1. No category

First United Presbyterian
Church
400 Lake Lowell Avenue
Nampa, Idaho 83686-6617
(208) 466-7061
Fax: (208) 466-7176
office@firstpresnampa.org
www.firstpresnampa.org
Dear Friends,
We are excited to have the opportunity to host the Boise Presbytery
meeting Saturday, February 7th. The meeting will begin with
registration at 9:00 am which includes a very light continental
breakfast. The formal meeting will begin at 9:30 am and continue
until agenda is completed. There will be a lunch served which can be
purchased at registration. The cost for the lunch is $7.00.
Our church is located in Nampa on the corner of Lake Lowell
Avenue and Canyon. There are four exits off the freeway coming
from east or west. The easiest exit is Franklin between Northside
and Garrity. Head south from the freeway to 11th Ave. North. Turn
right and follow 11th all the way to Roosevelt which will curve to your
right about three miles down 11th. You will come to a stop sign
which is Canyon. Turn left on Canyon and continue heading south
to the next stop sign. The church will be located on the right.
We look forward to seeing you here.
Warmly,
Nampa First United Presbyterian Church
First United Presbyterian
Church
400 Lake Lowell Avenue
Nampa, Idaho 83686-6617
(208) 466-7061
Fax: (208) 466-7176
office@firstpresnampa.org
www.firstpresnampa.org
History
The First Presbyterian Church of Nampa was officially organized under the leadership of Reverend
James P. Black by the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA). The church had 13 members and was the
first organized church in Nampa. A building was erected in 1891 at the corner of 3rd Street and 10th
Avenue.
A second Presbyterian Church of Nampa was organized by the United Presbyterian Church of North
America (PCA) in 1907. It was led by Dr. Jesse S Colvin, had 17 members initially, and was located
at 2nd Street and 15th Avenue.
The two denominations (Presbyterian Church USA and United Presbyterian Church of North
America) merged in 1932 to form the First United Presbyterian Church in the USA. It was at this
time that three acres of property were secured for a new building at 400 Lake Lowell Ave.
From 1966-1975 the church two had interim pastors (Rev. Mr. Ralph Marshall and Dr. Ross Padden)
and one called pastor (Dr. Robert Shields).
Rev. Mr. Marion Lemon became the stated supply pastor in 1975 and served until 1977, when Dr.
John Wallace was installed as the new pastor. There were just fewer than 400 members on the rolls
at this time. In 1983 there was concern that Dr. Wallace was attempting to take the church out of
the denomination so an assistant pastor, Rev. Mr. Lance Zigler, was brought in to supplement the
church’s needs. Dr. Wallace was asked to resign later that year. The congregation membership
numbers dropped.
Dr. Lowell Byall became the stated supply pastor in August 1984. His wife, Rev. Stephanie Byall,
joined him as a co-stated supply pastor in 1985. The clergy couple was installed as co-pastors in
1986. The Byalls left the church in May 1995.
Over the next year the pulpit was filled by several temporary guest pastors. Rev. David L. Tritenbach
was hired as interim pastor in April of 1996. He served the church for two years. During his time,
average attendance rose to over 100 people and interest in the church increased.
In August 1998, Rev. Bruce Swanson arrived as the permanent pastor. Along with a strong sense of
humor, he emphasized community involvement and had a noted ability to encourage the church to
grow. He demonstrated a sense of deep involvement in the spirit and ecumenical relationships
within the community. He assisted the community in fundraisers to build new facilities including a
new homeless shelter, a new Valley Crisis Center, and the Hispanic Cultural Center. Under his
leadership Presbyterian Women regrouped and began again as well as new Bible study groups and the
Handbell Choir. After 17 years of service Rev. Bruce Swanson retired on December 31, 2014.
PRESBYTERY OF BOISE
STATED MEETING
February 7, 2015
First United Presbyterian Church
Nampa, ID
9:00
Registration and Refreshments
(The Stated Clerk must receive all miscellaneous new business, in writing, not later than 9:30AM.)
PLEASE SILEN CE ALL CELL PHON ES, THAN K YOU.
THE CALL
9:30
Call to Order and Opening Prayer
Declaration of a quorum
A quorum of the Presbytery shall be any three teaching elders and
three ruling elders, provided that elders represent at least three churches.
