SEATTLE PRESBYTERY STATED MEETING October 18, 2016 | Mercer Island | 5:00 PM

5:05 STATED CLERK REPORT Reports to the presbytery:

Dexter Kearny Ordination – the following members of the presbytery were designated to an

Administrative Commission that ordained Teaching Elder Dexter Kearny at University Presbyterian

Church, on Sunday, August 1, 2016:

Ruling Elder Ben McConaughy, Mercer Island, Moderator

Ruling Elder Peg Achterman, University

Ruling Elder John Hershberger, Capitol Hill

Teaching Elder James Kearny

Teaching Elder Jane Pauw

Also Invited to Participate:

Teaching Elder Becca Niemeyer, Northwest Coast

Teaching Elder Janie Stuart

Elizabeth Kearny Ordination – the following members of the presbytery were designated to an

Administrative Commission that ordained Teaching Elder Elizabeth Kearny at University

Presbyterian Church, on Sunday, August 1, 2016:

Ruling Elder Ben McConaughy, Mercer Island, Moderator

Ruling Elder Peg Achterman, University

Ruling Elder John Hershberger, Capitol Hill

Teaching Elder James Kearny

Teaching Elder Jane Pauw

Also Invited to Participate:

Teaching Elder Becca Niemeyer, Northwest Coast

Teaching Elder Janie Stuart

Rebecca Cedergreen Ordination – the following members of the presbytery were designated to an

Administrative Commission that ordained Teaching Elder Rebecca Cedergreen at Southminster

Presbyterian Church, on Sunday, September 18, 2016:

Ruling Elder Ben McConaughy, Mercer Island, Moderator

Ruling Elder Carole Curtis, Rainier Beach

Ruling Elder Jane Davis, Southminster

Teaching Elder Kenneth Onstot

Teaching Elder Jane Pauw

Also Invited to Participate:

Teaching Elder Patricia McElvoy, Olympia Presbytery

For Presbytery Action:

Administrative Commission/Foster Tukwila – presents the negotiated terms of dismissal for Foster

Tukwila Presbyterian Church. The financial terms include:

Per Capita (3 yrs) $9,508.14 (101 x $31.38 x 3)

Trust Clause Obligation $8,523.00 (1.5% of assessed value)

Total $18,031.14 plus legal fees incurred by the presbytery

The AC moves dismissal of the congregation of Foster Tukwila Presbyterian Church, Tukwila,

Washington, with its property to A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO), effective

upon development, completion, and signing of legal documents. Foster Tukwila Presbyterian

Church agrees to pay Seattle Presbytery the sum of $18,031.14 plus legal fees incurred by the

presbytery. This payment reflects per capita support of the presbytery for a three year period and

trust clause obligation. Final details to be developed by the Administrative Commission, signed by

Seattle Presbytery corporate officers, and reported to the presbytery on January 17, 2017.

For Consent Agenda:

Minutes of the presbytery meeting dated July 12, 2016.

We conduct almost all of our business by voice or counted (raising hands or standing) vote. Should a

commissioner wish to vote by paper ballot, they may do the following:

• prior to the call for the vote, obtain the recognition of the moderator

• move that the vote on the item under discussion be held by paper ballot

• if seconded, the moderator will call for the vote – the motion is not debatable and passes with a

simple majority

5:15 NOMINATING REPORT

October 2016

There is still a need for ruling elder recommendations to fill crucial vacant positions so that committees can continue their work.

Please contact the individual to make sure they are willing to serve and include phone/email on all nominations.

The committee recommends that Presbytery elect the following individuals (in bold print) to serve as indicated:

1. Ruling Elder Loretta Pain (University) as Moderator for 2017

2. Teaching Elder Jesse Mabanglo (West Side) as Vice Moderator for 2017

3. Individuals designated in bold print below:

NOMINATING COMMITTEE, CHAIR: Rev. Doug Early

CLASS CLERGY LAITY CHURCH*

2016 (1) Ginger Rich University

2017 (1) Margaret Redman Mercer Island

2018 (1) Rev. Doug Early

2019

COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY, CO-CHAIRS: Colleen Chinen (Steel Lake), Rev. Chris Pritchett

2016 (1) Rev. Geoffrey Wanyoike (2) Carl Pearson University

(2) Rev. Tim Snow (1) Colleen Chinen Steel Lake

(2) Rev. Tom Masters

2017 (2) Rev. Janet DeWater vacant

(1) Rev. Janine Moriarty vacant

2018 (1) Rev. Chris Pritchett

(1) Rev. Leah Klug

2019 Rev. Tiare Mathison Karen Cunningham Newport

PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY, CO-CHAIRS: Rev. Marty Shelton-Jenck (A), Rev. Jane Pauw (B)

2016 (1) Rev. George Gilchrist vacant Bellevue

vacant (1) Carole Curtis Rainier Beach

(2) Rev. Jane Pauw (1) Joyce Erickson Woodland Park

2017 (1) Rev. Carol Kirkpatrick (2) Pattie Holt St. Andrew

(1) Rev. Andi Saccoccio (1) Andrew Leo First Taiwanese

(1) Rev. Larry Low

(1) Rev. Kelle Brown

2018 (2) Rev. Marty Shelton-Jenck (1) Scott McBurney Mercer Island

(1) Rev. Leigh Weber

2019

CATALYZING MISSIONAL COMMUNITIES, CHAIR: Rev. Dave Hackett

2016 (1) Rev. Rich Leatherberry vacant

vacant

vacant (1) Jim Drinkwine Kent

2017 (1) Rev. Dave Hackett vacant

(1) Rev. James B. Notkin

2018 (1) Chris Lim Indonesian

2019

COUNCIL MEMBERS-AT-LARGE (4 Clergy & 4 Elders Serving from the Presbytery at Large.) COUNCIL MEMBERS

