Korean Central To preach the sermon: TE Vicky Jones, Associate Pastor, Houston, Memorial Drive

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To charge the pastor: TE David Peterson, HR To charge the congregation: TE David Steane, Executive Pastor, Houston, Memorial Drive To complete the commission: TE Mike Cole, General Presbyter NCP; RE Mary Marcotte, Associate General Presbyter NCP; TE Jolene Currie, Hospice Chaplain; and RE Roy McLaughlin, Houston, Memorial Drive 3. Brian Long – to install on Aug 16, 2014 at 10 am at Katy, New Hope as Designated Pastor –

approved Herron/Johnson To preside and propound the constitutional questions: RE John Jo, Moderator NCP, Houston, Korean Central To preach the sermon: TE Margaret Ferguson, HR To charge the pastor: TE Mark Plunkett, Pastor, Houston, Heritage To charge the congregation: TE Dean Pogue, Pastor, Katy, Grand Lakes To complete the commission: RE Don Treleaven, NCP; RE Sharon Darden, Houston, Pinecrest; RE David Rainey, Katy, New Hope 4. Jim Gill – to install on Sept 14, 2014 at 3 pm at Baytown, Faith as Pastor To preside and propound the constitutional questions: TE Patricia Clark, HR, Former Moderator NCP To preach the sermon: TE Scott Cummings, Pastor, Pearland, Peace To charge the pastor: TE Lynn Hargrove, Stated Clerk NCP To charge the congregation: TE Cassandra Dahnke, Pastor, Houston, Woodforest To complete the commission: RE Diana Corder, Baytown, Faith; RE Glenn Whitcomb, Baytown, Faith; RE Diane Harrington, Houston, Pines; RE George Williams; and TE Hector Rivera, Mission Presbytery. 5. Kristi Click – to install on Sept 14, 2014 at 5 pm at Houston, Spring Branch as Designated

Associate Pastor To preside and propound the constitutional questions: RE John Jo, Moderator NCP, Houston, Korean Central To preach the sermon: TE Dr. Laurey Murphy, Pastor, Houston, Spring Branch To charge the pastor: TE Dr. John Wurster, Pastor, Houston, St. Philip To charge the congregation: RE Judy Ferguson, Kerrville, First, Mission Presbytery To complete the commission: RE Mary Marcotte, Associate General Presbyter NCP; RE Bill Bryant, Houston, Spring Branch; TE Alex Cornell, Pastor, Houston, St. Stephen; and RE Anne Wilson, Houston, St. Philip Q. Approved moderator 1. Nacogdoches, Westminster – Grant RE Chris Kline to serve as moderator R. Approved MIF 1. Houston, Formosan (English Ministry/Associate Pastor) 2. Jasper, First S. Craig Wood will resign as moderator of Caldwell, First effective 5/31/15. COM met on September 2, 2014 A. Approved Changes in Terms of Calls 1. Between Ted Foote and Bryan, First effective 1/1/14

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Salary $59,494 $60,144 Housing, Utility, Allowance 18,911 19,411 Auto Allowance @ IRS Rate .555 per mi .56 per mi Board of Pensions Dues Full Full Study Leave Allowance 2,325 2,325 Study Leave 2 weeks 2 weeks Vacation 4 weeks 4 weeks Reimbursement of SECA up to 7.65% 5,998 6,086 Annual Review July 2014

2. Between Marie Mickey and Bryan, First effective 1/1/14 Salary $40,283 $40,993 Housing, Utility, Allowance 17,146 17,646 Auto Allowance @ IRS Rate .555 per mi .56 per mi Board of Pensions Dues Full Full Study Leave Allowance 1,725 1,725 Study Leave 2 weeks 2 weeks Vacation 4 weeks 4 weeks Reimbursement of SECA up to 7.65% 4,393 4,467 Annual Review July 2014

3. Between Cassandra Dahnke and Houston, Woodforest effective 9/1/14

Salary $ 4,600 $ 4,600 Housing, Utility, Allowance 18,000 18,000 Auto Allowance @ IRS Rate Actual IRS Rate Actual IRS Rate Books and Professional Dues 1,00 1,000 Board of Pensions Dues 12,372 12,832 Study Leave Allowance 1,450 1,450 Study Leave 3 weeks 3 weeks Vacation 4 weeks* 4 weeks* Annual Review July 27, 2014

*Pastor is allowed 6 additional Sundays when she does not have to fill the pulpit B. Approved and receive Annual Reports/Members at Large/Serving Temporary Positions Gregory Davis Deborah Bogar Cooper C. Approved and receive Annual Reports/Members at Large

Tracy Y. Williams

D. Approved and received Annual Reports/Members at Large/Validated Beyond the Congregation

Ministries

Drew W. Tomberlin, Jr. Mary Currie Helen P. Bailey

Gregory Crisp Han Tim Phillips Robert L. Coberly

Thomas Edwards Nathan Carlin David Wells

E. Granted permission to labor in the bounds of NCP

TE Kip Murphy member of Presbytery of East Iowa to marry his nephew in the Houston area in

November.