Approve the Agenda
Welcome by Hosts
Recognition of First Time Elder Commissioners and Visitors
(Motion for voice but not vote during the meeting upon request)
Barry Fujishin
Barry Fujishin
Barry Fujishin
WORSHIP
Worship with Communion
Installation of the Moderator
Brian Grassley
Barry Fujishin
ENGAGEMENT
Celebration of the Ministry of the Rev. Bruce Swanson, HR
BUSINESS
PAGE
2
Approval of the Stated Meeting Minutes – November 2014
Appendix I (8-13)
Ruth Hicks
JoAnn Thiry
Brian Grassley
2
Bills and Overtures – Vote on Amendments to the Constitution
Marci Glass, John Hicks, Karen Alldredge, Daryl Wilson
Appendix II (14-15)
2-5
Vision Task Force: Presentation/Discussion/Vote(s)
Andrew Kukla
Alex Chamberlain
5
Coordinating Committee
Minutes Appendix III (15-16)
Barry Fujishin
5
Budget and Finance
Appendix IV (17-21)
Rodney Moore
5-7
Committee on Ministry/Committee on Preparation for Ministry
Evelyn Cates
7
Administrative Commissions
Boone
Covenant
Marianne Paul
Andrew Kukla
Nominating Committee
Kathryn Baker
7
1
7
Shared Ministry
Rona Peterson
8
Presbyterian Women
Jacquelyn Benjamin
8
Camp Sawtooth
Senita & Steve Watkins
8
Stated Clerk
Ruth Hicks
8
Miscellaneous Business
8
Sharing of Celebrations/Upcoming Events from our Congregations
8
Recess for Lunch with Prayer
8
Lunch
8
Unfinished Business (If necessary)
8
Adjourn with Prayer
NEXT MEETING: May 2, 2015 at Kirkpatrick Memorial, Parma
Business
Approval of the Stated Meeting Minutes – November 2014
Appendix I (8-13)
REPORT OF THE BILLS AND OVERTURES TASK GROUP
Appendix II (14-15)
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. The Bills and Overtures Task Group move a consent agenda for the following Amendments
14-1
Confession of Belhar
14-A Renunciation of Jurisdiction
14-B-1 Preparation for Ministry and Ordination Exams
14-B-2 Amending G-2.0610
14-C Child Protection Policy
14-D Minimum Size of Presbyteries
14-E Interreligious Stance
2. 14-F
Marriage
REPORT OF THE VISION TASK FORCE
RECOMMENDATION
The Vision Task Force moves the report and adoption of the suggested format for committees and
staffing:
BOISE PRESBYTERY VISION TASK FORCE
REPORT TO PRESBYTERY
NOVEMBER 8, 2014
After holding listening conferences with the presbytery, receiving comments and suggestions from
many people, reading reports from the finance committee, and debating many issues in our
meetings as a task force, we have prepared these proposals to be considered by the presbytery:
1.
Proposed Mission Statement:
As Boise Presbytery we are a covenant community of congregations, ruling elders and teaching
elders joining together in mission offering mutual support, providing for worship and
2
sacraments, nurturing faithful disciples of Jesus Christ and connecting with the councils of the
Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. in solidarity with our ecumenical partners and with the interfaith
community.
2. Our Vision:
We envision a presbytery in which there is dedicated service of teaching and ruling elders, and
the full participation of congregations. We propose that we work together as a presbytery and as
committees to carry out the responsibilities of a presbytery described in the form of Government
G-3.03. We also propose that in addition to the mission projects of congregations, that the
presbytery develop mission projects that all congregations can support through personal
involvement and financial contributions.
3. We propose a new committee structure for Boise Presbytery:
Mission Strategy Committee (A representative from each congregation)
Long Range Planning
Supporting and connecting with the mission efforts of congregations
Development of Presbytery mission projects
Recommendations for establishing new worshiping communities
Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations
Representation
Young Adult, Youth ministry (including Triennium participation)
Leadership Development Committee
Education for Elders and Deacons
Planning for education of presbytery committees with committee chairs
Planning and coordination of times of engagement for presbytery meetings
Training specific ruling elders to administer the Lord’s Supper when committee on
ministry and mission strategy deem it necessary, (e.g. in congregations without
pastors and for new worshiping communities)
Promote and interpret Presbyterian resources.
Relate to the Shared Ministry Board
Relate to Camp Sawtooth Board
Committee on Ministry
Encourage, guide and resource congregations
Recommend appointments of moderators for congregations without pastors
Recommend reception or dismissal of teaching elders
Presbytery reference checks in pastoral searches
Recommend reception, merger or dismissal of congregations
Support, nurture and discipline of teaching elders and commissioned ruling elders
Validation of specialized ministries of teaching elders
Approval of sabbatical plans
Approval of education plans for candidates for commissioned ruling elder and review
of seminary education of candidates for teaching elder
Committee on Preparation for Ministry—Work with inquirers and candidates for
teaching elder and commissioned ruling elder.
Financial Management Committee
Presbytery budget
Mission budget (with mission strategy)
Financial planning and oversight
Mission interpretation and Stewardship
Personnel Committee
Nominating Committee
3
Permanent Judicial Commission
Our proposed design for the presbytery is intended to promote collegiality and communication
between the committees of presbytery and the congregations. You will note that there are several
areas in which the work of committees overlaps. Each committee incorporates the work of a
formerly separate committee or a new area of work, so one might call this a committee within a
committee. We have seen this in the work of our current committee on ministry, which incorporates
the preparation for ministry committee. In the design, mission strategy incorporates Representation
and Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Leadership Development incorporates the work of the former
program committee, COM incorporates Preparation for Ministry, and Financial Management works
with Mission Strategy and incorporates Mission Interpretation and Stewardship and Personnel. As a
result, some committees will be larger than our current committees.
The Mission Strategy Committee will be an important committee. We have not been accustomed to
developing a strategy for mission. In past years we have used mission funds for congregational
support, new church development and congregational mission projects, but we have not looked at
the broad picture of what we could do as a presbytery. We have often depended on executive staff to
lead us in new directions.
The Leadership Development committee will be a key committee if this design is adopted.
Education for all committees and elders and deacons would take place regularly, and would feature
resources offered on the PCUSA website and other sources would be essential. All who represent the
presbytery at meetings of other councils would be encouraged to interpret the mission of the
PCUSA.