2016 (2) Rev. Scott Anderson (1) Todd Peterson Woodland Park Loretta Pain, Moderator

vacant

Rev. Jesse Mabanglo Vice Moderator

2017 (1) Rev. Lindsay Murphy vacant

Ben McConaughy, Past Moderator

2018 (2) Rev. Becki Barrett (2) Jennifer Jensen Northminster Joan Wilson, Presbyterian Women's Moderator

(1) Rev. J.P. Kang (2) Colleen Chinen Steel Lake

2019 (1) Rev. Lina Thompson (1) Shelley Dahl University

PROPERTY & FINANCE (Committee of Council), CO-CHAIRS: Bob Wallace (Bellevue), Loretta Pain (University)

Loretta Pain University

Bob Wallace Bellevue

Dick Greiling University

Rev. James B. Notkin

Neil Bolkcom Kent First

Brad Fowler Mercer Island

PERSONNEL (Committee of Council), CHAIR: Rev. Lindsay Murphy

Rev. Sandy Hackett

Rev. Becki Barrett

Dave Erland Sammamish

Rev. Lindsay Murphy

Rev. Austin Ashenbrenner

COMMISSIONERS TO SYNOD OF ALASKA-NORTHWEST (1 Clergy & 1 Elder, 2-year terms, max 6 years.)

2017

2018 Rev. Scott Lumsden vacant

COMMITTEE ON REPRESENTATION

2016 vacant vacant

2017 vacant vacant

PERMANENT JUDICIAL COMMISSION (9 Commissioners Required, one 6-year term.)

2016 Rev. Lee Seese Douglas Ruud University

Rev. Kerry Kaino Margaret Redman Mercer Island

2018 Rev. Carol Kirkpatrick Joyce Erickson Woodland Park

2020 Rev. Mollie Rieck Mana’o Einer Handeland Mercer Island

2022 vacant

VIETNAM MINISTRY TEAM (Coordinator confirmed annually.)

Rev. Paul Kim

(1) or (2) indicates serving a first or second term on the committee.

*Teaching Elders are members of Presbytery and therefore have no church listed.

5:20 COORDINATING COUNCIL REPORT

5:25 SEATTLE FIRST ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION REPORT

Seattle First Presbyterian is worshipping each week in the chapel at its historic location, under the

leadership of Rev Heidi Husted Armstrong. Please join us at 10:30 Sunday mornings. Parking is

available. http://firstpres.org/#welcome

We are also working with the developers of the property regarding next steps on that project.

The litigation is going positively for the presbytery. The congregation was able to return to the

building on August 1, shortly after the Supreme Court denied the former leaders’ emergency

motion for a stay. The former leaders’ motion for review by the State Supreme Court was argued

on September 1 and on October 7 the Court denied their motion. This means that our summary

judgment victory from May stands and the remainder of the case is moving forward at the trial

level. We have a summary judgment motion regarding the former leaders’ defamation claim

which is scheduled to be heard on October 21. Any remaining claims in the original case are

scheduled to go to trial on February 13, 2017. Additionally, last fall the former Session and pastors

purported to enter into a pair of severance agreements regarding payments to the pastors if they

were terminated by the church after the Presbytery assumed jurisdiction. Those changes in their

terms of call were never approved by either the congregation or the presbytery. The former

pastors have refused to agree that the severance agreements are not effective, requiring us to file

suit against the Schultzes seeking a declaration that the agreements are void. We have filed for a

summary judgment on that case, which is scheduled to be heard on January 6.

5:45 WORSHIP WELCOME - Rev. Kristy Farber

CALL TO WORSHIP - Rev. Kristy Farber

No matter how far from God we seem to be,

we do not lose heart;

For the days are surely coming, says the Lord.

No matter how many obstacles we face in life or in the church,

we do not lose heart.

For the days are surely coming, says the Lord.

No matter how hard it is to continually pray and work for justice,

we do not lose heart;

For the days are surely coming, says the Lord,

when I will forgive and restore my people;

when I will equip them for every good work;

and when I will grant justice,

for I hear their cries day and night.

Let join together and worship our God!

OPENING PRAYER - Rev. Kristy Farber

O God who writes on our hearts,

you have never abandoned us.

In amazing and persistent grace,

you have kept covenant with us.

We thank you for loving us

even when we have not loved you.

We long to behold the day of your appearing,

even as we stand now in view of your kingdom,

promised and made present in Christ Jesus,

in whose name we wait and pray. Amen.

Song: Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven

Words: Henry Francis Lyte, 1834

Adaptation c. 1974 Ecumenical Women's Center

Music: John Goss, 1869

Praise, my soul, the God of heaven

Glad of heart your carols raise

Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven

Who, like me, should sing God's praise

Alleluia Alleluia

Praise the Maker all your days

Angels, teach us adoration

You behold God face to face

Sun and moon and all creation

Dwellers all in time and space

Alleluia Alleluia

Praise with us the God of grace

OUR CONFESSION - Dan Hammer

The new covenant God has made with Israel and with us,

begins in forgiveness.

Though we continually break covenant with God,

God remains faithful.

We confess our sins to God,

trusting that God will forgive us and remember our sins no more.

Gracious God,

We confess that we do not meditate on your commands and teachings

all day long.

We do not keep your word before us always and in all things.

Instead, we turn away from your demanding truth

and wander toward easier options.

Forgive us, we pray,

for pursuing our own desires rather than yours.

Forgive us for growing weary in following you;

for failing to pray and work tirelessly for justice;

for losing hope in your power to transform the powers of this world.

Tune our ears to the sound of your justice.

Turn our hearts to your commandments and word of grace.

Do not remember our sin,

but remember your mercy forever.

We pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS - Dan Hammer

Friends, God promises to forgive us,

to put our sins out of God’s own mind and heart.

