1

PRESBYTERY OF ALBANY THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTH STATED MEETING

First Presbyterian Church, Hudson, NY November 18, 2015

The Presbytery of Albany met in stated session on Wednesday, November 18, 2015, at the First Presbyterian Church in Hudson, NY. Teaching Elder Donna Elia, Moderator, called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. The meeting was held in the Sanctuary of the church and was opened with prayer led by TE Alexandra Lusak and singing of the hymn “Thou I May Speak.” TE Kathryn Beilke, pastor of the host church, greeted the Presbytery and made several announcements.

STATED CLERK’S REPORT The roll was compiled. Stated Clerk Ruling Elder H. Daniel Rogers announced a quorum was present and noted the number of those from whom he had received requests to be excused (16) and those who needed to arrive late (4) or leave early (5). Voting delegates present for all or portions of the meeting included 47 Teaching Elders, and 30 Ruling Elders: 23 Ruling Elders representing 23 Congregations, and 7 who are members of the Presbytery Council or chair committees or task forces. An additional 9 persons signed in as visitors.

TEACHING ELDERS ENROLLED

John Aldridge Ken Applegate John Barclay Kathryn Beilke David Bennett Viki Brooks Michael Burkley Holly Cameron Coqui Conkey (UCC) Timothy Coombs Bob Criswell, HR Scott DeBlock (RCA) Donna Elia Eric Fagans, HR

Doug Gebhard Kathy Gorman-Coombs Larry Greenwold Tom Gregg Beth Illingworth Glenn Leupold Miriam Lawrence Leupold William Levering Alexandra Lusak, HR Linda Martin Jerry McKinney Laura Lovell Mitchell

David Moore Gusti Linnea Newquist Elizabeth Shen O’Connor Drew Paton Stewart Pattison Michael Plank Karen Pollan Rebecca Putman Paul Randall, HR Annie Reilly (RCA) Jim Reisner Frances Wattman Rosenau

Aline Russell Hwa Sung Ryu Al Siegel, HR Leonard Sponaugle Katy Stenta Susan Strang Shannan Vance-Ocampo Jennifer Wegter-McNelly Elaine Woroby

TEACHING ELDERS EXCUSED OR HONORABLY RETIRED

Rolf Ahlers Alan Brokaw, HR Ted Brothers, HR Cheryl Colt Steven Cronn, HR James C. Davis Larry Deyss, HR Lois Dodge, HR William Dodge, HR Peter Durkee, HR John “Jay” Ekman, HR Barbara Floryshak, HR Chris Garrison Robert Garvin, HR

Doug Gray, HR Robin Greene Lynne Hardy Lucy Harris Rupert Harris, HR Scott Hicks, HR Rich Hoffman Earl Johnson, HR Kathi Jones Stark Jones, HR Kate Kotfila Ruth Kuo Robert Lamar, HR Dennis Maher, HR

David McMillan HR Bruce Miller, HR James Miller, HR Peg Miller, HR Ed Morren, HR Shirley Mosholder, HR Hugh Nevin, HR Harvey Noordsy, HR Bonnie Orth Jeff Palmer Tom Parsons, HR Mary Jo Pattison Cheryl Peaslee (ABC) Joe Shook, HR

Allen Siebold (UMC) David Simmons, HR Don Stake, HR Charles Stratton, HR Helenmarie Sunkenberg, HR Dick Symes, HR Jim Thompson, HR Ali Trowbridge Danny Wheeler, HR Lois Wolff, HR Mary Woodman Pamela Woodman

2

TEACHING ELDERS ABSENT

Brandan Eddy Bert Mayne

John McAuley James McLeod

Youngberm Mun Nadeem Sadiq

Kathryn Shaffer Nick TeBordo

TEACHING ELDERS LIVING OUTSIDE THE BOUNDS (EXCUSED)

Robert Allison Fergus Cochran, HR Patricia Davies Susan Ellor-Case, HR

Chad Jones Andy Little Albert Newman, HR Rob Rose

William Schram Robert Smith, HR Paul Wilson, HR

CREs OR RULING ELDERS ON COUNCIL OR CHAIRING COMMITTEES OR TASK FORCES

Jo-Ann Baccari, PW (Excused) Michael Barron, CRE Corlin Bauhofer, CRE(Excused) Kevin Dwyer, Nominating

Sue Laz, SMI (Third, Troy) Cara Molyneaux, Council Nancy Pierce, CRE (Excused) H. Daniel Rogers, Stated Clerk Laura Rogers, COM

Rachel Smith, Council (Excused) Barbara Wheeler, Council (Granville)

CONGREGATIONS REPRESENTED BY RULING ELDER COMMISSIONERS

Albany, First Debra Fagans Albany, Westminster Arthur Fullerton Ballston Spa Barbara Conner Broadalbin Samuel Jackling Brunswick Niki Campbell Corinth Gert Bilodeau Delmar Lois Hessberg Glens Falls Chapel Carol Henderson Guilderland Deborah Waggener Hoosick Falls Joyce Brewer Hudson Falls Pat Barron Loudonville Elsie Jean Rew Lansingburgh Mary Ann Wheldon