The Committee on Ministry will assist the congregations and will support teaching elders,
commissioned ruling elders and inquirers and candidates for teaching elder.
The Financial Management Committee will work with the Mission Strategy Committee to support
mission work in the congregations and in the presbytery. The committee will also be responsible for
encouraging congregations to continue and/or increase their mission pledges and will incorporate
the Personnel Committee for coordination in staffing.
4. In our proposed design there will not be a Coordinating Committee. Committees will bring
action items directly to the presbytery by submitting them for the agenda to the Stated Clerk,
who will prepare the agenda and the call to the meeting.
5. We envision presbytery meetings that include worship, times of engagement, business meetings
with consent agendas, and times for committees to meet with each other for coordination, and
separately for education or business.
6. We propose the following staffing pattern:
Stated Clerk, 1/3 Time, with compensation similar to the current compensation to be worked
out by Personnel Committee.
Recording Secretary, $100.00 per meeting
7. We do not recommend the hiring of an executive presbyter at this time. After the presbytery has
developed a mission strategy, it may be feasible to call an executive for mission.
Members of the Task Force
Jerry Hamby, chair
Alex Chamberlain
Barry Fujishin
Marci Glass
Andrew Kukla
Judy McKay
4
Motions from the Coordinating Committee
1. To change #4 as follows:
4. In our proposed design there will not be a Coordinating Committee. Committees will bring
action items directly to the presbytery by submitting them for the agenda to the Stated Clerk, who
will prepare the agenda and the call to the meeting.
In our proposed design there will be a coordinating committee, or a similar body composed of the
Moderator of the committee, the Stated Clerk, the M oderator of the Presbytery, the Vice M oderator of
the Presbytery the chairs of the committees, the President of the Civil Corporation, and the Moderator
of Presbyterian W omen. Presbytery M embership shall be granted to any ruling elder who is a member
of the coordinating committee. Responsibilities of the coordinating committee shall be to serve as
trustees of the civil corporation, to make nominations to the presbytery for the Presbytery Nominating
Committee, and to develop the agendas for presbytery meetings.
2. To change #6 as follows:
6. We propose the following staffing pattern:
Stated Clerk, 1/3 Time, Retain an executive position combined with that of the Stated Clerk for up to
20 hours a week, with compensation similar to the current compensation to be worked out by
Personnel Committee.
3. Depending on the outcome of the vote on the Vision Task Force proposal, the Coordinating
Committee moves Ruth Hicks will be presented as the temporary executive and stated clerk during
the transition, for presbytery approval. Her hours will be up to 20 per week and she be granted a 20%
increase in her salary, retroactive to January 1, 2015.
4. If the previous recommendation is approved, the CC recommends that the Executive position be
eliminated and a combined position of stated clerk/executive be formed with the understanding that
a name and job description for this position will be completed as part of the transition.
REPORT OF THE COORDINATING COMMITTEE
Minutes for information only are found in Appendix III (15-16). Motions are part of other reports.
REPORT OF THE BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE - Appendix III (17-21)
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY AND COMMITTEE ON THE PREPARATION FOR
MINISTRY
FOR INFORMATION:
1. Inquirer Jennifer Surrusco has completed the psychological examination and has begun class work with
Dubuque seminary, distance-learning program.
2. Inquirer Abby Miller has confirmed her desire to remain a member of Covenant and the Presbyterian Church
(USA) as she moves forward with her seminary work at Gordon Conwell.
3. The Ministry Information Form and Supplemental Document of Boise First Associate Pastor Nominating
Committee was approved and the committee will begin the search process.
FOR RECOMMENDATION:
1. Approve the Annual Reports of the Teaching Elders and Housing Allowance.
Validation of Teaching Elders Serving Congregations and Approval of Housing Allowance
[Italics – have submitted reports]
5
VALIDATION OF TEACHING ELDERS
2015
SERVING CONGREGATIONS
Name
Salary
Housing
Effective
Salary**
67,275
Pension
Total
Allowances
10,323
Total: Eff. Sal. + Pen.
+ Allow.
102,153
Kukla
36,000
31,050
24,555
Carlson
Francis
26,275.18
16,000
46,775.18
15,146.31
12,900
68,371.49
Geisel
Glass
18,227.40
29,000
49,427.40
19,359.70
11,212.90
80,000
K Nieto
18,000
35,000
57,054
16,960
6,700
80,714
M Nieto
Shared
Position
Paul
W ilson
PT 3,161
15,804
22,016
13,421.92
800
36,237.92
**Total Effective Salary may contain items not shown on the chart, e.g. reimbursements or 403b
VALIDATION OF TEACHING ELDERS
2015
SERVING SPECIALIZED MINISTRY
Alex Chamberlain
Elizabeth Ryder
Goldthwaite, Ruth
Green, Richard
Murphy, John
Rogers, Phil
Smith, M ark
Thiry, JoAnn
Thomas Lobaugh
W estfall, Nina
Housing Allowance Request
19,500
16,000
16,520
7,000
14,400
2. To approve the request of Covenant Presbyterian Church session to waive the vacancy dues with the
Board of Pensions for the head of staff position at the church, retroactive.
3. In conjunction with the Covenant Session request that Presbytery, meeting February 7, 2015, appoint
Kelly and Mike Nieto to a 1-year term of temporary service as Co-Pastors effective March 1st, 2015.