In this way, God gives us not just a second chance

but a new beginning.

Believe the good news of the Gospel!

Our salvation is through faith in Christ Jesus.

Thanks be to God!

Amen.

We who have been reconciled with God are called to magnify

that reconciliation and share the peace of Christ with one another.

The peace of Christ be with you all!

And also with you.

Share with one another the sign of peace.

SCRIPTURE - Rev. German Zarate

John 8:2-11, 2 Corinthians 5:16-20

HOMILY - Ben McConaughy

Song: There's a Wideness in God's Mercy

Words: Frederick William Faber, 1854

Music: Dutch Melody

Public Domain

There's a wideness in God's mercy

Like the wideness of the sea

There's a kindness in God's justice

Which is more than liberty

There is no place where earth's sorrows

Are more felt than up in heaven

There is no place where earth's failings

Have such kindly judgment given

For the love of God is broader

Than the measures of the mind

And the heart of the Eternal

Is most wonderfully kind

If our love were but more faithful

We would gladly trust God's Word

And our lives reflect thanksgiving

For the goodness of our Lord

THE LORD’S PRAYER - Rev. Staci Imes & Rev. Jairo Barriga

2015 Necrology (available online only )

Together, we give thanks for the ministry and fellowship of the church's faithful servants

who were reunited with their Creator this past year.

BLESSING & SENDING

6:15 DINNER

7:15 MISSION HIGHLIGHT - COLOMBIA MISSION PARTNERSHIP Taskforce on Partnership between Seattle Presbytery and el Presbiterio de la Costa in Colombia

Last January, a delegation of teaching and ruling elders from Seattle Presbytery traveled to

Barranquilla, Colombia, to explore a formal partnership in mutual mission with the Presbytery of

the Coast. This was the third exploratory encounter we’d had together (the previous ones

happening in January 2015 in Barranquilla and October 2015 in Seattle). As a part of this last

delegation, we wrote a covenant together outlining our goals and interests that we hope to explore

as mission partners. As we move forward together, we have committed to exploring three areas of

mutual interest: education, ecclesial engagement, and diakonia (accompanying the stranger and

the vulnerable). We are excited about how much both presbyteries have to offer this partnership

and how much we believe we both can benefit as we grow together in Christ.

One of the commitments we made was to have representatives from the Presbytery of the Coast

visit us every year and to have representatives from Seattle Presbytery visit Colombia every year.

We imagine that these delegations may sometimes be groups of teaching and ruling elders (like our

upcoming trip to Colombia in January) and, at other times, may take different forms like candidates

for ordination doing a summer internship or seminary professors coming or going to teach a class.

This week and next, we have the pleasure of hosting the Rev. Jairo Barriga Jaraba (Executive

Presbyter for the Presbytery of the Coast, Presbyterian Church of Colombia) and the Rev. German

Zarate Durier (Director of the National Office of Diakonia, Presbyterian Church of Colombia).

While here, Jairo and German are visiting various mission ministries of our Presbytery, preaching

for three Seattle Presbytery congregations, giving a workshop on peace and reconciliation at the

Church Council of Greater Seattle’s “Weaving Our Strengths” conference, meeting with potential

university partners at SPU, and meeting with the fifteen members of the January 2017 delegation to

Colombia to continue relationship-building and guide us in our preparations. Following their week

in Seattle, German and Jairo will travel to Spokane to participate in the Gospel Conference at

Whitworth University and meet with potential university partners. Please make a point of

introducing yourself to Jairo and German and welcoming them warmly!

7:30 TRIENNIUM REPORT Derona Burkholder, SeaPres Triennium Registrar

7:40 COM REPORT

For Presbytery Action:

1. Motion: Recommend Stephanie Templin Ashford for presbytery membership as

minister-at-large. Stephanie has been ordained for more than 5 years in the United

Church of Christ and serves as a parish associate at Union Church. Stephanie was

examined by a COM exam team and is recommended for membership. Per G-2:0505, by a

⅔ vote the presbytery waives the requirement to take ordination exams.

Background: A minister of another Reformed church who has been ordained for five or more years

may be granted an exemption for some or all of the examinations required of candidates for

ordination by a two-thirds vote of the presbytery.

Stephanie Templin Ashford, Statement of Faith:

The bold and powerful chorus “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, God in Three Persons, Blessed

Trinity” harmoniously bounds through so many congregations on a Sunday morning. It’s one of

those hymns that folks sing with gusto. It is a song that wells up from deep within your gut. It’s a

tune that not only quickly invokes the Holy Spirit, but proclaims through the windows to the world

the amazing power of our God. So much of what I believe is wound into this reformed one-liner.

God is an almighty and supreme being, beyond my wildest imagination and yet the fulfillment of

my grandest dreams. Both immanent and transcendent, close in my heart, and twinkling with the

stars, God is powerful. In God’s perfect plan, humans are created in God’s image to serve God and

love God fully. Humans turned from this offer in the garden and through the ages, humanity has

continuously chosen sin.

God offers redemption from sin through Jesus Christ in the form of salvation. Salvation is God’s

offer to humanity to cleanse sins and receive new life. When we, as sinners, accept our state of

depravity and acknowledge God’s supremacy, we participate in the kingdom of God. When Jesus

was crucified his crucifixion became the atonement for all sins, one time for all.

Jesus is the son of God, fully human, fully divine, in communal relationship as the blessed trinity,

God as Creator, God as Redeemer, God as Sanctifier. Jesus, sinless and perfect, experienced

humanity in its fullness. He experienced our pain and our sorrow as well as our joys and

jubilations, while at the same time he was in full communion with God our creator, able to perform

miracles and, most importantly, rise from the dead.