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F. Appointed Transition Teams and/or Liaison

1. Dickinson, First – TE Craig King, Sr. moderator

2. Houston, Juan Marcos – TE Helen DeLeon, moderator

3. Needville, St. Paul’s – TE Debbie Cenko, Moderator

4. Houston, Westminster – TE Linda Herron/RE Sharon Carey

G. Granted permission to elect a Designated Associate Pastor Nominating Committee 1. Houston, St. Thomas COM met on October 7, 2014 A. Approved Stated Supply Contract 1. Between Greg Davis and Houston, San Pablo Trinity as Stated Supply for one year beginning 4/12/14.

Salary $850 monthly Vacation 4 weeks Study Leave 2 weeks

B. Approved Changes in Terms of Calls 1. Between Laurey Murphy and Houston, Spring Branch effective 1/1/14

Salary $39,922.80 Housing and Utility Allowance 24,000 Reimbursement of Self-Employment 7.65% 5,260 Books, Professional Dues 4,100 Board of Pensions Dues 22,373.04 Study Leave Allowance (cumulative for 3 years) 5,252.27 Study Leave (cumulative for 3 years) 3 weeks Vacation 4 weeks Annual Review 11/14

C. Approved and received Annual Reports/Members at Large/Serving Temporary Positions Lloyd Crosby D. Approved and received Annual Reports/Members at Large from Linda Sharon E. Approved Linda Sharon’s request to transfer her membership to Grace

F. Approved and received Annual Reports/Members at Large/Validated Beyond the Congregation

Ministries Andrew Adair Linda McCarty

G. Approved dissolving the following relationships

1. Between Lynne Buckridge and Houston, Heights effective October 14, 2014 2. Between Charlie Hornes and Crockett, First effective September 18, 2014 3. Between Paul Hoang and Houston Young Nak effective October 31, 2014 4. Between Christa Brewer and The Woodlands effective October 31, 2014 5. Between Mark W. Stoub and Bay City, First effective May 3, 2015 6. Between Harland Merriam and Beaumont, St. Andrew’s effective June 1, 2015

H. Approved revisions 10 and 11 to the Involuntary Dissolution of Call (Minimum Terms)

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See Appendix B

I. Granted Helen Rose Moore permission to labor outside the bounds of New Covenant

Presbytery as she serves the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Galveston, TX as their Interim

Pastor, effective 11/15/14. Pending Rev. Moore dissolving the Interim Pastor contract with

Webster’s session and subject to the session’s approval.

Salary $29,710 Housing and Utility Allowance 30,358.80 Books, Professional Dues 4,100 Med/FICA 21,624 Cell 900 Continuing Education 1,700 Professional 1,000 Retirement 2,500 Travel @ 56.5 cents/mile (actual miles traveled) Vacation 2 weeks Study Leave 1 week

J. Approved Annual Reports – CRE 1. Dr. Peter Holmes, Tiki Island, pending Helen DeLeon communicating with the session that they must submit a contract for renewal every year or when it is time to be renewed. 2. Phoy Vorabouth, First Laotian, Houston K. Received and approved Annual Report for Honorably Retired Ministers Carroll Pickett Joseph Delgatto Edward Triem Steve Thorney Susan Phalen Calvin Koomey William C. Washburn Chang-Jue Lee Gerald McKenny Carl Mills Gayle Perkins L. Approved request to be put on Pulpit Supply List Mark Downs Katie Cummings M. Appointed Transition Team and or Liaison 1. Dickinson, First –RE Kevin Snowden 2. Houston, Juan Marcos – RE Laurie Fitzgerald 3. Needville, St. Paul’s –REs Curtis Gwinne, Andy Kirkland, Regina Bass 4. Houston, St. Thomas – RE Mike Marcotte 5. Houston, Heights – TE Noelie Day/RE Chuck Johnson 6. Crockett, First – TE Tim Oleksy/RE Ronald Johnson 7. Beaumont, St. Andrew’s – TE John Hirling/RE David Coles N. Approved commission to install Jonathan Murray as pastor of College Station, Covenant on 10/26/14 at 10:30 am. To preside and propound the constitutional questions Ruling Elder John Jo, Moderator, Houston, Korean Central To preach the sermon: Teaching Elder Dr. Holloman, Grace Presbytery Staff To charge the pastor: Ruling Elder Kim Shrill, Sugarland, First To charge the congregation: Teaching Elder Callie Candee, Member at Large, NCP