4. The Covenant Congregation requests the dissolution of the Co-Associate Pastor relationship with
the Nietos, and that Presbytery dissolve the Associate Pastor position for this ministry.
5. Approve the request of the congregation of First Presbyterian Church, Homedale, and the Rev.
Marianne Paul for the dissolution of the pastoral relationship effective February 8, 2015.
6. The Response Team and the Committee on Ministry recommend to the presbytery that an
Administrative Commission be formed for Kingman Memorial Presbyterian Church with the
following authority:
The AC has the full authority of the presbytery to execute the limited powers granted by the
presbytery (G-9.0502). Those limited powers may include, inter alia, the powers:
• to determine whether a schism exists within the congregation (G-8.0601, G-11.0103);
• to make recommendations to the presbytery to dissolve pastoral relationships, or when requisite
authority given by the presbytery, to dissolve pastoral relationships, G-9.0503a(4);
• to assume original jurisdiction in any case it determines the session is unable or unwilling to
manage wisely the affairs of its church (G-10.0102);
6
•
•
•
•
•
to freeze the assets of the church (real and liquid);
to determine if and when a meeting of the congregation is appropriate for the purpose of voting
to withdraw from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.);
to call that congregational meeting, and provide the moderator and clerk for that meeting;
to report results of congregational vote to the Council;
to propose to the presbytery the recommendation for the disposition of the property held by or
for the church, and the assumption of the liabilities of the church, in the event there is no viable
faction of the congregation that has been identified as the true church within the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.).
4. The following persons are being nominated to be the Administrative Commission for Adrian
• TE
Brian Grassley, HR
• TE
Rick Irish, HR
• TE
David Carlson, HR Stated Supply, Kirkpatrick Memorial, Parma
• RE
Liz Leonardson, Southminster
• RE
Kathryn Baker, Bethany, Ontario
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION UPDATES
Boone Memorial
Covenant
RECOMMENDATION
1. The Coordinating Committee recommends to the presbytery that the AC be asked to reengage to
mentor Mike and Kelly Nieto, oversee the development of a job description for the temporary supply
term, conduct a six month review, and help the session and pastor’s address the anger and grief of
the congregation.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The Coordinating Committee nominates David Beck, HR, for the Nominating Committee,
class of 2017.
2. Recommend Marilyn Blair-Clausen, RE, Bethany, Ontario for the Budget and Finance
Committee, class of 2017.
SHARED MINISTRY
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery of Boise—February 7, 2015
In October, Kathy Mattson and I (from Boise PWP) attended a meeting of the coordinating team of
PW in the Synod of the Pacific at Cameron House, Chinatown, and San Francisco. This
coordinating team meets twice a year to receive reports and make decisions. Kathy Mattson holds
the role of Vice Moderator/Historian and I am the coordinator for Mission Interpretation.
We stayed in the Cameron House and learned about the history of the area first hand. I had never
known, though I had grown up in California, that there was a time when the Chinese were
controlled by an invisible corral of street names; to cross these parameters was to break the law.
Donaldina Cameron was a New Zealand-born Scot who, at age 23, arrived in San Francisco in 1895
to work in the Chinese Presbyterian Mission at a property which was renamed “Cameron House” in
1942. She intended to work there for one year; instead she spent her lifetime there, fighting the
7
slavery of the Chinese throughout California. It was a privilege for us to stay in this place with such
a history, which provides a large variety of social services to individuals, families, and the
surrounding community today.
Eighteen women gathered at Southminster Presbyterian Church on the first of November to hear
Connie Clark speak about her participation in the USA Mission Experience to Appalachia in 2013.
If you would like to learn about life in Appalachia through a current novelist, I suggest John
Grisham’s Gray Mountain.
Six PW in the Congregation groups have pledged $3600 dollars toward the 2015 Mission Pledge,
which is used for the work of PW at the Churchwide, Synod, and Presbytery levels.
The 2015 PWP Spring Gathering will be at Southminster on Saturday, March 14, 2015.
The 2015 PW Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women theme will be “One Body, One
Spirit.” The Gathering will take place June 18-21 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The cost will be:
Registration @ $395; 3 nights at the Hyatt @ $169 plus tax ($507+); and airfare. One or two
women from Kirkpatrick Memorial Community Church in Parma will receive a ‘scholarship’ from
funds of PW of the Presbytery. Registration for the Gathering opened January 15; there are special
incentives for those who register by March 20, 2015.
It is important that Presbyterian Women retain Voice and Vote at Presbytery meetings, and I trust a
way will be found to allow this role to continue within the Presbytery of Boise.
Submitted by Jacquelyn Benjamin, Moderator of PW in the Presbytery of Boise
CAMP SAWTOOTH
STATED CLERK
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
SHARING OF CELEBRATIONS/UPCOMING EVENTS FROM OUR CONGREGATIONS
RECESS FOR LUNCH WITH PRAYER
LUNCH
UNFINISHED BUSINESS (IF NECESSARY)
ADJOURN WITH PRAYER
Appendix I – Minutes and Attendance
PRESBYTERY OF BOISE
Stated Meeting
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Southminster Presbyterian Church
Boise, Idaho
CALL TO ORDER
A quorum (consisting of three minister members [teaching elders] and three ruling elders representing three
different churches) being present, moderator Barry Fujishin called the meeting to order at 9:35 a.m. and offered the
opening prayer.