Menands Pat Kenyon New Scotland Scott Wrigly Northville Frank Ralbovsky Saratoga Terry Diggory Schenectady, Christ Church of the Hills Carol Plue Scotia Darren Gundrum Spencertown Marion Ulmer Stillwater Evelyn King Troy, First United Peggy Drew Valatie Margie Laurie

CHURCHES NOT REPRESENTED BY RULING ELDER COMMISSIONERS OTHER THAN THOSE

LISTED ABOVE

Albany,New Covenant Albany, Roessleville Albany, West End Amsterdam Breakabeen-North Blenheim Cambridge Carlisle Charlton Freehold Cohoes East Hebron

Esperance Glens Falls, First Greenwich Hudson Jewett Johnstown Lake George, Bay Road Lake George, Caldwell Lake Luzerne

Malta Mayfield Poultney Putnam Station Rensselaer Rensselaerville Salem Schaghticoke Schenectady, Korean Schenectady, State Street

Schoharie Shushan Stephentown Tribes Hill Warrensburg Waterford Watervliet, First West Charlton West Galway West Hebron Whitehall

Those attending their first Albany Presbytery Meeting were introduced and welcomed. TE Allison Seed (Heartland Presbytery), and RE Sal Scecchitano (former moderator of Albany Presbytery) were seated as Corresponding Members.

5

Upon motion duly made and seconded, Presbytery ACTED by voice vote without objections to approve the docket for the meeting as distributed with the Supplemental Pre-Meeting Packet. The Moderator announced that she had been informed that the West End Church Administrative Commission has a report that will be brought as New Business at the end of the meeting.

Upon motion duly made and seconded, Presbytery ACTED by voice vote without objections to approve the minutes of the September 26, 2015, Stated Meeting as distributed prior to the meeting.

There were several items on the consent agenda from the Committee on Ministry. None of the items on the consent agenda was removed, and the items on the COM consent agenda were approved by Presbytery by a voice vote without objections. For ease of reference, fiduciary business items including consent agenda items are recorded under that committee’s section of these minutes. The following were presented by the Stated Clerk for information: The next stated presbytery meeting will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2016, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Brunswick, NY.

The schedule of remaining stated meetings for 2016 is as follows:

Wednesday, April 6 beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the Korean Church in Schenectady Friday/Saturday, June 3-4 (2-day retreat/meeting at Silver Bay) Saturday, October 1 beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Amsterdam Church Wednesday, November 16 beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the Cambridge Church

As required by the Standing Rules, the following were reported as commissioners to the previous recent General Assemblies of the PC(USA):

Teaching Elder Commissioners Ruling Elder Commissioners

2004 John Aldrich Lynn Brown First PC, Corinth St. Peter’s PC, Spencertown 2006 Catherine Kotfila Dorothy Rice Brunswick PC Hamilton Union PC, Guilderland 2008 Miriam Lawrence Leupold Chandlee Gill First PC, Albany First United PC, Troy Kirianne Riehl Dan Rogers Northville United PC First United PC, Troy 2010 Lucy Harris Joyce Brewer First PC, Warrensburg First United PC, Hoosick Falls

Stewart Pattison Tara Lindsley Hamilton Union PC, Guilderland First PC, Albany 2012 Bonnie Orth Sal Scecchitano Central PC, Mayfield Brunswick PC 2014 James Reisner Carol Aldrich Westminster, Albany Rockwell Falls, Lake Luzerne PC

7

As of November 6, 2015, the clerks of session from the following churches have submitted their minutes for review and they have been reviewed and approved without exceptions by the Stated Clerk: Breakabeen-North Blenheim and Lake George, Caldwell.

The 2014 minutes from the following churches have not been submitted for review in 2015, and review of the 2014 and 2015 minutes from these churches will be required in 2016 (G-3.0108.a):

Albany, West End Carlisle Corinth East Hebron Hoosick Falls

Lake George, Bay Road Lake Luzerne Mayfield Poultney Schenectady, Korean

Stephentown Waterford Watervliet West Charlton Whitehall

The West End Church Administrative Commission has begun its work and has met twice with the West End session as of November 6, 2015.

God’s People Consider our Shared Business REPORTS Board of Pensions Update: The Rev. Allison Seed, Regional Representative, reported on upcoming changes in the medical insurance plan to provide options based on actual cost that will be available for all participants except for installed pastors. She also noted that participants may waive medical coverage and keep pension/death coverage. Jubilee USA Network: TE Frances Rosenau introduced Andrew Hanauer who made a presentation on this program to provide debt relief money. He invited member churches to become a Jubilee Church. Youth Triennium: Christy D’Ambrosio, Youth Registrar, reported that we have 20 confirmed registrants now plus three potential youth that we are supporting from Mam Presbytery in Guatemala. Final cost will be $505 for registration plus travel for an estimated total of $750. The plan is to split costs three ways with the presbytery, the individual’s church, and the individual each paying 1/3 of the cost.

COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS REPORT

The Committee on Nominations presented the following nominee for election to serve as Vice Moderator of the Presbytery beginning at the end of the November 18, 2015, stated Presbytery meeting: Ruling Elder Cara Molyneaux (Trinity Presbyterian Church, Scotia). The Moderator asked for nominations from the floor. There were none. By motion duly made and seconded, Presbytery ACTED by voice vote without objections to elect Ruling Elder Cara Molyneaux to serve as Vice Moderator beginning at the end of this meeting.

The Committee on Nominations presented the following nominees for election to serve in the positions noted at the June 2016 meeting of the General Assembly of the PC(USA) in Portland, Oregon. Biographical information and statements provided by each nominee were included in the Pre-Meeting Packets. Election to these positions was by written ballot and the results are noted below.

Teaching Elder Commissioner: TE Laurence C. Greenwold (Tribes Hill) – First Alternate TE Glenn Leupold (First, Albany) – Elected commissioner. TE Leonard Sponaugle (First, Johnstown) – Second Alternate

5

Ruling Elder Commissioner: RE Lynn Brown (St. Peter’s, Spencertown) – Elected Commissioner RE Carl Hasselbarth (Hamilton Union, Guilderland) – Alternate

Young Adult Advisory Delegate:

Samantha Brewer (First United, Hoosick Falls) – Elected YAAD James Josiah (Westminster, Albany) - Alternate

RE Kevin Dwyer, chair of the Committee on Nominations presented the names in bold in the following tables for election to the various Presbytery committees and commissions. Names with an asterisk [*] were also nominated to serve as chairs or co-chairs of their committee.

COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY

COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY

Class of 2016 Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Glenn Leupold 11/13 TE

Brandon Eddy 11/14 TE [*11/15]

Elizabeth Shen O’Connor TE 11/15

Jack Gajewski – 439 0374 (4/12) RE

Laura Mitchell 11/11 TE

VACANT

VACANT Stewart Pattison 11/14 TE [*11/15]

Bonnie Donnan 11/12 RE

Class of 2016 Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Stark Jones 1/13 TE

David Bennett 11/11 [*11/14] TE

Drew Paton 1/13 TE

Lois Wolff 11/13 TE

Aline Russell 11/14 TE

Kathi Jones 1/13 TE

Bert Mayne 11/12 TE

Holly Cameron 11/14 TE

Kathryn Beilke 5/13 TE

Xiomara Diaz 11/12 RE

Darren Gundrum 11/14 RE

Laura Rogers 11/12 [*11/14] RE

Chandlee Gill 11/15 RE

Judy Hartley 11/14 RE

Barbara Cervenka 11/15 RE

VACANT Sam Jackling 6/12 RE

VACANT

6

COUNCIL Moderator of Council:

C. Molyneaux 11/15 RE

Moderator of Presbytery:

Jerry McKinney 11/14 TE

VME: VACANT COM Rep: David Bennett TE

or Laura Rogers RE

SMI Rep: Katy Stenta TE

Personnel Rep:

Barbara Wheeler 9/13 RE

Trustee Rep: Bill Levering TE

POSITION CLASS OF 2016 CLASS OF 2017 CLASS OF 2018 At Large Members

Miriam Leupold 11/12 TE

Annie Reilly 11/14 TE

VACANT

At Large Members

Sue Laz RE

Donna Elia 11/15 TE

VACANT

At Large Members

Scott DeBlock 11/15 TE

At Large Members

PERMANENT JUDICIAL COMMISSION

Class 2017 Class of 2019 Class of 2021 Chandlee Gill 11/11 RE

Joe Shook TE 6/14

John Barclay 11/14 TE

Michael Burkley 11/11 TE

Carolyn Snyder Lemmon RE 6/14

Kevin Dwyer 11/15 RE

Barbara Wheeler, 6/14 RE

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Class of 2016 Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Bill Levering TE

Arthur Fullerton 6/12 [*1/15] RE

Kate Kotfila TE

Allen Siebold 11/13 TE

Carl Hasselbarth 11/14 RE

VACANT

Viki Brooks 1/11 TE

7

The Moderator asked for nominations from the floor. There were none. By motion duly made and seconded, Presbytery ACTED by voice vote without objections to elect the persons nominated by the Committee on Nominations to the positions noted above.