The third person in the trinity, the rushing wind and mighty flame, the Holy Spirit, inspires us and

fulfills us. The Holy Spirit is our comforter and Jesus’ gift to us upon his departure as the guide, the

indwelling of God, and the holy nudge to lead us in the right direction.

God has blessed each of God’s children with unique and powerful spirit gifts that allow us to work

together in community in such a way that each person is valued and necessary. A holy puzzle of

perfectly designed pieces trying to work toward the bigger picture, God has equipped each of us to

do ministry. We are the priesthood of all believers gathering to serve, give and love.

The marks of this faithful community are practiced through two sacraments: baptism and

communion. At baptism a believer, or representatives on behalf of the believer, is recognized as a

member of the body of Christ. In baptism we are cleansed, welcomed and connected to a

community of nurture – locally and universally. The Holy Spirit is present in the water, affirming

the act of willingness of the believer.

In communion, Eucharist, we are reminded of the sacrifice of Jesus. As the wine and the bread are

shared we are mystically present with Jesus through the Holy Spirit, remembering both the pain

and agony of our sinfulness and simultaneously remembering the joy of resurrection and our

affirmation of the great mystery of faith. Christ is present in the meal, not in the form of blood and

flesh, but in a mystical union of the indwelling of God in the meal. God is present in a unique and

tangible way in communion. As a response we receive the opportunity to once again acknowledge

our sin and be transformed.

We can affirm God’s holiness, the triune nature of God, and the tenets of our faith because God has

gifted us with the Holy Scriptures. In this all time best seller, God is present in our reading and

brings to life the words that God gave to the original authors so that they will again speak to us in

this day and age. The scriptures are God’s love letter to us and a compilation of the witness of the

people and prophets set aside to tell us God’s story.

And so we gather each week and sing boldly about our faith. We proclaim the scripture, wrestle

with life’s challenges, and pray to our God. Our testimony to God’s holiness rings out in the pews.

The church is called to be the place to offer the opportunity to grow in faith, but more importantly

to glorify God. The church exists to teach about Jesus, to preach the Good news of the gospel, to

extend knowledge of God’s amazing grace, and to allow the Holy Spirit to move freely among God’s

people. This community shares in sacrament, table, and work on the journey so that we might

experience God’s irresistible grace and join in the company of saints.

There is so much to proclaim and so much goodness to rise from within.

Holy Holy Holy. Lord God Almighty. Blessed Trinity.

Stephanie Templin Ashford Bio:

Stephanie Templin Ashford serves as a Parish Associate at Union Church. In this role, she assists

with worship, special projects and opportunities for upper elementary and middle school students.

Stephanie was ordained to Christian ministry in 2004 and has served various congregations as

pastor and Associate Pastor in Pennsylvania and now in Seattle. She is married and has two

children, two cats, two fish and a bearded dragon. She lives in Queen Anne with her family and

enjoys running, hiking, coffee and travel.

2. Motion: Having received evidence that Certified Candidate Mara Forster-Smith has

fulfilled the educational requirements of the Constitution of the Church, the Committee on

Ministry presents her for examination. The examination shall include, but not be limited to, a

determination of the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as

expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W- 4.4003). Councils

shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual

candidates. Christian faith, views on theology, the Bible, the Sacraments and the government

of this church. (W-4.4003). Pending successful examination, approve the call to Mara

Forster-Smith for ministerial services as Chaplain at Swedish Medical Center, Seattle and

should the way be clear, approve this position as a validated ministry.

Mara Forster-Smith, Statement of Faith:

I believe in God, Sovereign Creator and Sustainer of the Universe, Loving Source of all Life. God

holds the entire universe and is also imminently engaged within the created order down to the

tiniest atom. In God’s infinite wisdom and grace, God created the heavens, stars, water, earth, and

all living creatures including humans calling each of them inherently “good.”

When God created human beings in God’s image God bestowed upon us the gift of free will. Yet we

have used our agency to rebel against God. We have ignored God’s commandments by harming our

brothers and sisters, participating in systems of greed, and collectively wreaking havoc upon God’s

creation. Our brokenness and sin separates us from God, and nothing we can do on our own can

heal this breach. Despite our shortcomings God’s love for us is everlasting, and in our broken state

God’s amazing grace finds us and makes us whole once again. In faithfulness God claimed the

people of Israel, journeying with them through captivity, release, and on to the promised land.

God’s promise of “Emmanuel”, God with us, continues to this day.

I believe God’s grace and love for humans is revealed most fully in the person of Jesus of Nazareth.

In Jesus God became incarnate, entering into the broken world for the purpose of salvation. During

Jesus’ life, he healed the sick and proclaimed the gospel through his message of radical hospitality,

challenging the oppressive social systems of his time. Jesus was unjustly condemned by human

authorities, suffered crucifixion and died. After three days, Jesus was resurrected in fulfillment of

God’s promise of salvation, thereby overcoming the power of death and sin, and providing humans

with eternal life. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, God justified humans, making them righteous once again

and reconciling them to God. When we acknowledge and confess our sins, we accept God’s

forgiveness and live fully into our covenant relationship in which we seek to glorify God in all that

we do.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, which was present at the beginning of creation and continues to act in

the world today as God’s eternal presence. The Holy Spirit is the breath of God’s renewing life,

working in us, and enabling us to live out our faith daily in the world today.

As Christ’s disciples, we participate as members of Christ’s body on earth, the Church. I believe the

Church’s mission is to be a community rooted in love, hope, and witness to the Good News of God’s

grace through Jesus Christ in the world. Through the sacrament of Baptism, we corporately

acknowledge our covenant as individuals within this community of followers where we are

nurtured and formed in our faith. Baptism at its core is a sign that we belong to God, and that

through God’s grace we are accepted and loved even before we can respond. Additionally, the

sacrament of Holy Communion is a sign of the gift of Christ’s life given for us. When we partake of

the bread and wine, we are nourished spiritually by the body and blood of Christ, and actively

participate in the community of Christ’s followers on earth.