8
AGENDA
Presbytery voted to approve the agenda as distributed.
WELCOME
Randy Marshall welcomed commissioners.
FIRST-TIME ELDERS AND VISITORS
Ruth Ann Alm was introduced as a first-time elder from Bethany. Ruth Hicks introduced Linda Toth,
Eastern Oregon presbytery executive, and Jane Odell, transitional executive of the Synod of the Pacific. Presbytery
voted to grant both the privilege of the floor. Other visitors included Donoval Holford, Emmett; Kathryn Baker,
Ontario; Susan Hartmann, formerly Trinity; Barb Hicks, formerly Trinity; and Karen Alldredge, Boone.
WORSHIP
Worship was led by Edward Dunn.
TIME OF ENGAGEMENT
Members, commissioners, and guests honored the ministry of Edward Dunn in the Presbytery.
MINUTES
Presbytery voted to approve the minutes of the August 23 and September 25 meetings of Presbytery
as distributed.
ATTENDANCE (Appendix I)
PRESBYTERY EXECUTIVE
Edward Dunn thanked the Presbytery for its support of his work. He noted the need to complete missionsupport information for the Presbytery and Synod. Per-capita statements will be sent to the pastors, to be given to
those who pay it and those who do budgets.
STATED CLERK
Ruth Hicks thanked Marci Glass and Ruth Goldthwaite for their service on the Presbyterian Mission Agency
Council and on the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission, class of 2020, respectively.
Ruth encouraged commissioners and congregations to participate in some of the special opportunities that
the General Assembly Mission Council has for us, notably the Giving Catalog. She also promoted the Christmas Joy
Offering. She also noted that while commissioners can ask questions about the Vision Committee’s
recommendations at this meeting, full discussion comes in February.
PERSONNEL
Presbytery voted to approve the request for dissolution from the position of Executive Presbyter by
the Rev. Edward Dunn effective December 31, 2014, and to change his ministerial status to Member at
Large.
COORDINATING COMMITTEE
Barry Fujishin reported on the work of the coordinating committee.
Presbytery voted to approve parity for 2015 as follows:
Church
Membership
#Commissioners - 2015
First United, Nampa
208
2
Bethany
68
1
Covenant
[to be determined]
1
Kingman Mem.
44
1
Owyhee
35
1
Ch. of the Redeemer
49
1
First, Boise
371
3
Southminster
202
2
First, Emmett
41
1
First, Homedale
28
1
9
Kirkpatrick Mem.
Boone Mem
130
?
2
To be determined*
Presbytery voted to donate $1,000 of the $20,000 extra funding received from the Synod of the Pacific
this summer to Cascade Presbytery’s committee on local arrangements for the 2016 General Assembly in
Portland. John Hicks spoke to the issue.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSIONS
Tom Johnston reported on the process of dissolving Trinity Church.
Marianne Paul reported on Boone. The issue of property is still in the courts. One judgment has been
handed down in our favor. All indications are that the judge in Idaho will ultimately return the property to the
Presbytery—and thus to the very lively congregation now worshipping at The College of Idaho. The schismatic
group continues to resist any of the Presbytery’s efforts at settlement.
Edward Dunn asked a point of personal privilege to note that Marianne and Bob Davidson were married on
September 22.
Andrew Kukla reported on Covenant; noting that the Administrative Commission has a different role from
what was anticipated. The head of staff and 90 percent of the Session simply left. The continuing congregation is
lively and in many ways glad that the toxic sense of the congregation is gone. On November 16 it will elect a Session
and deacons and approve bylaws. One hundred twenty-one of 470 have asked already to have their names removed
from the rolls. Mike Nieto spoke thanks to the administrative commission from the Covenant congregation.
David Beck expressed appreciation to all those serving on Administrative Commissions.
Andrew offered prayer.
VISIONING TASK FORCE
Andrew spoke first about the work of the task force and its report.
A commissioner asked about the chain of command for the stated clerk and the moderator. Andrew
responded that the stated clerk answers to the personnel committee, the moderator to the Presbytery.
In response to a question, Jerry Hamby briefly described the process the task force had gone through, noting
that there are strong differences of opinion on the task force.
The proposed 13 hours per week of staff time are a budget issue. The Presbytery needs to adjust to financial
realities.
A commissioner asked how the Presbytery might create and maintain links between the Presbytery and the
Synod of the Pacific and General Assembly that are now the responsibility of the Executive Presbyter.
Andrew noted that the Presbytery needs to assess the work of its committees, as they exist now, no matter
what decision is reached regarding the task force’s report and recommendations.
BUDGET AND FINANCE
Jerry Hamby gave the budget report. The Presbytery is in better shape than might be expected, mostly thanks
to the added funds from Synod.
Presbytery voted to receive the Financial Review Report for 2014.
Presbytery voted to adopt the budget for 2015 as presented. (Appendix II)
MISSION ALLIANCE
Presbytery voted to approve mission allotments as follows:
Ring Praise
$2,000
Shared Ministry
$8,000
Homedale Youth Outreach
$2,000
King Hill
$1,500
Southminster backpack program
$2,000
Camp Sawtooth
$22,500
College of Idaho campus ministry
$12,000
Total
$50,000
BILLS AND OVERTURES
Karen Alldredge reported on the committee’s work studying the actions of General Assembly on which the
Presbytery will vote at its February 2015 meeting.