God’s People Engage in Transitional Conversations on Mission

Transitional Presbyter Shannan Vance-Ocampo provided opening remarks about ongoing mission conversations with mission partners. She encouraged all to participate in the Landscape Assessment Study being implemented by Holy Cow! Consulting. She also invited members to provide mission stories from their congregations to Kim Deal, Communications Manager, for sharing with the Presbytery. Commissioners were divided into six groups for conversations on mission priorities. The conversations were led by members of Council and guided by the following questions: 1. What is the most significant local mission work you have been involved in over the last year? In what ways has this made a difference in your congregation and community? 2. What are the two most energetically embraced mission priorities of your congregation by the surrounding community? 3. If the Presbytery gave your congregation $1K, $5K, $10K how would you spend it in mission? 4. What do you understand to be our shared work (as the Presbytery) to build the kin-dom of God within the bounds of our Presbytery? After about 1 hour devoted to spirited conversations, leaders of the groups reported briefly on the conversations and notes from the conversations were collected and will be summarized by Presbytery staff.

The Moderator announced the results of voting for GA commissioners and YAAD as recorded above before the Presbytery moved to lunch.

LUNCH

At 12:15 p.m. the Presbytery moved to lunch as the Order of the Day. The Presbytery reconvened at 1:00 p.m. The Moderator announced that she had been given another item of New Business related to a “Resolution for Protection and Hospitality for Syrian Refugees” that would come to the Presbytery for action at the end of the meeting.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES REPORT

The following were presented for information:

1. The Board met on October 7 (conference call), and November 4, 2015. The Board will meet next on December 2, 2015.

2. The Board has sold the Tiffany stained glass window from the Gloversville Church building and is seeking buyers for the remaining stained glass windows at that church.

3. Closing on the sale of the woodlands portion of the Hebron Conference Center and Camp is scheduled for November 11, 2015.

8

4. The Board has made arrangements to contract with a building manager to assume responsibility for the maintenance and security of the First Church, Watervliet buildings upon dissolution of the congregation.

5. The Board is receiving proposals from public accountants to conduct the annual review of the Presbytery’s financial books and records as required by G-3.0113.

The following was presented for debate and action:

Upon motion duly made and seconded by the president and vice president of the Board of Trustees and by the co-chairs of the Committee on Ministry and debated, Presbytery ACTED by voice vote with several audible votes in opposition to postpone all action on the West End Presbyterian Church dissolution and to freeze all financial accounts beyond normal operating expenses until the January 30, 2016, stated meeting of Albany Presbytery. The rationale offered for this was that neither the Board of Trustees nor the Committee on Ministry had been given ample time to review and advise the Presbytery on the proposed distribution of assets prior to dissolution. (See New Business below.)

SPEAK OUT

Commissioners were given the opportunity to make announcements or express views in 1 minute or less.

ASSOCIATE FOR CONGREGATIONS REPORT

TE Tim Coombs reported on how the power of habits may have a strong impact on behaviors. The Transitional Presbyter thanked Tim for his many years of leadership of the Youth of Albany Presbytery Task Force which he announced conclusion of at the September 18, 2015, stated meeting. She then presented gifts from the Presbytery to Tim and the members of the Presbytery expressed their thanks with applause.

COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY REPORT

The Committee on Preparation for Ministry presented and recommended that the Presbytery examine Inquirer Nazish Naseem to move from inquirer to candidate status. Nazish’s statement of faith had been provided to the Presbytery prior to the meeting. Following a period of relevant questioning and answers, Nazish was excused from the meeting. Presbytery ACTED by voice vote without objections to approve moving Nazish Naseem’s status from inquirer to candidate. She was invited back into the meeting and welcomed with applause. Moderator Elia then installed her as a candidate for ministry.

COUNCIL REPORT The following were presented to the Presbytery for information:

1. Council met on October 6 and November 10, 2015, at the Malta PC. Council will meet next on Tuesday, December 8, 2015, at the Malta PC.

2. Council ACTED to approve a New Initiative Grant of $10,000 to the First Presbyterian Church of Hudson Falls to support the ministry of the Rev. Michael Plank at the Underwood Park CrossFit New Worshiping Community in Fort Edward.

9

3. Council ACTED to approve the spending of $3,175 in funds from the Transition Team budget to finance the Landscape Assessment Study by Holy Cow! Consulting.

4. Council ACTED to elect the following to lead and serve on its Stewardship and Mission Interpretation Committee (SMI): TE Katy Stenta (chair) and RE Sue Laz (Third PC, Troy) to serve a 1-year term.

5. Council ACTED to elect the following to lead and serve on its Personnel Committee: RE Barbara Wheeler (Granville) to serve as chair and TE Frances Wattman Rosenau to serve a 3-year term.

The following were presented to the Presbytery for discussion and action:

1. Council recommended and Presbytery ACTED by voice vote with one audible objection to endorse the following action taken by Council: That any church in the Presbytery will be assessed a flat fee of $25 per individual background check that it requests the Stated Clerk to perform on their behalf using “Intellicorp” with the understanding that the church will be billed for any additional charges that may be required to complete each background check. These additional charges are typically municipality-, county- (e.g. Rensselaer County), or state- (e.g. the State of Vermont) mandated fees associated with the check that may not be deleted. It is noted that there are other agencies available for churches to use to perform background checks on existing and new employees or volunteers.