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To complete commission Caressa Murray, New Covenant Presbytery Staff; Ruling Elder Ralph Faxel, Webster; and Ruling Elder Steven Steele, College Station, Covenant O. Approved MIF 1. Houston, St. Thomas 2. Revised MIF for Houston, Formosan (English Ministry) P. The following motion was approved to be submitted to the General Council Writing Team for inclusion in the Gracious Reconciliation and Dismissal Procedure:

Advice to General Council Writing Team

The Teaching Elder’s Role in the Gracious Reconciliation and Dismissal Procedure

Of the Presbytery of New Covenant

The Gracious Reconciliation and Dismissal Procedure (Procedure) defines a process for congregations considering dismissal from the denomination. The process assumes, and experience has shown that congregations, even families within congregations, entering into the Procedure are divided on the form that reconciliation shall take. Teaching Elders, whether in temporary positions or installed positions, are called to minister to all members of the congregation. Therefore, the appropriate role for teaching elders in the Procedure is to support fairness to all perspectives, balance in any presentations, and accuracy of information. As members of Presbytery and not members of the individual congregations they serve, their voice in meetings of the session and congregation should be limited to their roles as moderator. Because the vote of the congregation affects the terms of call for each teaching elder serving a congregation, it is strongly recommended that they request Presbytery to appoint a moderator for any congregational meeting called by Session pursuant to the Procedure. 1. It is the counsel of the Committee on Ministry that the congregational members on the Discernment Team be two ruling elders active on Session and two congregational members at large. III. FOR YOUR INFORMATION –

1. Board of Pensions Workshops Nov 20 (Thursday) Retirees Luncheon at St. Philip, Houston, 11-2pm

March 4 (Wednesday) – Post Retirement 9:00- 4:00 – at the Presbytery Office; and

March 5 (Thursday) – Render Unto Caesar 8:30 – 5:00 – at the Presbytery Office

April 14-16, 2015 Clergy Retreat –tentative to be held at Camp Allen.

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BIOGRAPHY MARK W STOUB, D. MIN. Born in Chicago, Mark “got here just as soon as he could.” When he first stepped foot in Texas in 1980, he felt he had come home. Mark’s collegiate and post graduate work has had a distinct southern exposure. He went to college in Maryville, Tennessee, an historic Presbyterian minister’s college. He received his M. Div. from Louisville Seminary. His first year there, 1973, he witnessed Secretariat’s first win toward the Triple Crown. He received his call in college at the tender age of nineteen. He remembers it as if it were yesterday. He recalls the spirit say: “I am calling you to unbutton the stiff necks of Presbyterians.” Please remember, he was nineteen. And while he has brought as much humor and warmth as he could, he also experienced a good deal of collar tugging of his own. He served churches in Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, and Texas. His first call was memorable because it was a two point parish in Springfield, and Ozark, Missouri. One was a white rural church and the other was a black inner city church. They held a joint confirmation class under Mark’s leadership. He received his D. Min. degree from McCormick Seminary in Chicago in 1995, coming full circle as it were. His focus for his study was “children in worship.” As innocent sounding as that was, it raised many controversies along the way. He came to Corpus Christi, Texas to fulfill a year of Clinical Pastoral Education in the early eighties at Memorial Medical Center. Afterward he was called to Yorktown, Texas where he met his future wife in her grandmother’s living room in Yorktown TX. They just celebrated their thirtieth year of wedded bliss. He is the author of Blood Under the Altar, and the soon to be released sequel, Fire in the Blood. Upon retirement Mark and Jane, with cats Catrina and Goldie, plan to move to Kyle, Texas just west of Austin where he will continue to write books, and fix up the family home that was built in 1912. His last call was the best in Bay City. The church, the presbytery, and the community have all been a breath of fresh air, and an energizing movement of the Spirit toward more understanding and fulfillment of purpose than he has ever known.

REVEREND DEBBIE LEO EDUCATION

Rice University, Volunteer Management Academy – Fall 2011 Certificate in Spiritual Formation, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Dec 2002 Master of Divinity, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, May 1996

Clinical Pastoral Education, Memorial Southwest Hospital Cross-Cultural Ministries/Directed Study Project at Plaza Resolana en Santa Fe/February

Bachelor of Science, Houston Baptist University, May 1992, Summa Cum Laude Double Major: Management and Christianity - GPA 4.0/4.0 National Dean’s List - All semesters Alpha Chi National Honor Society

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Theta Kappa Alpha Theological Society

HOSPICE CHAPLAIN - VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR - BEREAVEMENT COORDINATOR Being a midwife to the soul continues to bring joy, peace and awe as I journey with patients, caregivers, staff and volunteers. I thoroughly enjoy attending conferences on hospice, grief, bereavement, spirituality, death & dying, then sharing gained wisdom in spiritual guidance and education of others. Being present at the threshold of death keeps me attentive to ordinary miracles in daily life.