I believe in the authority of the Holy Scripture, which tells the story of the people of faith and bears

witness to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Holy Scripture is a sacred text of

divinely inspired human writing that has been passed down from generation to generation of

communities of Christ’s followers. Through faithful and established methods of interpretation, Holy

Scripture guides Christians in our faith and mission in the world. As in days past, Holy Scripture

continues to speak to the generations of Christians of this day and of all the days to come.

Mara Forster-Smith Bio:

Mara Forster-Smith grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, and her parents are both ordained ministers in

the PC(U.S.A.) During high school, Mara developed her passion for serving others through her

involvement with her church's mission partnership with a congregation in Prague, Czech Republic.

She graduated from Macalester College with a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology and received her call

to ministry while serving for two years as a Presbyterian Young Adult Volunteer in Nairobi, Kenya

and Chicago. Mara graduated with her M.Div. from from McCormick Theological Seminary in May,

2014 and completed her Clinical Pastoral Education training the following year at Rush University

Medical Center in Chicago. She recently moved to Seattle and is thrilled to be serving currently as a

staff chaplain at Swedish Medical Center. Mara enjoys singing, travel, and studying foreign

languages.

7:55 CPM REPORT Colleen Chinen, (candidacy). Candidacy Essay:

Why do you believe God is calling you to ministry of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian

Church (USA) and how is the Body of Christ affirming this call?

My childhood was spent in Los Angeles, CA and Anchorage, AK with influences from various faith

traditions: Buddhism, the Congregational Church and the United Methodist Church. In Los

Angeles, my family was a part of a large Japanese community which emphasized Japanese culture.

Everyone knew to take off your shoes at the door before entering the house. When we moved to

Anchorage, AK this was not the norm because we lived in a white neighborhood where we were

the only Asian American family. This was a difficult adjustment.

In Anchorage, my family joined the United Methodist Church but only sporadically attended

throughout the rest of my childhood. As a young Asian American female I noticed that there were

no role models in ministry or members of the church who were like me and it was difficult to

understand how I could be a part of the church where people were different from me. However I

was always drawn to God through the sermons I heard.

There have been a number of experiences that have affirmed my call into ministry. In my

childhood I felt a strong desire to know more about Christianity; God, Jesus Christ and the Spirit but

had no conscious thoughts of becoming a leader in church or a minister. Every summer, my family

went to Hawaii to stay with my grandparents who were born, raised and lived there. I remember

attending church with my grandmother and experiencing a joyful worship service with many

Asian American people. In those early years, the Anchorage United Methodist Church called a

married couple as co-pastors which was a defining moment: This was the first time I experienced a

female as a pastor and could see the door to ministry was opening to females in church leadership.

Throughout my early adult years, I attended different churches searching for a faith community

but none of them seemed like a good fit until we attended a Presbyterian Church where I

experienced ministers who were female and of color participating in worship and pastoral care.

The theology, liturgy, polity and inclusive aspects of the PCUSA resonated with me. It just felt like

coming home to a place that I have always longed for and as I explored my thirst for knowledge

about God, it is here that I felt called to ordained ministry.

Leadership roles I have held in my current church, including that of ruling elder allowed me to

understand more fully the role of minister of Word and Sacrament. It was relentless nudging of the

Holy Spirit: I responded by enrolling in seminary to further explore my call.

My seven years of seminary experience as inquirer has allowed me to explore and claim my call

with theological study and hands on experience. Most significant to my confirmation of being

called to ministry was as a chaplain intern in the care center of Tacoma Lutheran Retirement

Community, an assisted living facility. I felt God’s call so strongly that I knew without a doubt that I

am being called to the office of minister of Word and Sacrament. My gifts in ministry were clear

and I was affirmed in this understanding by the community of TLRC by their requests for visitation

and participation in worship. I also felt affirmed by my local church, Steel Lake PC, where they

have faithfully walked alongside me on this journey by giving me the privilege of preaching, acting

as liturgist, leading bible study etc. A significant moment was when I realized that God is with me;

it is God’s ministry, I am his servant and I desire to do God’s work, with God leading me, sometimes

moment by moment.

My role as co-moderator for the Committee on Ministry, Seattle Presbytery, has also served to point

me to ministry in my sense of call. As the many situations arise, I am moving into the place of

ministry that allows me to understand that it is not about me but about God with Christ front and

center of every situation. This role challenges me to use my organizational skills along with my

ministerial skills to find where God is pointing us to in all situations. It has allowed me to become

more grounded in the reformed tradition and specifically, the PCUSA, which has shown me how the

polity is Christ centered and not just rhetoric or rules but about God’s compassionate love.

Through some difficult situations, I have found that my faith has grown when I remember to put

Christ first with our polity as infrastructure, but God always leading. I believe that the confessions

of the Reformed tradition speak to us about our “…mission of God in Christ [that] gives shape and

substance to the life and work of the Church. In Christ, the Church participates in God’s mission for

the transformation of creation and humanity by proclaiming to all people the good news of God’s

love, offering to all people the grace of God at font and table and calling all people to discipleship in

Christ.” (F-1.01) I believe that this understanding makes it clear that all are welcome to the table of

Christ because of God’s gracious love for all.

Throughout this process of inquiry, I have felt drawn to ministry even when I actively resisted. I

ignored this call for a long time before I finally entered seminary. God has been faithful and

persistent. During pastoral care, preaching or leading I feel that this is the place that God has for

me and feel the Spirit’s presence with me. There is no better way to articulate the sense of call I

feel than the words of Frederick Buechner: The place God calls you to is the place where your deep

gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet. Wishful Thinking: A Seeker's ABC.

