VIA ZOOM - Presbytery of the Miami...

CALL OF THE

STATED MEETING OF THE PRESBYTERY

OF THE MIAMI VALLEY

Saturday, November 14, 2020

at 9:00 Am

VIA ZOOM

This packet contains the Docket,

instructions for advance registration

and connecting to the meeting,

opportunities for Training on Zoom, and

items for presbytery action

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What to expect from a Nov. 14 Stated Presbytery Meeting on Zoom

• All minister members of presbytery, ruling elder commissioners appointed by their church sessions, and ruling elder members of presbytery are entitled to speak and vote and should participate through Zoom. Others who wish to observe the meeting are welcome to watch on the livestream at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfjicUX_TTop6BbojbVZPug.

• All Zoom participants must register in advance, by 12:00 noon on Friday, November 13. This is an absolute deadline and no one may register after that time. You register by emailing Terry Kukuk at [email protected]. Please include the following information:

• Your full name • Your preferred email • Your phone number • Your role (such as minister member of presbytery, ruling elder commissioner

(if so, list your church by name and town), ruling elder member of presbytery, corresponding member, invited guest)

• After pre-registering, you will receive by email the Zoom link for the stated meeting on November 14.

• For anyone unfamiliar with how to be recognized, speak and vote on Zoom, we offer a Practice Meeting on Friday, Nov. 13, at 10:00 a.m. Don’t be bashful—it’s better for us to troubleshoot any issues with your device in advance than take time at the stated meeting to fix things. We will send you the separate Zoom link for the Practice Meeting if you ask for it.

• For the November 14 meeting, you will not be able to join by phone-in for audio connection alone, since that would prevent your voting with everyone else. Links must be by computer or smartphone app only with full video and audio coverage. You need to have a working camera, speakers or headphone, and a microphone on your device. If you’re doubtful on whether your device will work, please join us for the Practice Meeting to check it out. Smaller devices may drain of power quickly so consider using a charger.

• Every voting participant must be on a separate device to properly record votes. • Meeting packets are here:

http://www.miamipresbytery.org/pmv_presby_docs.htm • On November 14, you can click on the Zoom link you’ve received starting at

8:45 am to enter the meeting (which formally begins at 9:00 am). You should turn on your video and you will be unmuted until the meeting begins to let you chat with colleagues and welcome newcomers to the meeting. But when the meeting begins, you will be muted until it’s time for you to speak,

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to avoid distracting noises. Buttons to mute/unmute or turn your camera on/off are on the lower left in your task bar.

• Take time to enter your full name on your screen when you sign in, or rename yourself in the Participants section in the task bar at the bottom of the page by hovering over your name and clicking on “Rename.” That way people will know your identity. Hosts may also rename you.

• Adjust the lighting or the background behind you so people can see you well. Limit your movements while the camera is on so others are not distracted.

• Toggle between Gallery view and Speaker view (upper right corner of your picture box). Gallery view is great to see everyone attending on multiple screens, using arrows on the left and right to move between screens. Speaker view will be helpful as more participants are added and as the meeting progresses.

• Early in the meeting the Stated Clerk will instruct you on how to use the buttons so you can be recognized to speak, offer motions and amendments, and vote. The Practice Meeting on November 13 will also go over that. The Chat function will have people available to help you resolve technical issues.

• If you wish to speak, please use the “Raise your Hand” symbol located in the Participants section of the task bar at the bottom of the page so the Moderator can recognize you. When she does, un-mute yourself and begin your statement or question by announcing your name and congregation. After speaking, please mute again.

• You can also use the Chat function to send messages to the entire group or to particular people. Remember that these Chat messages are not “private” so be careful in your language and approach. Also remember that Chats are not an appropriate way to participate in a live meeting; openness and honesty mean that we speak orally to the gathered group as we deliberate.

• Voting will be done by clicking on the Yes or No buttons in the Participants section or, if need be, by Zoom polling.

• The meeting will be recorded and livestreamed. Your registration means you agree with that.

Questions? Contact Larry Hollar ([email protected]) for more information.