CAREGIVER FOR MOTHER

While caring for my mother, I learned much about the gifts of aging and how physical limitations can bring freedom and exploration into other areas of living. During this time, I led numerous spiritual retreats and workshops focusing on spiritual formation within the contemplative tradition.

ST. JOHN’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Interim Pastor and Head of Staff

CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Associate Pastor for Christian Education Co-Creator of Worship Weavers, Brigid’s Place

I enjoy celebrating life with husband and friends; meditation through art, silence and nature; gardening; yoga; classic movies; riding mountain bike on Sugar Land levees.

REV. SAMUEL SHEN HUNG HSU When I was seven years old; I converted to Christianity and I am very pound to call myself a

Presbyterian. I experienced the blessings from God of creation, His abundant love and grace to lead my daily life; He is truly my shepherd, for He guides me on the paths of righteousness and conviction to serve His will through my ministries.

When I committed to Christ, received my master of Divinity degree from Taiwan Theological Seminary

and then earned my Master of Theology in Christian Education at South East Asia Seminary. I started my ministry by first working with labor union in the Liotu Industrial district in Taiwan as an

industry ministry director for two years, I was later ordained at Keelung Tong Ming Presbyterian Church on October 15, 1972.

My parish is God’s kingdom in this world, my parishioners’ are not limited to the congregants, but to

people who are being placed in my sphere of influence by the Lord. In everyday life, I tend to people’s needs, helping them to solve their problems and share with them the good news of Gospel.

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While pasturing at Keelung Tong Ming Presbyterian Church, I also strived to bring the gospel into the community at large. I was appointed as an adviser of Christian Children Foundation assisting social workers work with orphans and their families in the community to be more efficient in their calling.

I chartered the Y’s man’s club in my home town Keelung, and established the YMCA to focus on serving the youth as well as community at large. The Y’s Men’s club supported the YMCA to serve the community through activities which promoted the YMCA mission statement of putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build the wellness of body, mind and spirit.

Through varies church evangelical outreach programs, we care for the live of the local community and to

provide housing for local college students on church premises as a way of introducing Christ to young people. After 16 years of ministry in Taiwan, I came to Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 1986 to

continue my study, While in Austin; I began organizing a bible study group and established Austin Taiwanese Presbyterian Church. I later received a call as an interim pastor for Ann Arbor Taiwanese Presbyterian Church in Ann Abort, MI. and as a Christian Education pastor at Grace Taiwan Presbyterian Church in Houston, Texas.

I worked as a tent maker for many years before established the Houston Taiwan Institute for Senior

Citizens (HTISC) in 2003. I served as a board director and was subsequently nominated to become president, which is my current status, while HTISC is not affiliated with any special church or denomination. The HTISC is my parish in which to care for the senior citizens, The HTISC’s core mission is to provide senior citizens with an abundance of in Life Long Learning. Striving for the Health and Wellness of the Spirit, Mind and Body in the golden age through providing a variety of classes and events. Through all our activities, we strive to demonstrate Christ’s love and to follow His teaching of “To serve not to be served".

To bring Gospel into the community, I chartered two groups: Texas Formosa Fishing Association in 1993

and the Y’s Men’s Club Houston to serve YMCA in 1995. I thank God for giving me a lovely family, Grace, my wife of 44 years, has been supportive of my call to

serve God’s kingdom and took care of the family needs. We have two children: our daughter, Juliet, who served as a ruling elder of Grace Taiwan Presbyterian Church of great Houston, now serves as a deacon of Clear Lake Presbyterian Church, Houston, Texas. Our son Joshua has served as a ruling elder of University Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas. His wife Jessie is currently service as a deacon; Joshua and Jessie have a daughter, our first grandchild, Juniper.

I believed God gives me a never ceasing task to proclaim His everlasting love to this world. I am officially

retiring from PCUSA, as a teaching elder; nevertheless, I will continue to proclaim Christ’s love to God’s children.

STATEMENTS OF FAITH CHUNJAE JANG I believe the scriptures, both old and new testaments, to be the inspired word of God, without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men, and the authority for all Christian faith and life. I believe in one God, creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