I have learned that self-care is very important for my faith formation. Meeting with a spiritual

director once a month along with keeping a Sabbath is key to my ministry. Making time for God

through prayer for wisdom and discernment as well as listening to the Spirit in my life strengthens

my spiritual life. I also meet with my pastor at Steel Lake PC and participate in a small group of

seminary students. God’s presence and love is made clear by these people and practices who God

has placed in my life.

I believe that God is calling me to be a Minister of Word and Sacrament. While I was not fully

conscious of God’s tugging at my heart in my childhood, I realize that God has always been calling

me into ministry for my whole life. My time serving as a chaplain intern, leadership in church and

COM co-moderator along with those who have been a part of my journey of inquiry have led me to

the assurance I am on the right path. I believe that God’s mission to the world is to love and come

alongside one another so that we may proclaim God’s love is for everyone.

Colleen Chinen Bio:

Colleen was born in Los Angeles, CA. She spent the first eight years of her life there with the rest of

her childhood years living in Anchorage, AK. She attended the University of Oregon receiving a BS

in Economics. She is currently in her final year of the M.Div. program in School of Theology of

Ministry at Seattle University.

She has a strong call for pastoral care to the elderly in the church and in the community who feel

isolated and forgotten. Her passions also include inter-generational and ecumenical ministries,

bridging the divide between generations, which was modeled by her parents. There was always

room at the dinner table for one more in her family’s understanding of radical hospitality.

She and her husband just celebrated thirty one years of marriage. After living in Colorado Springs,

CO, Cupertino, CA, and Vancouver, WA, they currently reside in Tacoma, WA. They have recently

become empty nesters with their two children attending the University of Colorado, Boulder. She is

an avid University of Oregon football fan who can be found speaking very loudly to the TV on any

given Saturday during the football season. She also enjoys skiing, trips to Disneyland, and long

conversations over dinner with friends.

Rob Mathis, (candidacy). Candidacy Essay:

In September of 2013, six days after I retired from 28 years of service in law enforcement, my wife,

our youngest daughter (age 11 at the time) and I moved to the rural Western Cape of South Africa

to serve poor migrant workers and their families. We lived and worked there until the end of June

2014. During that time we forged incredible relationships with some of the poorest of the poor,

started a small preschool in the slum where we worked, developed a small Bible School, provided

oversight for a spiritually intimate, multi-cultural home church, built the infrastructure for a

neighborhood soup kitchen, helped refurbish an old folks home under our care and generally had

the time of our lives spiritually, emotionally and relationally. That year we felt like we had “died

and gone to heaven.”

On June 29, 2014, the three of us flew to Amsterdam, The Netherlands, stopping to take a short

furlough before heading to Seattle to see extended family before returning for what we thought

would be the continuation of a 3-5 year tour in Africa. Shortly after our arrival in Amsterdam we

received an emergency notification that our then 20-year-old daughter Natalie had become

critically ill and we must find a way to get home “now”. Miraculously, at midnight local time in

Amsterdam, our US travel agent secured the last three seats on the next plane out of one of the

busiest airports in the world, bound for Seattle. Flying all night, we arrived mid-day. Rushing to

our oldest daughter’s home, we were unprepared for what we found. Natalie, who had only days

earlier been hiking in the mountains; who as a high school varsity track runner had turned heads

with her speed; who could outrun every one of her soccer teammates, lay motionless on the couch.

She was listless, incontinent and struggling to breathe. Her legs were like logs; she could not move

them even slightly. With tears in her eyes our oldest daughter Katie explained that Natalie had

twice been refused admission to the hospital through the local emergency room. Seeing such pain

and helpless spurred me to action. I scooped Nat up and we raced to our family physician’s office,

thinking we had to force someone to listen. Enroute we explained by phone Natalie’s dire situation

and the doctor’s office listened, calling for emergency medics and notifying the nearest hospital we

were to be enroute. This physician advised that she did not expect a turn-away this time.

What I have described to you is the first day of Natalie’s journey through 5 hospitals in nearly six

months, of indescribable pain, sometimes-unbearable hopelessness, a time when she nearly died

more than once. But also a time for our family and so many people to come together in prayer,

presence and care in ways we so desperately needed. Of times of deep darkness and confusion

where we found that we had to rely on the faith and hope of others when ours had run dry from

night after night of watching our child writhing in pain but so paralyzed she could not even close

her eyes or move anything but her head slightly. Of watching at 3am as Natalie’s chest rose and fell

methodically as the hum of the electric powered ventilator let us know she had life-giving breath

her body itself could not provide. My wife and I traded off each night, 24 on and 24 off, from that

first day to the end of November. We watched with vigilance and exhaustion, showing hope but oft

times feeling despair, deep loneliness and yet the realization that where we were, what we were

doing, was all we were to be about…taking care of Natalie, encouraging her older sisters, and

comforting her younger one.

Natalie is now 21 months into her experience with Guillain-Barre’ Syndrome (GBS), a little known

and lesser-understood viral-initiated attack of the myelin sheath. We have been told Natalie nearly

died more than once, something we already instinctively knew at the darkest of times. Blood clots,

surgeries to insert feeding tubes and a tracheotomy, a collapsed lung, dire reactions to the

multitudinous medications. Today Natalie continues to fight not only to survive but also to thrive.

As the myelin sheath that was stripped from her toes to her head has been slowly replenishing,

Natalie has been re-learning everything; how to breathe independently, how to swallow, how to

eat, how to move her head, neck, shoulders, arms, fingers, legs and feet and toes. Hers is a

continual battle to overcome incredible pain, discouragement, depression, doubt, and disability.

Natalie continues to have facial and lower leg/foot paralysis, but no longer uses a wheelchair,

special crutches or even walking braces. She underwent very serious surgery in January to open

up her trachea, which was slowly closing off and would have lead to her death by suffocation had

the doctors not discovered the culprit.