2. Council recommended and Presbytery ACTED by voice vote without objections to formally recognize the Underwood Park CrossFit New Worshiping Community in Fort Edward, NY, and the leadership of the Reverend Michael Plank to this New Worshiping Community as an extension of his ministry at the First Presbyterian Church of Hudson Falls.

3. In accordance with the Standing Rules, Council nominated those persons whose names are in

BOLD in the following chart for service on the Committee on Nominations and noted that there

are three VACANT positions on the committee yet to be filled. The committee is required to have

nine members serving for a maximum of 6 years.

Class of 2016 Class of 2017 Class of 2018

Stark Jones 11/13 TE

VACANT Cheryl Colt 11/13 TE

John Barclay 4/11 TE

VACANT Larry Greenwold 3/13 TE

Pam Woodman 11/14 TE

VACANT Kevin Dwyer 4/12 [*11/12] RE

The Moderator asked for nominations from the floor. There were none. By motion duly made and seconded, Presbytery ACTED by voice vote without objections to elect the persons nominated by the Committee on Nominations to the positions noted above.

4. Council recommended and Presbytery ACTED by voice vote without objections to approve the carry-over of unspent funds from 2015 to 2016 for the following accounts:

10

*Note: The amounts to be carried over will be the unspent balance after all 2015 charges are taken into account.

5. Council presented for a second reading and recommended that Presbytery approve the attached Proposed Budget for 2016. It was noted that this is essentially the same budget that was presented for a first reading at the September 26, 2015, meeting, and that it has a small surplus, even though income from Basic Witness Support and Shared Witness Support declines. This surplus results from (1) cuts to some of our programs and ministries; and (2) showing the income from Reserve/Dedicated funds to support particular line items. The notes that accompanied the proposed Budget helped explain the proposed line items. After several questions about salaries and fund carry-overs, Presbytery ACTED by voice vote without objections to approve the attached budget for 2016.

COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY REPORT

The following items were presented to the Presbytery for information:

1. COM met on October 7 and November 4, 2015, at the Malta PC. COM will meet next on December 2, 2015, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Malta PC.

2. Update on Temporary Exclusion of Teaching Elder Chris Garrison: By action of the Presbytery Permanent Judicial Commission on October 3, 2014, and as reported to the Presbytery at a Special Called Meeting on October 16, 2014, Teaching Elder Chris Garrison was declared “temporarily excluded from ordered ministry for a period of 1 year effective October 3, 2014, and

Line # Committee Description Carry to

Description Amount

5155 Council

Vice Moderator 9126 Moderator Training in 2016

YE Bal.*

5195 Council Judicial Process 9400 Judicial Process YE Bal.*

5220 COM Congregational Transitions

9200 COM - Discretionary Fund

YE Bal.*

5230 COM Congregational Care Fund

9200 COM – Discretional Fund

YE Bal.*

5460 Council Task Forces Youth Triennium 9130 To provide funds for 2016 Triennium

$2,000

5410 Council Task Forces

Peacemaking TF 9170 Peacemaking YE Bal.*

5420 Council Task Forces Guatemala Partnership

9250 Presbytero Mam Relationship

YE Bal.*

5517 Stated Clerk

Professional Reimbursement

9440 To provide add’l funds to attend GA 2016

YE Bal.*

5531 Transitional Presbyter Travel/Professional 9420 GP Expenses to attend GA 2016

YE Bal.*

5533 Transitional Presbyter Con. Ed./Study 9430 GP Con. Ed. YE Bal.*

5539 Transitional Presbyter Travel/Local 9420 GP Expenses YE Bal.*

5570 Personnel Temp. Admin. Asst. 9450 To provide funds for the Communications Manager Position

YE Bal.*

11

until completion of (a) … rehabilitation program supervised by the Committee on Ministry.” It is understood that the completion of the rehabilitation program and a request for termination of the censure of temporary exclusion is guided by D-12.0104h, in that the Presbytery shall be "… fully satisfied that the supervised rehabilitation pronounced has been completed”, such term not to exceed 18 (eighteen) months.

On November 21, 2014, Chris participated in a psychological assessment at the Danielson Institute in Boston, MA. A plan for rehabilitation was established and unfolded in this way:

1) Chris has met with the Rev. David Olsen, PhD, of the Samaritan Counseling Center weekly during the past year.

2) Representatives from COM communicated with Chris monthly on average.

3) Members of COM and the Transitional Presbyter met with David Olsen last fall, following the censure; again at the midway point in the process; and most recently on October 15, 2015, when Chris was included also.

4) Chris attended Boundary Awareness Training, as required, on November 5, 2015.

5) Chris returned to the Danielsen Institute on October 30, 2015 for a follow-up evaluation.