10
COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY/PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY
Evelyn Cates reported that the following teaching elders have been validated for 2014: Ruth Goldthwaite,
Nina Westfall, Mark Smith, Alex Chamberlain, Liz Ryder, Norm Shrumm, Edward Dunn, and Tom Lobaugh.
Interviews continue with Richard Green, John Murphy, Phil Rogers, and JoAnn Thiry.
The Committee on Ministry approved the King Hill church Session’s request that the Presbytery grant an
exception to the Book of Order to allow Terry Parish and Irene Carnahan to be nominated to the Elder Class of 2017.
Presbytery voted to approve dissolution of the pastoral relationship between Joanna Dunn and First
Presbyterian Church, Boise, at her request, effective November 15, 2014, and to transfer her membership to
the Presbytery of Detroit.
Presbytery voted to approve the request of teaching elder Bruce Swanson to assume Honorably
Retired status effective January 1, 2015.
COMMITTEE ON REPRESENTATION
The committees report was received. Liz Ryder noted that she will try to have the COR report available for
the August meeting next year.
NOMINATING
Tom Johnston reported.
Alex Chamberlain was nominated as vice moderator of Presbytery. There being no nominations from the
floor, Alex Chamberlain was elected vice moderator of Presbytery.
Ruling elder Carolyn Rees, Homedale, was nominated to the Committee on Ministry, Class of 2015. There
being no nominations from the floor, Carolyn Rees was elected to the Committee on Ministry, class of 2015.
Teaching elder Bruce Swanson was nominated to the Committee on Ministry, class of 2016. There being no
nominations from the floor, Bruce Swanson was elected to the Committee on Ministry, class of 2016.
Teaching elder Karen Francis was nominated to the Committee on Ministry, class of 2017. There being no
nominations from the floor, Karen Francis was elected to the Committee on Ministry, class of 2017.
Ruling elder Gary Decoteau, Nampa, was nominated to the Committee on Ministry, class of 2017. There
being no nominations from the floor, Gary Decoteau was elected to the Committee on Ministry, class of 2017.
Ruling elder Barry Fujishin, Homedale, was nominated to the Mission Alliance Committee, class of 2017, and
as its chair. There being no nominations from the floor, Barry Fujishin was elected to the Mission Alliance
Committee, class of 2017, and as its chair.
Teaching elder David Carlson was nominated to the Mission Alliance Committee, class of 2017. There being
no nominations from the floor, David Carlson was elected to the Mission Alliance Committee, class of 2017.
Ruling Elder Glenda Leigh, Parma, was nominated to the Mission Alliance Committee, class of 2017. There
being no nominations from the floor, Glenda Leigh was elected to the Mission Alliance Committee, class of
2017.
Teaching elder Marianne Paul was nominated to the Program Committee, class of 2017. There being no
nominations from the floor, Marianne Paul was elected to the Program Committee, class of 2017.
Teaching elder Gary Hindman was nominated as chair of the Budget/Finance Committee. There being no
nominations from the floor, Gary Hindman was elected chair of the Budget/Finance Committee.
Ruling elder Ed Johnson was nominated as chair of the Personnel Committee. There being no nominations
from the floor, Ed Johnson was elected chair of the Personnel Committee.
Teaching elder Gary Hindman was nominated to the Personnel Committee, class of 2017. There being no
nominations from the floor, Gary Hindman was elected to the Personnel Committee, class of 2017.
Teaching elder Liz Ryder was nominated to the Committee on Representation, Class of 2017, and as its chair.
There being no nominations from the floor, Liz Ryder was elected to the Committee on Representation, class
of 2017, and as its chair.
Ruling elder Kathryn Baker, Ontario, was nominated as chair of the Nominating Committee. There being no
nominations from the floor, Kathryn Baker was elected chair of the Nominating Committee.
Ruling elder Kay Hamilton, Southminster, was nominated to the Permanent Judicial Commission, class of
2020. There being no nominations from the floor, Kay Hamilton was elected to the Permanent Judicial
Commission, class of 2020.
Ruling elder Joey Mills was nominated to the Permanent Judicial Commission, class of 2020. There being no
nominations from the floor, Joey Mills was elected to the Permanent Judicial Commission, class of 2020.
11
Teaching elder Judy McKay was nominated to the Permanent Judicial Commission, class of 2020. There
being no nominations from the floor, Judy McKay was elected to the Permanent Judicial Commission, class of
2020.
Ruling elder Bill Harenberg, Boise First, was nominated to the Camp Sawtooth Board, class of 2017. There
being no nominations from the floor, Bill Harenberg was elected to the Camp Sawtooth Board, class of 2017.
Ruling elder Sharon Fletcher, Parma, was nominated to the Shared Ministry Educational Commission, class
of 2017. There being no nominations from the floor, Sharon Fletcher was elected to the Shared Ministry
Educational Commission, class of 2017.
Ruling elder Wayne Oyama, Caldwell, was nominated to the Shared Ministry Educational Commission.
There being no nominations from the floor, Wayne Oyama was elected to the Shared Ministry Educational
Commission, class of 2017.
Teaching elder John Pickrell was nominated to the Shared Ministry Educational Commission, class of 2017.
There being no nominations from the floor, John Pickrell was elected to the Shared Ministry Educational
Commission, class of 2017.