Where do these two seemingly disconnected sets of life experience take us? Is there a connection

between “the high” of Africa and “the low” of Guillain-Barre? Was God “with us” in Africa? And

then were we seeing God’s wrath upon our family with Natalie’s disease and our family’s journey

through the Valley of the Shadow of Death? Did God simply abandon us for some reason? Or is it

all just a crapshoot? Can we say that because we were serving God so diligently in Africa that we

did NOT deserve such a horrible fate? What is one to make of it all? And, by the way, does one

even want to serve a God who seems so capricious?

Believe me, these questions are real; so real they can be palpable in the deepest recesses of the soul.

I would be a liar if I said, “it is all fine now”. Physically Natalie is not, as I have shared. But out of

all this I will tell you that, for me anyway, I have known God to be with us…I have known His

Presence in ways I cannot describe with simple words. My conclusion is that regardless of whether

I live or die, I live for Christ. I do not live for religion, or even for the Presbyterian Church (USA). I

live by His sovereign, incredible, undeserved love and life. And so does my family. And so do those

we have been able to love with a deeper love because of the uncovering of our own helplessness;

those in the hospitals where we suffered right along with them; those called alongside to help our

Natalie; nurses, doctors, cleaning ladies, food servers and deeply sick and lonely patients from all

walks of life. Oh, what a richness these times have been for us, both in the bright sunlight of rural

South Africa, where we seemed to live “our dream” and in the darkest corners of those sterile

hospital rooms, where we would cry out in prayerful anguish. I would not ask for such a

juxtaposition as this for anyone, even an enemy. But, oh the great blessings we have because our

Lord Jesus Christ chose to allow such to be our lot, and chose to Be in our lot with us.

As I have shared in these simply written words, you can see that our lives have been pressed,

shaken, challenged and tried these past few years. I have only outlined the pain of this particular

story with Natalie. There are other painful times and other sources of that pain. It would seem the

old adage, “When it rains, it pours” could be no more accurate than now and with us. Even so, we

are blessed. We remain hopeful. And my wife and I remain certain that God has indeed called us

to complete reliance on His Only Son, Jesus Christ. As for the more direct calling of the

Presbyterian Church, (USA), we feel all the more strongly about this call to ministry of the Word

and Sacrament. I cannot really tell you why. Perhaps it is coming full circle? as my dear mother

was raised Presbyterian, and she and my Episcopalian father raised us Presbyterian. I do know

that I have felt as though “I have come home” by returning several years ago to the Presbyterian

Church. The farther down the path, from Inquirer to Candidate, with participation in an

internship, to the continued Master of Divinity education, the stronger my confidence in walking

this path becomes. As I read and study Presbyterian Polity I find myself nodding my head up and

down in agreement, and saying to myself, “I see why that is important.” In essence, I feel at home

with our denomination. I feel welcomed, affirmed, and like I am putting my spiritual life on the

solid foundation of something that is tried and true. My senior pastors, my associate pastors, our

small group, my mentor for internship, the flock I have started working with in Alaska, and even

my CPM all provide a structure, a support and an encouragement that confirm this is the right path,

no matter how much life challenges my family and me.

In terms of becoming an ordained teaching elder in our denomination, I know and have known

deep in my heart that sharing the Word of God, preaching, teaching and giving away my faith are

all a huge part of who I am. Doing so in the Presbyterian Church (USA) is congruent with my

personal beliefs, the opportunities God has opened to me, as well as where I feel my gifts and

calling will be utilized in ways that cause me to grow, to give, to stretch and have an impact in the

lives of others. I am so excited to be participating in the Sitka, Alaska, and internship this year. I

absolutely love having a pastor’s heart…a heart for the broken, the downtrodden, those that are

lonely, addicted, lost and hurting. I have no need for great recognition, for being “the big cheese”.

Rather, I cherish being someone who can quietly and lovingly come alongside others in their time

of need, and help mentor people to do the same…bringing the Body of Christ that much closer to

our Lord’s longing that we be unified in Him.

Rob Mathis Bio:

My family and I have lived in the greater Seattle area for most of the last 26 years (we lived for just

about one year in rural South Africa, 20-13-14). We currently live outside Duvall, WA, in rural SE

King County. I attended Rosemead Graduate School of Psychology (MA), and currently am enrolled

in the M.Div. Program at George Fox Evangelical Seminary in Portland, Oregon. My wife and I are

in our 37th year of marriage, have five daughters, two sons-in-law and three really cool grandsons.

My wife Jan is my very best friend and the second greatest gift in life behind my personal

relationship with my Lord. I love to hike, bike, take long walks, kayak read, travel and spend time

with people hailing from other cultures and places. I am passionate about Jesus and my walk with

Him. I am particularly drawn to the poor, broken and those that just don't seem to get a fair shake

in life. I love all things African, but am finding a true love for my sisters and brothers in rural SE

Alaska as well!

8:15 NEW BUSINESS

8:20 CONSENT AGENDA The Consent Agenda consists of those actions that the Presbytery has empowered its committees to

resolve on its behalf. Those actions are then reported to the presbytery at its next meeting. A

commissioner may lift a consent item for debate by informing the Stated Clerk or Moderator of

Presbytery to that effect.

Coordinating Council

1. Approved a revised grants process (more information online at seapres.org/grants). 2. Approved the following 2017 presbytery meeting dates:

Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017, 5:00 PM Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 5:00 PM Tuesday, July 18, 2017, 5:00 PM Tuesday, October 17, 2017, 5:00 PM 2017 Council meeting dates: Tuesday, March 21, 2017, 4:00 to 7:00 PM Tuesday, June 20, 2017, 4:00 to 7:00 PM Tuesday, September 19, 2017, 4:00 to 7:00 PM Tuesday, December 19, 2017, 4:00 to 7:00 PM

3. Approved a grant request from Lake Burien PC to fund the “Just Mercy: Undoing Institutional Racism” training workshop November 5-6, 2016.