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PRESBYTERY OF THE MIAMI VALLEY STATED MEETING, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020

9:00 AM FINAL

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ORDER OF DOCKET

Advance registration for all voting presbyters MUST be completed by no later than 12:00 noon on Friday, November 13, 2020. NOTE: While the presbytery staff has not strictly enforced this advance deadline in the past, starting with this meeting no late registrations will be allowed. On Nov. 14, authorized participants who have received Zoom meeting instructions may log in and will be allowed to enter the Zoom meeting. See more details about registration, and how non-voting visitors may watch a livestream of the meeting, on pp. 1-2 of this packet. An updated and annotated docket with page numbers, and additional materials, will appear in the Supplemental Packet, to be issued Thursday, November 12.

9:00 am Convening Prayer

Ruling Elder Alice McCollum, Moderator Report of the Stated Clerk Ruling Elder Larry Hollar

Statement of Quorum and Formation of the Roll Explanation of processes for the meeting and orientation to Zoom features Adoption of Docket Seat Corresponding Members and Approve Excused Minister Members Other Items for Action or Information

We speak together our Presbytery Covenant’s Mission Statement Hospitality Report Today’s Offering — for Bread for the World/Institute

Recognizing New Members of Presbytery and Memorials— Ruling Elder Marge Morgan

Introduction of plans to lift prayers for ministers in our presbytery – Ruling Elders Marge Morgan, COM chair, and Bruce Saunders, Council chair

Virtual Passing of the Peace

We Worship Together—Meditation by the Executive Presbyter, Minister of the Word and Sacrament Terry Kukuk

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Interim Synod Executive’s Report Minister of the Word and Sacrament Chip Hardwick

Leadership Council Ruling Elder Bruce Saunders, Chair

For Action: Adoption of the Consent Agenda Consideration of Action Items, if any, Pulled from the

Consent Agenda

Nominations Committee Minister of the Word and Sacrament Steven Ingram, Chair

For Action: Election of Presbytery Committee Members and Synod Representatives

Examination and Election of Stated Clerk, and approval of Terms of Call (Stated Clerk Search Committee)

Leadership Council Ruling Elder Bruce Saunders, Chair

For Action: Approval of 2021 Presbytery Budget and Terms of Call (Ruling Elder Georgie Woessner, Chair of Trustees)

Small Group Discussions (focused on Prayers for Unity and Healing) – see

special instructions for this new type of breakout session on pp. 37-38 of this packet

The Presbytery’s Virtual Choir, organized by Minister of the Word

and Sacrament Cliff Haddox

Moderator’s Report

Acknowledgement of Written Reports Filed by Committees and Council Installation of the New Stated Clerk Expressions of Gratitude to the Former Clerk Closing Prayer by the New Stated Clerk Adjournment

Our next stated presbytery meeting—Saturday, February 13, 2021, 9:00 a.m., expected to be by Zoom

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REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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LEADERSHIP COUNCIL November 14, 2020

CONSENT AGENDA

The consent agenda consists of items deemed essentially non-controversial that the presbytery

will vote on as a package without debate or amendment, unless any presbyter requests, at the

time the consent agenda is on the floor for approval, to have a particular item pulled from the

consent agenda. In that case, that particular item is considered separately at a different place in

the meeting docket, and the vote may proceed immediately on the remaining items in the

consent agenda that have not been pulled.

The consent agenda exists to help move along the flow of more routine business to allow time

for in-depth consideration of other items. However, the consent agenda is never a vehicle to

prevent discussion and votes on items that presbyters believe should receive more extensive

review, and therefore request be pulled from this agenda.

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This meeting’s Consent Agenda consists of the action items below, the specifics of which are on

the designated pages of this packet’s materials:

1. From the Stated Clerk: A. Minutes of the September 8, 2020 stated presbytery meeting and the

October 27 special presbytery meeting – Move that the presbytery approve the

minutes of these meetings as distributed, and that the Stated Clerk be authorized to

make any technical and non-substantive corrections as needed (pp. 9-26).