Upon receiving the report from that follow-up evaluation, in conjunction with input from David Olsen and in consultation with Chris regarding his call to future ministry, COM will prepare a report to Presbytery. This report will be intended to advise the Presbytery as it seeks to make a decision in accordance with D-12.0104h, if a written application for restoration is received by the Stated Clerk from the Rev. Garrison:

D-12.0104h. Termination of Censure of Temporary Exclusion

A person under the censure of temporary exclusion shall apply in writing to the council, through the clerk of session or stated clerk, for restoration upon the expiration of the time of exclusion or completion of the supervised rehabilitation pronounced. The council that imposed the censure shall approve the restoration when the time of exclusion has expired or when the council is fully satisfied that the supervised rehabilitation pronounced has been completed.

3. COM acted to approve a grant of $1,500 from its Pastoral Care & Ministerial Assistance budget to support TE Lucy Harris’ additional social security tax burden in 2015 as requested by the session of the Warrensburg Church.

The following were presented by COM and were approved by the Presbytery under the Consent Agenda:

1. That Presbytery ACT retroactively to appoint Teaching Elder Lois Wolff to serve as moderator of the Lake George, Bay Road church beginning on November 1, 2015.

2. That Presbytery ACT to approve the following step increases in the minimum terms of call to recognize years of ordination and service as a teaching elders:

For 1- 5 years of service: $200 per year.

For 5-10 years of service: $250 per year.

12

For 11+ years of service: $300 per year.

The following were presented to Presbytery for debate and action:

1. Following a Clearance Interview by COM, COM recommended that Presbytery examine Emily Otto (UCC) to become a temporary member of the Presbytery if the way be clear and she is ordained by the United Church of Christ as planned on November 21, 2015, to become the Minister of Spiritual Formation at the Presbyterian - New England Congregational Church in Saratoga Springs, New York.

RE Laura Rogers, COM Co-Chair, introduced Ms. Otto to be examined to become a temporary member of the Presbytery. COM member RE Sam Jackling reported on the Clearance Interview. Laura directed the attention of Presbytery to the statement of faith and biographical information that had been provided for Ms. Otto in the meeting packet. She also reviewed the examination process that will be used which included the following question to be answered by Ms. Otto:

What have been the highlights of your ministry to date at Saratoga, and what are the particular challenges and joys you anticipate in your ministry in Albany Presbytery?

Ms. Otto responded to the questions prepared by COM. The floor was opened for questions and answers following the new examination process. A motion to arrest the examination for temporary membership for Ms. Otto was made, seconded and APPROVED by a voice vote without objections. Ms. Otto was excused.

After some discussion, by motion made and seconded, the examination for temporary membership was SUSTAINED by voice vote without objections. Ms. Otto was called back to the sanctuary and received congratulations from the Presbytery.

2. Following a Clearance Interview by COM, and action by the session of the Putnam Station Presbyterian Church, COM recommends that Presbytery examine the Rev. Robert E. Kersten (UMC, Retired) to become a temporary member of the Presbytery to serve as Moderator of the Putnam Station Presbyterian Church. Presbytery acted on September 26, 2015, to approve the temporary supply contract between the Rev. Kersten and the Putnam Station session. Rev. Kersten serves as co-host of the Brookside Trinity House for pastoral respite ministry at Silver Bay Conference Center.

TE Jerry McKinney, COM member, introduced the Rev Kersten to be examined to become a temporary member of the Presbytery and attested to the successful Clearance Interview and action of the Putnam Station session. He directed the attention of Presbytery to the statement of faith and biographical information that had been provided for the Rev. Kersten in the meeting packet. He also reviewed the examination process that will be used which included the following question to be answered by the Rev. Kersten:

What have been the highlights of your ministry to date, and what are the particular challenges and joys you anticipate in your ministry in Albany Presbytery?

The Rev. Kersten responded to the questions prepared by COM. The floor was opened for questions and answers following the new examination process, but there were none. A motion to arrest the examination for temporary membership for the Rev. Kersten was made, seconded and APPROVED by a voice vote without objections. The Rev. Kersten was excused.

13

After some discussion, by motion made and seconded, the examination for temporary membership was SUSTAINED by voice vote without objections. The Rev. Kersten was called back to the sanctuary and received congratulations from the Presbytery.

TE David Bennett, Co-Chair of COM, offered a prayer for the ministries of Ms. Otto and the Rev. Kersten.

3. COM presented for a first reading the attached report from the Corinth Resolution Team with the following Recommended Resolution for gracious dismissal of the First Presbyterian Church of Corinth to the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians (ECO). It was noted that the Corinth session had received this report and endorsed the terms of the recommended resolution at a meeting on November 10, 2015. This matter will be presented for a second reading and action by Presbytery at the January 30, 2016, stated meeting.