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I believe that Jesus Christ is the true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. By His death, He revealed God’s love and upheld God’s justice, removing our guilt and reconciling us to God. Having redeemed us from sin, He rose from the dead, ascended into Heaven where, at God’s right hand, He intercedes for His people and rules as the Lord over all. He will come back to take us to be with the Father for eternity. I believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Holy Trinity, is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, and during this age to convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. Through the proclamation of the gospel, He persuades us to repent of our sins and confess Jesus as the Lord. He also indwells, guides, instructs, and empowers us for godly living and sacrifice. I believe that the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for justification for salvation for all who believe, and only such as receive Jesus Christ are born of the Holy Spirit, and thus become children of God. I believe that salvation is provided solely by His grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Anyone turning from sin in repentance and trusting in Christ and His substitutionary death is born from above into eternal life by the Holy Spirit and declared to be righteous as a gift. Through Christ’s great redemptive act, an individual is reconciled to God as father and becomes His child. The believer is forgiven of the debt and liberated from the law of sin and death into the freedom of God’s spirit. I believe that the Holy Spirit is the active agent in our sanctification. And, He seeks to produce His fruit in us as we are conformed to the image of Christ. As we are led by the Spirit, we grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord, freely keeping His commandments and endeavoring so to live in the world so that all people may see our good works and glorify our Father who is in Heaven. I believe that the true church is composed of all such persons who through saving faith in Jesus Christ have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the body of Christ. All members of the church are to be a vital and committed part of a local church. In this context, they are called to live out the new covenant as the people of God and demonstrate the reality of the Kingdom of God. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Lord and the Head of the Church, and that every local church has the right under Christ to decide and govern its own affairs. A local church, belonging to a presbytery, works together with other churches of presbytery, and attends presbytery meetings. Presbytery helps and supports local churches ministries. I believe that the Holy Sacraments are established by God as the mark of holiness and the seal of His covenant of grace. There are two sacraments; Baptism and the communion. Baptism is the sign and the seal of the forgiveness of those who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and the commitment to live a new life in Christ Jesus. We participate in the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ through baptism. The Lord’s Table is the ceremony instituted by the Lord himself to remember the sacrifice, the death, and the salvation by eating and drinking the Lord’s flesh and the blood via bread and wine.

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I believe that prayer is the man’s act of asking God for help or having conversation with Creator and the Controller of the Universe through the help of the Holy Spirit and Jesus the intercessor.

JIMMIE CHAFFIN I believe that in His eternal being and in all His activity, the one God is always and at the same time the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. I believe in God the Creator. I believe in Jesus Christ, His Son as our Savior. I believe in the Holy Spirit as God present with us today. I believe this triune God has selected the Church to be His Agent in the world today, that He calls all Christians to active roles in the work of the Church and that He has called me to a vocation of building up those in the Church for that work. During this phase of my life journey, I feel that I have been called to serve as spiritual director for pastors and other key personnel within the Presbytery of New Covenant, Houston, Texas. Due to my inability to understand who God is or how He works, I believe God is as God is and not as I apprehend. God loves the world. God is Lord, the Holy One, and the One who loves. God relates to this world, the creation of His hand. God is redeeming the world. This is the only basis for my hope. God is universal, He chooses all to be saved, but He chooses those who know Him as instruments of His love. I believe that in Jesus Christ, God universalized Himself. Jesus Christ, our savior came into the world as a child descended from David, and was fully divine and fully human. Through His birth, life, death and resurrection, He brings about the relationship between God and humanity that God always intended. I believe that to understand what it means to be a human being and to stand for the humanity of humankind, I must look at Jesus Christ. To understand God, I look at Jesus Christ. I declare that Jesus is Lord. I believe that the Holy Spirit is a gift. His gifts are not for our enjoyment but for the up building of the body, to build up the community in love and to equip it for its mission in the world. I believe God initiates, governs, and maintains the Church. The Church is one. All are members of the one Body of Christ. The Church recognizes Christ as its Head. Thus the Church is the messianic people of God. The Church is responsible for the state of the world. Through the Church, Christ speaks and lives.

I believe the prime authority for the Church is God who reveals Himself through the Word. The primary form of the Word of God is Christ Himself; and the second is Scripture; and the tertiary of the preaching of Christ by the Church on the basis of Scriptural witness.

I believe the Church correctly understands the Word when it canonized it. The writings that were canonized were under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The primary interpreter of the Scripture is the Holy Spirit that comes to the reader, the same Holy Spirit that was with the writers.

I believe God's reconciling Word in Jesus Christ and the mission of reconciliation to which He has called the Church are the heart of the Gospel in any age. The Church universal is entrusted with God's message of reconciliation and shares His labor of healing the enmities, which separate humankind from God and from each other. The Church is of the world i.e., it must go into the world where people work, live and play to witness. We (the Church) can never stand above the sinful, guilty, needy world; we can only stand with it. I agree with the Confession of 67 in that, "A Church that is indifferent to poverty, or evades responsibility in economic affairs or is open to only one social class, or expects gratitude for its beneficence makes a mockery of reconciliation and offers no acceptable worship to God."

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I believe that as a minister, I am to participate in the pronouncement of the Word of hope and resurrection. As a minister I must strive for justice in the world. It is my duty to attack the causes and roots of war and to work diligently for "Peace on earth and good will to all humankind."