4. Approved a grant for multiple SeaPres pastors to fund the Storybook Bible Project. 5. Approved a grant request from Summit Avenue PC to help fund a sanctuary upgrade project. 6. Approved creating a student and clergy indebtedness policy (see supplemental doc).

Committee on Ministry

1. Approved the call of Rev. Edith (Eyde) Mabanglo to be the Transitional Pastor of Kent First Presbyterian Church, according to the following terms of call: effective salary $44,560.16, travel $2,500, study leave $1,000, 4 weeks vacation, sick leave: 1 day per month. (This is a ¾ time position 30 hours/week.) 2. Approved Rev. Marta Bennett’s request to validate her ministry as a partner with The Antioch Partners (TAP) effective July 1, 2016. 3. Approved a grant to support a Renewal Ministries event - “A Day of Renewal in the Lord’s Prayer” on Sat., Nov. 12, North Creek PC in Mill Creek. 4. Concurred in the action of the congregation of Newport Presbyterian Church to call Rev. Roger Harwerth as pastor, according to the following terms of call: effective salary $85,000, professional expense $500, study leave $1,500, car allowance $1,400, 4 weeks vacation, 2 weeks study leave. 5. Approved a grant to assist Rev. Kelly Wadsworth with attending the 1001 Worshipping Communities Assessment in Seattle on October 31-November 3, 2016. 6. Approved the call of Rev. Shari Jackson Monson to be the Interim Senior Pastor of West Side Presbyterian Church, according to the following terms of call: $94,600 effective salary, $2,400 car & professional allowance, $2,400 study leave, $2,400 spiritual director, 4 weeks vacation, 2 weeks study leave. 7. Approved the request of Rev. Shari Jackson Monson to transfer her membership from Olympia Presbytery to Seattle Presbytery. 8. Approved the request of Rev. Ron Oldenkamp (Validated Ministry) that Seattle Presbytery accept his retirement effective 12/31/2016. 9. Approved the request of Rev. Carol Kirkpatrick (Kent First) that Seattle Presbytery accept her retirement effective 11/1/2016. 10. Approved the request of Rev. Janie Stuart to validate her ministry as Temporary Assistant Minister at East Banchory Church (Deeside Presbytery, Scotland). 11. Approved receiving Rev. Debbie Blane (Presbytery of the Cascades) as a member-at-large. 12. Set the minimum terms of call for 2017 at $57,300, the Board of Pensions median effective

salary (consistent with existing policy). 13. Approved the request of Vashon Presbyterian Church to elect a PNC on September 25, 2016. 14. Concurred with the session of Sammamish Presbyterian Church to hire Rev. Kelly Hostetler as Associate Pastor of Congregational Care (temporary pastor) according to the following terms: Half time (25 hours per week), starting October 1, 2016; $34,000 effective salary, $750 continuing education, $1,600 mileage, contract work, professional expense, 4 weeks vacation, 2 weeks study leave. 15. Concurred in the request of the Rev. Ray Moore and University Presbyterian Church to dissolve the associate pastoral relationship effective June 30, 2016 and close this position. 16. Concurred in the request of the session of University Presbyterian Church to open a new Temporary Associate Pastor position at UPC focused on ministry and to elect Bianca Quezada into that role if the way be clear. 17. Approved transferring Rev. Bertram Johnson to New York City Presbytery if the way be clear. 18. Recommended that presbytery rescind its action of June 7, 2014 that removed Joshua Kim from the roll of ministers thereby restoring him to the roll of member at-large.

Background: The action was taken after a series of miscommunications between GA, Joshua, and the presbytery. Joshua has been serving as a pastor at Seoul Dream Church in Korea, and was previously commissioned by the presbytery to do missions work in Southeast Asia and India. 19. Approved the request of Rev. Kristy Roberts Farber to transfer her membership from Western North Carolina Presbytery to Seattle Presbytery. 20. Approved the request of Rev. Jesse Mabanglo to transfer his membership from National Capital Presbytery to Seattle Presbytery. 21. Approved the request of Rev. Eyde Mabanglo to transfer her membership from National Capital Presbytery to Seattle Presbytery. 22. Approved the Validated ministry report as reported through September 30, 2016 (see supplemental doc.) 23. Approved the Members-at-large report as reported through September 30, 2016 (see supplemental doc.) 24. Approved the Honorably Retired Teaching Elders report as reported through September 30, 2016 (see supplemental doc.) 25. Approved the changes in terms of call as reported through September 30, 2016 (see supplemental doc.) 26. Approved the request from Rev. Nick Krantz that he be allowed to serve as Pastor at Foster Tukwila Presbyterian Church in a validated ministry, allowing him to remain a member of the PC(USA).

Background: This approval is through the end of December 2016, to assist with the transition from the Board of Pensions to ECO’s benefits (anticipated transfer date January 1, 2017). 27. Approved the renewal of the Temporary Associate Pastor relationship between Rev. Leigh Weber and John Knox Presbyterian Church with no changes in the contract.

Committee on Preparation for Ministry 1. Annual Consultation was held with Barbara Williams, Bethany PC and she was certified as

ready to receive a call. She was given permission to circulate a PIF. 2. Annual Consultation was held with Steve Aeschbacher, Bethany PC and he was certified as

ready to receive a call. He was given permission to circulate a PIF. 3. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry recommends that the following Inquirer having

been Inquirer for sufficient length of time, having fulfilled the requirements stated in the Book of Order, and upon satisfactory examination by the Presbytery, be enrolled as Candidates:

Colleen Chinen, Steel Lake PC Rob Mathis, Sammamish PC (approved at July 12 presbytery meeting)

8:25 ADJOURN & PRAYER