B. Minutes of the Administrative Commission for Dayton: Memorial for

September 14 and 28 and October 5, 2020 -- Move that the presbytery approve

the minutes of the meetings of the Administrative Commissions for Dayton: Memorial

(pp. 27-30).

C. Minutes of the Administrative Commission for the New Paris Church for

October 25, 2020 – Move that the presbytery approve the minutes of one meeting

of the Administrative Commission for the New Paris Church (p. 31).

D. Minutes of the Administrative Commission to Install Rev. Anna Owens

as associate pastor of the Dayton: Westminster Church, November 8,

2020 –Move that the presbytery approve the minutes of the Administrative

Commission to Install (text of minutes to be supplied in the supplemental

packet and by approval of this Agenda any objections are waived to

consider these minutes as part of the Consent Agenda).

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2. From the Committee on Ministry: A. Retirement for MWS Darryll Young – Move that the presbytery grant the status

of retired to Minister of the Word and Sacrament Darryll Young and designate him as honorably retired as prescribed by the Book of Order (G-2.0503c), effective November 14, 2020, at his request.

B. Retirement for MWS Deborah Linville – Move that the presbytery grant the status of retired to Minister of the Word and Sacrament Deborah Linville and designate her as honorably retired as prescribed by the Book of Order (G-2.0503c), effective November 14, 2020, at her request.

C. Term of Commission for CRE Gidget Collins and Seven Mile Church—

Move that the presbytery approve, pursuant to G-2.1001, the term of three years for

the Commissioned Ruling Elder commission for CRE Cheryl (Gidget) Collins with the

Seven Mile United Presbyterian Church, with the beginning of such term retroactive

to June 10, 2020, the date of presbytery approval of her commission. The Committee

on Ministry, on behalf of the presbytery, shall review the commission annually.

D. Waiver of session term limits for Dayton: Trinity and Dayton: Central

officers – As requested by letters and emails from these churches citing coronavirus

limitations, move that the presbytery grant under G-2.0404 a temporary waiver, for

not to exceed one year, in the term limits for the session and deacons to permit current

officers who were in the class of 2020 to continue to serve in an “acting” class of 2023

during the year 2021, to be replaced as soon as feasible by a class of 2023 duly elected

by the congregation (p. 32).

A Note about the Supplemental Packet

While many of the key action pieces for the November 14 meeting are in this advance packet, you

will want to take note of the supplemental packet when it is issued on November 12. That second

packet will include an updated, annotated docket with page number references, an additional

Nominations Committee report, some reports for information, memorials, and presbytery

financial reports as of the end of October.

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September 8, 2020 Presbytery of the Miami Valley

MINUTES OF THE STATED MEETING OF THE PRESBYTERY OF THE MIAMI VALLEY Tuesday, September 8, 2020

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For approval at the November 14, 2020 stated presbytery meeting

The meeting was convened with prayer at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, by Ruling Elder Alice McCollum, Moderator. The meeting was conducted virtually by Zoom, respecting governmental prohibitions on larger meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the presbytery’s desire to protect its members from the effects of the pandemic.

LEGEND: P – Present E – Excused Blank – Absent Italics – attendance recorded in more than one category

OFFICERS OF THE PRESBYTERY OF THE MIAMI VALLEY Ruling Elder Alice McCollum,, Moderator P Minister of the Word and Sacrament Ben Beres, Vice Moderator P Ruling Elder Bruce Saunders, Leadership Council Chair P Ruling Elder Larry Hollar, Stated Clerk P Ruling Elder Kathleen Seewer, Recording Clerk P

MINISTERS OF THE WORD AND SACRAMENT ON ACTIVE ROLL Adams, Garth Allen, Todd P Bain, Marciana Baker, Jeri P Baker, Richard Bartel, Lawrence P Beres, Benjamin P Birdsong, Nancy P Bova, Lynette P Brakemeyer, Randall P Brown, Beau Burslem, Kathleen P Cassedy, Karen P Circelli, Diana P Dardaganian, Brad Dennis, Ted P Dozeman, Thomas Duiker, Amy P Garrigan, Carmen P Haddox, Clifford Haddox, Emily