Ruling elders Jeff Johnson (Parma), Jill Gertje (Boise Southminster), and Mathew Eardley (Boise First) were
nominated to the Financial Review Task Group. There being no nominations from the floor, elders Jeff Johnson,
Jill Gertje, and Mathew Eardley were nominated to the Financial Review Task Group.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN OF THE PRESBYTERY
Jackie Benjamin reported that PW had a good fall retreat in which attendees learned much about human
trafficking. She thanked Edward Dunn for his work with the Presbytery.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Brian recommended two books on same-sex marriage: David Gushie’s book Changing Our Minds and Same-Sex
Marriage, by John McDowell and Sean Stonestreet.
Rick Irish spoke about the ministry of spiritual direction in which he is working with Bruce Swanson and
Dick Green, who’ve been training. There is training in Salt Lake City in January next year for a 2-year certificate
program. He hopes to establish training for leading in this area.
Randy Marshall noted that the puppet show earlier in the meeting was his and that the Southminster puppet
folks were delighted to do it. They now have a portable stage and will come to other churches.
ADJOURNMENT
Presbytery adjourned at 12:25 p.m. with prayer by Barry Fujishin.
Respectfully submitted,
Ruth Hicks, Stated Clerk
Judy Austin, Recording Clerk
Appendix I – Attendance
Teaching Elders for 2014, Accumulative
Pastor
February 1 May 3
Beck, David
EXC
X
Beck,
EXC
X
Elizabeth
Binns, Jerry
Carlson, David
X
Chamberlain,
X
X
Alex
Dunn, Edward X
X
Francis, Karen X
X
Geisel, Marty
X
X
Glass, Marci
EXC
X
Goldthwaite,
X
X
Ruth
Grassley, Brian X
X
June 3
X
August 23
September 25
November 8
X
X
X
X
X
X
EXC.
EXC
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
EXC
X
EXC
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
12
Green, Richard
Hicks, Lee
Hicks, Ruth
Hindman, Gary
Irish, Rick
Jones, Wes
Keener, Ed
Kirk, Francis
Koah, Tim
Kukla, Andrew
Lobaugh, Tom
Marshall, Ralph
Matthew, John
McKay, Judy
Murphy, John
Nieto, Kelly
Nieto, Mike
Paul, Marianne
Payne, John
Pickrell, John
Rogers, Phil
Ryder,
Elizabeth
Shrumm,
Norm
Smith, Mark
Swanson,
Bruce
Thiry, JoAnn
Van Nest, Bob
Westfall, Nina
Wilson, Daryl
Wood, Larry
X
X
X
EXC
X
X
X
EXC
X
X
X
EXC
X
X
X
X
X
X
EXC
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
EXC
EXC
EXC
EXC
X
X
X
X
X
X
EXC.
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
EXC.
EXC
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
EXC
X
X
X
X
X
EXC
X
X
EXC
X
EXC
X
X
EXC
Ruling Elders
Church
Adrian (1)
Boise, Covenant (3)
Boise, First (3)
X
X
X
EXC.
X
X
X
X
Elder Commissioners
Boise, Southminster (3)
Emmett, First (1)
Judy Austin
Mathew Eardley
Gerald Fleenor
Jill Gertje
Sharon Holford
Homedale (1)
King Hill, King Hill Com. (1)
Nampa, First United (2)
Ken Jones
Sally Moore
Commissioned
Ruling Elders
Elders on
Coordinating
Committee
John Hicks
Randy Marshall
Evelyn Cates
Jacquelyn
Benjamin
Barry Fujishin
13
Ontario, Bethany (1)
Owyhee, Owyhee (1)
Ruth Ann Alm
Joey Mills
Parma, Kirkpatrick Memorial (2)
Tom Johnston
Jerry Hamby
Weiser, Ch. of the Redeemer(1)
Appendix II – Bills and Overtures, Amendment materials
See separate attachment emailed with the handbook for the all the Proposed Amendments and supporting information
from the General Assembly.
Report of Bills and Overtures Committee of Boise Presbytery from the 221st General Assembly in Detroit. June 2014
Karen Alldredge and Daryl Wilson, Commissioners to GA 221
Marci Glass and John Hicks, Commissioners to GA 220
Item number
Name
Recommendation
14-1
Confession of Belhar
Approve
There are a number of resources available from the Office of the General Assembly that we commend to you for
use in your sessions and congregations to educate people about this Confession. They can be found at
http://oga.pcusa.org/section/ga/ga221/ga221-belhar/
This brochure answers frequently asked questions:
http://www.pcusa.org/site_media/media/uploads/oga/pdf/belharbrochure.pdf
14-A
Renunciation of Jurisdiction
Disapprove
While we all agreed discipline is important, we did not feel this amendment strengthens the Book of Order. For
one thing, there are many reasons (other than guilt) that might lead someone to renounce jurisdiction. Also, we
felt this was a topic better suited to the Rules of Discipline and not the Form of Government.
14-B-1
Preparation for Ministry and Ordination Exams
Approve
This clarifies language around preparation for ministry in the Book of Order.
14-B-2
Amending G-2.0610
Approve
This wordsmiths language in this section about making “accommodations” rather than “exceptions” for
candidates.
14-C
Child Protection Policy
Approve
Requires all councils of the church to adopt and implement child protection policies.