******

The members of the Committee on Ministry are: TE John Hirling, moderator; RE Richard Black, vice moderator Calls and Contracts Subcommittee: RE Mike Marcotte, chair; TE David Northcutt, vice chair; 2014: RE Karen Akers; RE Barbara Mabry; RE Mike Marcotte; TE David Northcutt 2015: RE Oliver Aldrich; RE Carla Burns; RE Jeffrey Corbett; TE Ted Foote 2016: TE Craig King; RE Bob Patterson; TE Tracy Williams, (Vacancy) Congregational Life Subcommittee: TE Linda Herron, chair; RE Chuck Johnson, vice chair 2014: TE Viet Ho; RE Chuck Johnson; TE Helen Rose Moore 2015: RE Laurie Fitzpatrick; RE Steve Haskins; TE Linda Herron; TE David Jones 2016: RE Doug Gehrman; TE Tim Oleksy; RE James Hooper; (Vacancy) Examinations Subcommittee: RE Greg Feigh, chair; TE Jim Currie, vice chair 2014: RE Jeanie Flowers; RE Bonnie Keith; RE Joanne Purdy; (Vacancy due to resignation 8/2014) 2015: TE Jim Currie; RE Peggy Hendricks; RE Peter Holmes; TE Marie Mickey 2016: RE Greg Feigh; TE Jon Guyton; TE Mark Plunkett; RE Ginny Raska Professional Life Subcommittee: TE Helen Deleon, chair; TE Margaret Desmond, vice chair 2014: TE Helen Deleon, TE Margaret Desmond; TE Scott Harbison; (Vacancy) 2015: TE Pat Clark; RE Martha Giese; RE Susan McGrail; TE Mark Stoub 2016: RE Dorothy Murphey; RE Linda Owens; RE Jennifer Plummer; TE Bill Wade

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Appendix A

Proposed Minimum Terms of Compensation for 2015

PART ONE: Compensation Experience Newly ordained $43,200 1 year experience $44,000 2 years experience $44,500 3 years experience $45,200 4 years experience $45,700 5 years experience $46,200 6 years experience $46,700 7 years experience $47,400 8 years experience $47,900 9 years experience $48,600 10+ years experience $50,200

[Compensation consists of salary plus housing and utility allowance as well as payments to offset self-employment taxes and non-reimbursement payments made on behalf of the recipient, including payments made for medical or other insurance coverage outside the Board of Pensions plans and dependent coverage under the Board of Pensions medical benefits plan. It DOES NOT include payments made to the Board of Pensions for Pension and basic medical benefits programs.]

Part-time calls are to be prorated in accordance with the fraction of full-time service the call represents.

PART TWO: Reimbursed Expenses Automobile Expenses—to be reimbursed at the IRS standard rate of compensation. PART THREE: Benefits

a. Pension/Medical Dues Participation in the denominational Pension/Death & Disability (nominally 12% of Total Effective Salary) and Major Medical Insurance Program for Member (nominally 23% of Total Effective Salary.) Employing organizations are strongly encouraged to consider payment of the additional 1.5% for dependent medical coverage when such coverage is requested by the individual.

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b. Study Leave For those clergy who do not attend the Presbytery of New Covenant Clergy Retreat: Study leave for two weeks with expense allowance of $1,450 annually, accumulative for 3 years. For those clergy who attend the Presbytery of New Covenant Clergy Retreat: Study leave for two weeks (including 2 Sundays), plus 3 days, with expense allowance of $1,700 annually, accumulative for 3 years. This includes an additional allowance of $250 for the Clergy Retreat and additional leave of three days (this leave is not cumulative). Newly Ordained Clergy are expected to participate in the Presbytery of New Covenant Clergy Retreat for the first three years of ministry. Newly Ordained Clergy are expected to participate in Entry into Ministry events sponsored/ supported by the Presbytery of New Covenant. Full provision will be made for the actual cost for one year (approximately $750) and the time needed to participate in these events. d. Paid Vacation Paid vacation for four weeks (includes 4 Sundays). Study leave and vacation are not prorated for part-time calls or contracts. Study leave and

vacation may be prorated for limited term calls or contracts.

Actual Moving Expenses (where applicable).

PART FOUR: Annual Review

The session will establish a review committee to meet with the Minister every twelve months to discuss:

The congregation’s expectations of the minister and how well he/she meets those expectations; The minister’s expectations of the congregation and how well it (and its members) meet those

expectations; and Adequacy of compensation.

The review committee is encouraged to utilize the resources provided by the Committee on Ministry “Guidelines for Church Professional Evaluations” [http://www.pbyofnewcovenant.org/forms/2008_01_Guidelines_for_Evaluations.pdf] The Session shall report to the Committee on Ministry, not later than July 1 of each year, the date on which the annual review was conducted, and the date of the congregational meeting (if a change in compensation is proposed by the Session) the revised terms of call were approved as provided in G-2.0804 of the Book of Order. (NOTE: A change in the contribution amount to the Board of Pensions is viewed by the Committee on Ministry as a change in compensation and congregational approval of such change is required.)