Recommended Resolution Although the goal at the outset of any time of discerning the future of a congregation’s membership in the presbytery and in the Presbyterian Church (USA) is reconciliation, we recognize “that there may be situations where sessions and congregations do accurately understand the policies and stances of the Presbytery and PC(USA) and simply disagree with them.” (Albany Presbytery, Process for Discernment…) We affirm strongly that both the Corinth congregation, mainly through its pastor and session, and Albany Presbytery, through a variety of leaders and members of COM, have acted in good faith, and all individuals have acted prayerfully, graciously, and with integrity. Nevertheless, reconciliation does not seem possible, and for both Albany Presbytery and First Presbyterian Church of Corinth to move forward in mission and ministry in the name of Jesus Christ, it is necessary to separate. We recognize that our unity in Christ does not depend only on denominational boundaries, and that Albany Presbytery and the First Presbyterian Church of Corinth will continue to be and to behave as brothers and sisters in Christ. The Book of Order, Foundations of Presbyterian Polity, states “Unity is God’s gift to the Church in Jesus Christ. Just as God is one God and Jesus Christ is our one Savior, so the Church is one because it belongs to its one Lord, Jesus Christ… To be one with Christ is to be joined with all those whom Christ calls into relationship with him… Division into different denominations obscures but does not destroy unity in Christ.” (Book of Order, F-1.0302a) In order to honor the intent of the process to create an “amicable and equitable” resolution, the following terms have been agreed upon by the Committee On Ministry (11/4/2015), the Corinth session (11/10/15) and the Corinth Congregation (forthcoming):

That the First Presbyterian Church of Corinth be dismissed to the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians (ECO) effective upon approval by Albany Presbytery and acceptance by the ECO denomination. (see Appendix A for information about the ECO)

That the following financial terms be met prior to the official request for the transfer of the

properties: 1. The church will offer a tithe of the value of the church properties - $25,000. (The three

properties were professionally appraised for $250,000) 2. The church will continue to pay their full Basic Witness Support through the year 2016 -

$10,160. 3. The church will pay the entirety of their withheld General Assembly per capita since 2012

through the year 2016 - $3,807.

That an Administrative Commission be appointed to carry out the transfer process, working with the session and representatives from the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians. The legal

14

request for transfer of property will be initiated once the financial terms have been met. If the congregation desires a payment plan, it shall last no longer than three years from the date of dismissal.

That the Corinth Church provide proof of property and liability insurance to the Presbytery Trustees throughout the property transfer process.

4. COM acted on November 4, 2015, to support and recommend that Presbytery act to approve the request of the congregation of the First Presbyterian Church in Watervliet to be dissolved by the Presbytery effective on November 18, 2015, in accord with G-3.0303 (b) [“In order to accomplish this responsibility, the presbytery has authority to: (b) control the location of new congregations and of congregations desiring to move as well as to divide, dismiss, or dissolve congregations in consultation with their members.”].

The request for dissolution was received by the Stated Clerk in a letter dated November 1, 2015, from the clerk of session of the church in which she reported on the action of the congregation at its annual meeting on February 8, 2015, that was moderated by the Rev. Alexandra Lusak to request that the Presbytery dissolve the congregation on a date determined by the session prior to the end of 2015. The letter also reported that the session acted on October 1, 2015, to set the date for dissolution as November 18, 2015. Presbytery ACTED by voice vote without objections to dissolve the First Presbyterian Church of Watervliet effective November 18, 2015. TE Coombs presented a video to recognize and celebrate the mission and ministry of the church since it was founded. TE Lusak expressed appreciation for the privilege of serving as moderator of the church and TE Vance-Ocampo thanked TE Lusak for her 4 years of service in that capacity. Vice Moderator TE McKinney offered a prayer.

NEW BUSINESS West End Administrative Commission Report

On behalf of the Administrative Commission, commission member TE Elizabeth Shen O’Connor directed the attention of the Presbytery to the following report that had been presented in writing as a hand-out to commissioners at the beginning of this meeting and the Final Determination of Disposal of West End’s Assets that was passed out in written form to commissioners in conjunction with the beginning of this presentation:

REPORT

The Administrative Commission assigned to the West End Presbyterian Church met with the Session of West End on October 13, 2015 and November 2, 2015. Administrative Commission Chairman, Carl Hasselbarth, had lengthy phone calls with Rev. David Moore on October 25, 2015 and West End Clerk of Session, Wende Tedesco, on October 29, 2015. The Administrative Commission met in Executive Session on November 9, 2015 and is scheduled to meet with the West End Session again on November 17, 2015. Despite these diligent efforts, it is the opinion of the Administrative Commission that a complete recommendation for a final distribution of West End’s remaining funds cannot be made at the November 18, 2015 Presbytery meeting, which is the last such meeting in 2015.

During the Administrative Commission’s involvement, the West End Session has made progress towards the objectives that need to be fulfilled before its dissolution. These are: a decision on a severance

15

package to offer its stated supply pastor and staff; naming a successor beneficiary for all bequests made to the West End Presbyterian Church; a final effort to ascertain whether certain members of West End, who have thus far been silent on the question, will be transferring their membership to another church; and, how their remaining assets will be distributed. However, the Administrative Commission has observed that it is impractical to expect these objectives to be met before the November Presbytery meeting.