Hamilton, Susan P Hardwick, Charles P Helling, Michael P Hernandez, David Hess, Lisa P Hinds, Kathryn Blocher P Hodgkins, Nancy P Ingram, Steven E Isaacs, Michael P Kobs, Erin P Kukuk, Terry P Lawler, Kevin Lawrence, Ronald P Lee, Sang Un Lewis, John E Linville, Deborah Maguire, Brian P Martin, Christopher McCormick, Dwight P Merrin, Steven P Miller, Herbie E

Murphy, Kevin P Neely, John P Owens, Anna Pelaez-Díaz, Francisco P Ramsey, Thomas Rupnik, Frank P Schenck, Angela P Schumm, Steven P Shin, Kelley Wehmeyer P Soards, Marion Sparks-Franklin, Sarah P Tidwell, Melissa Tuell, Laura Nile P van Bulck, Marcel P Weaver, Denise P Worthen, Merritt P Young, Darryll Ziegler, Diane P

TEMPORARY MINISTER MEMBERS FROM OTHER DENOMINATIONS Gockel, Stan P Schaffnit, Daria P Williamson, Julia P Whitt, Joe

HONORABLY RETIRED MINISTERS OF THE WORD AND SACRAMENT (Excused unless attendance indicated) Amidon, C. Forrest Barr, Judith Dunlap P Brown, Edward Conn, Arbuth Creager, Ronald Davis-Dudding, Kay Edwards, Robert L. Evans, Michael

Fleming, David L. Foubert, David Fulton, Robert Gerhart, Andrew Girbert, David A. Godfrey, Norman Graham, James Hinds, Joe. M III P

Hookey, Joseph R. Horrigan, Kevin Howard, Kenneth Kester, Gordon L. Kim, Soo Kwang McConnel, George H. McNulty, Edward Meyers, JoAnne

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Niece, Linda Nowak, Jacqueline Philips, William Righter, Richard L. Sheldon, Jocelyn J. P Smith, Robert B., Jr.

Sparks, W. Franklin Stewart, Donald M. Swaim, Gerald G. Thornton, Jesse Wade, Robert P Wall, Evan

Walthour, William Warren, Patrick Yanney, William Zuercher, John

ROLL OF CHURCHES (RULING ELDERS PRESENT) BELLBROOK 1 – Seiler, Michael P BELLE CENTER 1 – Stoner, Keith P BELLEFONTAINE 1 – BLUE BALL 1 – BRADFORD 1 –Buker, Mike (CRE) P 2 – CLIFTON 1 – COLLINSVILLE 1 – COVINGTON 1 – DAYTON: BATH 1 – Lockwood, Susan P DAYTON: CENTRAL 1 – DAYTON: COLLEGE HILL 1 – Peters, Carolyn P DAYTON: CORINTH 1 – DAYTON: FAIRMONT 1 – Youngerman, Cindy P DAYTON: IMMANUEL KOREAN 1 – DAYTON: MEMORIAL 1 - DAYTON: SOUTHMINSTER 1 – Davis, Elizabeth P 2 – Thorp, Lois P DAYTON: SUGAR CREEK 1 –

DAYTON: TRINITY 1 – Blackmon, M.J. P 2—Smith, Rosemary P DAYTON: WESTMINSTER 1 – Shonle, Joseph P 2–Saunders, Gene P 3 – EATON: FIRST 1 – Neavin, Bradley P FAIRBORN: FIRST 1 – Gadd, Ken P FARMERSVILLE: SLIFERS 1 – Gray, Jennifer HAMILTON: THE P. C. 1 – Eyler, Greg P 2 – Baer, Mary P HAMILTON: WESTWOOD 1 - HUBER HEIGHTS: FAITH 1 – Adams, Cyndi P 2 – Skare, Mary P HUNTSVILLE 1 – JAMESTOWN 1 – MIDDLETOWN: FIRST 1 – MIDDLETOWN: ST. LUKE 1 - MONROE 1 – NEW CARLISLE: HONEY CREEK