14-D
Minimum Size of Presbyteries
Approve
This would allow presbyteries comprised of less than 10 duly constituted sessions and 10 teaching elders to
continue to exist upon approval by their synod and the General Assembly.
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14-E
Interreligious Stance
Approve
Updates language and strengthens commitment to ecumenism.
14-F
Marriage
No recommendation
This amendment would change W-4.9000 to “marriage involves a unique commitment between two people,
traditionally a man and a woman, to love and support each other for the rest of their lives….”
The Bills and Overtures Committee feels this Amendment is important to be discussed fully in congregations and
in sessions, as well as on the floor of presbytery, so we did not make a recommendation on it, one way or the
other.
We commend to you a number of resources about marriage that are available from the denomination. You can
download them at http://oga.pcusa.org/section/ga/ga221/ga221-marriage/
Appendix III
REPORT OF THE COORDINATING COMMITTEE
(The minutes have not been approved but reflect the work of the CC in January)
Presbytery of Boise
Coordinating Committee – Stated Meeting
January 19, 2015
7:00 PM First, Boise
Minutes
Excused: Judy Austin, Andrew Kukla, Ed Johnson, Liz Ryder, Rodney Moore, Kathryn Baker, and Gary
Hindman
Present: Barry Fujishin, Alex Chamberlain, Ruth Hicks, Evelyn Cates, Brian Grassley, and Jacquelyn Benjamin
Barry Fujishin opened the meeting with prayer at 7:00 pm. A quorum was affirmed and the agenda was
approved. The minutes were approved with the change of the presbytery meeting date.
The Stated Clerk reported on the new executive email, the closing of Trinity corporations with the State of Idaho.
Mark Frey’s visit for August was approved. Ruth Hicks will give lead to the Time of Engagement honoring Bruce
Swanson’s ministry.
After extensive discussion it was moved, seconded and approved that the Vision Task Force proposal would
be presented with the proposed motions becoming a part of the document. Ruth Hicks will work with Judy
McKay to make the revisions to be sent out with the handbook.
The Treasurer/Budget and Finance Report were received in writing.
Alex Chamberlain reported that the Personnel Committee had granted Ruth Hicks the authority to act as the
executive until the presbytery voted on the Vision Task Force proposal.
Depending on the outcome of the vote on the VTF proposal, the CC moved and approved to
recommend that Ruth Hicks will be presented as the temporary executive and stated clerk during the
transition, for presbytery approval. Her hours will be up to 20 per week and she be granted a 20%
increase in her salary, retroactive to January 1, 2015.
If the previous recommendation is approved, the CC recommends that the Executive position be
eliminated and a combined position of stated clerk/executive be formed with the understanding that a
name and job description for this position will be completed as part of the transition.
15
Ruth reported on the Administrative Commissions from Boone and Covenant. The outcome of the summary
decision should be received by January 20, 2015. After it is received the AC will work closely with the attorney on
the next steps.
The Covenant Administrative Commission requested to be dismissed, stating that their work is completed. The
Coordinating Committee moved and approved that the AC be asked to reengage to mentor Mike and
Kelly Nieto, oversee the development of a job description for the temporary supply term, conduct a six
month review, and help the session and pastor’s address the anger and grief of the congregation.
Committee on Ministry
Coordinating Committee affirmed this recommendation: The Response Team and the Committee on Ministry
recommend to the presbytery that an Administrative Commission be formed for Kingman Memorial Presbyterian
Church.
The AC has the full authority of the presbytery to execute the limited powers granted by the presbytery (G9.0502). Those limited powers may include, inter alia, the powers:
• to determine whether a schism exists within the congregation (G-8.0601, G-11.0103);
• to make recommendations to the presbytery to dissolve pastoral relationships, or when requisite
authority given by the presbytery, to dissolve pastoral relationships, G-9.0503a(4);
• to assume original jurisdiction in any case it determines the session is unable or unwilling to manage
wisely the affairs of its church (G-10.0102);
• to freeze the assets of the church (real and liquid);
• to determine if and when a meeting of the congregation is appropriate for the purpose of voting to
withdraw from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.);
• to call that congregational meeting, and provide the moderator and clerk for that meeting;
• to report results of congregational vote to the Council;
• to propose to the presbytery the recommendation for the disposition of the property held by or for
the church, and the assumption of the liabilities of the church, in the event there is no viable faction
of the congregation that has been identified as the true church within the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.).
Ruth Hicks, Evelyn Cates, and Brian Grassley will recruit the AC membership to be approved by the presbytery.
Bills and Overture Task Force will oversee the Vote on Amendments. The Coordinating Committee requested
that there be a consent agenda for all but the definition of marriage amendment.
The Nominating Committee will have nominations for the handbook and for the presbytery to approve. It will be
in the handbook.
The Presbyterian Women have submitted a written report.
Senita and Steve will make annual report and pass out summer materials for Camp Sawtooth and request that it
be right before lunch if possible.
Rona Peterson will report for Shared Ministry on upcoming programs.
There was no other business to be considered.
The Coordinating Committee approved the agenda for the February 7, 2015 at Nampa.
The next meeting will be at 7:00PM at First, Boise on April 13, 2015. Brian Grassley adjourned the meeting with
prayer at 8:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ruth Hicks, Stated Clerk
Appendix IV – Budget Report (Next pages)
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19
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