The West End Session is aware that allowing their existence to continue into the New Year will generate additional operating expenses. They have also been advised that continuing to operate in the New Year will also make them liable for the per capita Presbytery Basic Witness Support, although they may be eligible for a partial waiver. Nevertheless, they welcome a relaxation of the current deadlines to allow them to faithfully discern answers to the difficult questions before them according to God’s timeline rather than their own.

WHERETOFORE, the Administrative Commission respectfully requests a delegate present at the September 26, 2015 Presbytery Meeting who voted to approve the following action taken that day move to rescind it: By motion duly made and seconded, Presbytery ACTED by voice vote without objection to dissolve the West End Presbyterian Church congregation effective on November 30, 2015, as requested by the congregation. Members of the Administrative Commission pray that a final recommendation for the distribution of West End’s remaining assets can be made to the Presbytery at its January 30, 2016 meeting.

Final Determination of Disposal of West End’s Assets Mission Grants $17,500 Severance Pastor 6-months’ salary and benefits Housekeeping Severance $1,500 First Church Unrestricted $1,000 Music Severance $1,000 Bookkeeper Severance $300 First Church Range Hood $10,000 Estimated Closing Costs $5,000* Pastor Bonus $1,500 Musician Bonus $500 Cleaner Bonus $1,500 Bookkeeper Bonus $300 First Church Mission fund 20% of Remaining Funds First Church Unrestricted 60% of Remaining Funds Presbytery Ecclesiastical Endowment 10% of Remaining Funds Presbytery Unrestricted 10% of Remaining Funds * After cash disbursements, remaining funds from the original $5,000 go to a charity in honor of West End’s pro bono closing attorney.

Presbytery received these reports, but given its previous action at this meeting to postpone all action on the West End Presbyterian Church dissolution and to freeze all financial accounts beyond normal operating expenses until the January 30, 2016, stated meeting of Albany Presbytery, no further action could be taken with respect to the AC’s request to rescind the previous action to dissolve the West End congregation effective November 30, 2015.

16

Subsequently at the request of the Stated Clerk to clarify the timing of dissolution for the records, Presbytery ACTED by voice vote without objections to amend the action it had taken on September 26, 2015, to change the date of dissolution of the West End Presbyterian Church from November 30, 2015, to January 30, 2016.

Resolution for Protection and Hospitality for Syrian Refugees

Upon motion duly made, seconded, and debated, Presbytery ACTED by voice vote without objections to approve the following Resolution:

We, on behalf of the 64 congregations and more than 6,000 members of Albany Presbytery, affirm our commitment as followers of Jesus Christ to share the love of strangers and care for the vulnerable. Remembering that Jesus as a child was a refugee and as an adult welcomed strangers, we seek to provide safe refuge and hospitality to those fleeing war in Syria.

We call upon our neighbors in New York State and our fellow citizens in the United States to join us in seeking to protect and sustain Syrian refugees.

We call upon our state and national leaders to remember our nation’s commitment to inclusion and choose justice over fear in responding to those affected by the Syrian war.

We commend Governor Andrew Cuomo for his recent statements regarding the dignity of the Syrian children, women, and men seeking a safe haven in New York State, the state that literally lifts the torch of hope for those who seek safety and yearn to be free.

Furthermore, upon motion duly made, seconded, and debated, Presbytery ACTED by voice vote without objections to approve the following motion:

The Presbytery of Albany directs the Presbytery Moderator to send the above Resolution for the Protection and Hospitality for Syrian Refugees to Governor Cuomo, our members of Congress, President Obama, and our regional media outlets.

WORSHIP AND LORD’S SUPPER

TE Donna Elia offered the sermon, and the Lord’s Supper was celebrated by TE Kathryn Beilke (with the able assistance of infant Harvest Beilke) and TE Bob Criswell.

INSTALLATION OF MODERATOR AND VICE MODERATOR

Retiring Moderator Donna Elia INSTALLED Teaching Elder Jerry McKinney as Moderator of Albany Presbytery and Ruling Elder Cara Molyneaux as Vice Moderator of Albany Presbytery, after asking them the constitutional questions, which they answered in the affirmative. TE Elia presented symbols of the office of Moderator to TE McKinney, and the Stated Clerk presented symbols of the office of Vice Moderator to RE Molyneaux. The Stated Clerk presented gifts of appreciation to TE Elia for her service as moderator and the Presbytery expressed its thanks with applause.

ADJOURNMENT AND CLOSING PRAYER Presbytery ACTED by voice vote without objections to express thanks to the pastor, session, and members of the First Presbyterian Church of Hudson for hosting this meeting and to express thanks to the pastor, session, and members of St. Peter’s Presbyterian Church of Spencertown for assisting; to

17

authorize payment of all bills of the Presbytery incidental to this meeting; to adjourn following Closing Prayer; and to meet next in stated session on January 30, 2016, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Brunswick, NY, unless previously convened in a constitutional manner. The meeting was closed with prayer and adjourned at 4:00 p.m.

ATTEST:_______________________________

H. Daniel Rogers, Stated Clerk