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APPENDIX B

Involuntary Dissolution of Call (Minimum Terms)

COM will make certain there is provision for pastoral care for the pastor if an involuntary or pressured

dissolution is evident.

Dissolution will be negotiated, using COM document “Agreement Form for Dissolution of Pastoral Relationship (w/Continued Benefits).” (attached)

Continued benefits shall include: For a pastor with 1-35 months of service on his/her current call, a minimum of two months of

salary, housing, pension medical and social security allowance (if latter is included in latest

approved Terms of Call)

For a pastor with 3 years or more of service on his/her current call, an additional month of continued benefits for each year of service for years 3-9. Regardless of years of service on his/her current call, the minimum need not go beyond 9 months.

Payment for unused vacation time (as per personnel policies of the church regarding provisions regarding rollover from year to year).

Continued benefits shall also include: Provision that unused Professional Development Allowance be sent to the Treasurer of the

next employing organization or the appropriate presbytery, or to the Presbytery of New

Covenant, to be held until next Call (or if there is no Call, use may be authorized by the General

Presbyter). When a Call is in place, any escrowed funds will be sent directly to the calling church.

Ordinarily, unused professional development time is not compensated, unless COM finds that

the use of professional development time has been limited or blocked by the church. (Adopted

by COM: May 2011)

[Mileage/auto reimbursement shall not be covered in the minimum terms of dissolution.]

Once session, pastor and COM representative have agreed on the terms of dissolution, including appropriate continued benefits, the “Terms of Dissolution of Pastoral Relationship” is sent to COM for their approval and presented to the congregation for their approval. COM approval is final, pending congregational approval; congregational approval is final, pending COM approval. The departing pastor understands that time is of the essence and agrees to actively and diligently seek a new call/employment. If during the term of the salary continuation period:

a. The departing pastor finds employment at less than his/her current effective salary (salary and housing), then the former church will make up the difference to

equal that of the dissolution agreement. “Employment” may be secular or in

ministry, unless specifically noted otherwise.

b. The departing pastor finds employment (secular or in ministry) at more than his/her current effective salary (salary and housing), then the salary continuation provision of the dissolution agreement becomes null and void.

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Agreement of Dissolution of the Pastoral

Relationship (with Continued Benefits)

D. Between the Rev. and

E. Presbyterian Church,_ .

Effective _________________, this Agreement of Dissolution replaces the Pastoral Call between the Rev. ___________________________________________to serve _________________________________________Presbyterian Church of _________ signed originally on _______________________________________together with all amendments subsequently agreed to by the parties. Agreement of Dissolution is subject to the approval of the Committee on Ministry of the Presbytery of New Covenant.

Each party hereby acknowledges that no promise or commitment regarding the Pastor’s status or rights after the date of the original Pastoral Call, not set forth explicitly in this agreement, was made, orally or otherwise, by either party to the other.

Effective , the Rev. shall no longer serve Presbyterian Church of _____________ . As of the aforementioned date, the Rev. shall be in the status of a former pastor of the congregation whose relationship was dissolved by mutual agreement. Furthermore, both the Pastor and the Congregation agree to abide by the Separation Ethics Policy of the Presbytery of New Covenant. No pastoral duties shall be performed nor shall any pastoral commitments be made or fulfilled after this date.

Terms of Dissolution:

The Rev. shall be entitled to the following financial

agreements through , following the effective date of dissolution:

1. Continuation of Salary and Housing (less ordinary deductions) $

2. Continuation of Benefits through the Board of Pensions, PCUSA $

3. Continuation of shared equity agreement (if applicable) $ 4. Compensation for unused earned annual leave (vacation) $ 5. Escrowed funds for unused Prof. Development (if applicable)* $ 6. Continuation of Social Security Allowance $ 7. Continuation of loan repayment by pastor to church (if app.)

or complete payoff $

8. Continuation of use of the Manse (if applicable) through and shall vacate the premise together with all possessions no later than _.

9. During such time as the Rev. is receiving the continuation of salary and benefits, the Rev. shall continue to be covered by

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the church’s insurance policies. 10. Escrowed funds for exit moving expenses (If applicable) $ _______________ 11. The Rev. shall vacate the church facilities, with all belongings, and

turn in church key(s) by this date: ____________

* Accumulated, unpaid Professional Development funds shall be held in escrow by the presbytery and forwarded to the next employer of record. Ordinarily, unused Professional Development time is not compensated, unless the COM finds that the use of professional development time has been limited or blocked by the church. If the departing minister finds full-time employment at an Effective Salary less than

his/her Effective Salary defined in the Agreement,

___________________________________________________ Presbyterian Church shall

pay the difference between what is received from the new employment

and what is promised in this agreement. “Employment” may be secular or in ministry, unless specifically noted otherwise. If, however, the departing minister finds full-time employment (secular or in ministry) at an Effective Salary equal to or greater than his/her Effective Salary defined in the Agreement, Presbyterian Church shall be released from all obligations of this agreement. If neither situation occurs, all salary

commitments (lines 1-9 above) of _________________________ Presbyterian Church

of_____________ to the Rev.

_______shall terminate no later than _________________ . The obligation to pay

moving expenses shall terminate on _________________.

This Agreement of Dissolution consists of two pages. It shall be interpreted according to the laws of the Texas. It may not be altered or amended in any way other than by a written and dated amendment signed by all parties, including the Committee on Ministry of the Presbytery of New Covenant. In affirmation and witness of all the foregoing, the parties have signed their names on the dates shown below. 1. The Rev. ___________________________ Date _____________ 2. For the congregation of ___________________________Presbyterian Church of _________, Clerk of Session_________________________ Date __________________

3. Approved by the Presbytery of New Covenant Committee on Ministry, on behalf of the Presbytery:

Date ________________

Moderator of the Committee on Ministry or Stated Clerk

Form Approved by COM 11/3/09 REVISED by COM 10/7/14

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APPENDIX C

PROPOSED Teaching Elder Ethics in

Cases of Disagreement with Denominational Policies, Statements and/or Decisions

In the Presbytery of New Covenant (Presented for Presbytery Vote on November 15, 2014)

Our Presbyterian tradition establishes a unique relationship among congregations, teaching elders and

the Presbytery. We are best served when all three parties consider themselves partners within the

body of Christ. All should work closely together to preserve the peace unity and purity of the church.

Teaching elders, ruling elders and deacons specifically vow to preserve the peace unity and purity of the

church. Additionally they vow to be governed by our church’s polity, and abide by its discipline.

Teaching elders occupy a unique position within congregations. While installed teaching elders serve

the congregation as their chosen spiritual leader, ministering to the religious, educational, pastoral, and

communal needs of the community and temporary teaching elders serve those roles through the voice

of Session, and while either may moderate meetings of the Session, they are, nonetheless, members of

Presbytery. Teaching elders serve all members of the congregations where they are called.

In all probability, teaching elders, ruling elders and/or members will not always agree with every policy,

statement or decision of the General Assembly. Our polity permits such disagreement and provides

mechanisms for challenging such policies, statements or decisions.

The disagreement may be such that the teaching elder questions whether s/he can continue as a

member of the PC(USA). Teaching elders who determine to renounce the jurisdiction of the church and

leave the denomination because of conscience should have our blessing and well wishes.

However, a teaching elder who questions whether s/he can continue as a member of the PC(USA)

exceeds her/his biblical and constitutional authority and violates her/his ordination vows when s/he

instigates, encourages, or promotes the congregations s/he serves to leave the denomination. Such

instigation, encouragement, or promotion shall be grounds for disciplinary action.

The expression of disagreement with policies, statements or decisions, or the encouraging of

congregations or Sessions to overture a change a policy, statement or decision shall not be construed as

instigating, encouraging or promoting a congregation to leave the denomination.

Adopted by Committee on Ministry on October 7, 2014

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Committee on Preparation for Ministry Presbytery Report November 15, 2014

Actions taken on SEPTEMBER 13, 2014 (Conference Call) 1. Approved giving Joshua Silva Noah (Houston, Heritage) financial assistance. 2. Approved request from Alyssa Schultz Payne (Houston, Grace) to transfer her candidacy to Mission Presbytery. 3. Approved request from Selena Brinegar (Houston, Memorial Drive) to withdraw from the process. 4. Approved job description for Christopher Virginis (Katy, New Hope) Director of Music Ministry/Choir. Actions taken on OCTOBER 11, 2014 1. Approved recommending to General Council the request from Commissioned Ruling Elder for a Particular Service Subcommittee that the committee be downsized from 9 members to 6 members. 2. Approved request from Wendy Bleike (Houston, First) to withdraw from the process. 3. Approved job description for Laureen Suba (Houston, St. Philip) as Executive Director of United Campus Ministry of Greater Houston. 4. Approved Annual Consultation for Joshua Silva Noah (Houston, Heritage) and that he is approved to continue in the process. 5. Approved Annual Consultation for Daniel Aikens (Houston, Memorial Drive) and that he is approved to continue in the process. 6. Approved enrolling Morgan Gilliland (Houston, Memorial Drive) as an inquirer. For information the members of the CPM are: 2014: RE Agnes Adair, TE Kevin Boyd, RE Charles Dunagan, TE Nora Fitch; TE Laura Grice 2015: TE Christa Brewer, RE Bill Hargrove, RE Bill Parker, TE Kristy Vits, TE Harry Yates 2016: RE Kate Burkart, TE Jolene Currie, TE Peter Lee, TE Stewart MacColl, TE Isabel Rivera-Velez

E

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Presbytery of New Covenant Report of General Council