1 – Perkins, Marilyn P NEW PARIS 1 –

OXFORD 1 – Smith, Robert S. P PIQUA: GOOD SHEPHERD 1 – Kerns, Sandra P PIQUA: WESTMINSTER 1 REILY 1 – RUSHSYLVANIA 1 - SEVEN MILE 1 – Collins, C. (CRE) P 2 -Durbin, MaryRose P SIDNEY: FIRST 1 – SPRINGBORO: COVENANT 1 – SPRINGFIELD: COVENANT 1 – Storm, Robert P SPRINGFIELD: NORTHMINSTER 1 – 2 – TROY: FIRST 1 – Mauntler, John P 2 – URBANA: FIRST 1 – WEST LIBERTY 1 - WILMINGTON 1 – Wallace, Mike P XENIA: UNITED 1 – Hedges, Terry P 2 – Randall, Jerry P YELLOW SPRINGS: FIRST 1 –

RULING ELDER MEMBERS OF PRESBYTERY Courtney, Donna (LC) P Hamilton, Kim (LC) P Hollar, Larry (SC) P McCollum, Alice (Mod) P Meadows, Pat (RD) P

Meadows, Pat (RD) P Morgan, Marge (COM) P Niece, Don (LC) P Saunders, Bruce (LC) P Shoemaker, Matt (LC)

Wellborn, Diane (LC) P Woesner, Georgie (LC) P

CORRESPONDING MEMBERS AND THOSE GRANTED VOICE (not otherwise registered): Seated by presbytery rule: Ruling Elder Kathleen Seewer (Recording Clerk Seated by presbytery vote: Minister of the Word and Sacrament Douglas Portz (Pittsburgh), Board of Pensions; Young Adult Advisory Delegate to the 224th General Assembly Anne Paquette; Ruling Elder Margaret Haney, former executive presbyter; presbytery office manager Thomas Oxley, and Ruling Elder Eliot Heflin (Dayton: Trinity). INQUIRERS AND CANDIDATES (not otherwise registered): None STAFF MEMBERS OF PRESBYTERY (not otherwise registered): None

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CONVENING PRAYER Ruling Elder Alice McCollum, Moderator REPORT OF THE STATED CLERK – Ruling Elder Larry Hollar

Preliminary Business o A quorum was declared and the Clerk announced that the roll for today’s meeting would be formed by

advance registration of presbyters and confirmation of those registered being present electronically, accomplished by observation of their faces and names on Zoom and the participants list. The confirmed attendance consisted of forty-three (43) ministers of the Word and Sacrament, three (3) minister member from other denominations, twenty-eight (28) ruling elder commissioners (representing twenty-two (22) congregations), and ten (10) ruling elder members of presbytery: eight-four (84) voting members. Also present and not otherwise registered were five (5) corresponding members and others granted voice, including one (1) seated by presbytery rule and four (4) by presbytery vote. Including duplicate categories, total registered attendance of eighty-nine (89). A motion was adopted by unanimous consent to accept excuses from three minister of the Word and Sacrament and to seat as corresponding members for this meeting Minister of the Word and Sacrament Douglas Portz (Chicago); and grant voice to Young Adult Advisory Delegate to the 224th General Assembly Anne Paquette; Ruling Elder Margaret Haney (Dayton: Westminster), former executive presbyter; presbytery office manager Thomas Oxley; and Ruling Elder Eliot Heflin (Dayton: Trinity). More than 12 devices were recorded as viewing the meeting via livestream.

o Process for Holding Virtual Meetings — Presbytery adopted by a required 2/3 vote (77 Yes--0 (zero) No) Bylaw and manual provisions to guide how we do presbytery and Leadership Council meetings via Zoom or other electronic means (Appendix A). The rules ensure that presbyters “have reasonable notice of the electronic meeting and the ability to discuss, deliberate, discern the will of God, and vote on business items.” The rules addressed the need to create a roll of attendees, allow presbyters to be recognized to speak and engage in simultaneous aural communication, and vote. The Stated Clerk also explained to presbyters which buttons and tabs on their devices they would use during this meeting. Assistance was offered to anyone having trouble navigating their devices through the Zoom Chat function. A practice meeting had also been offered prior to this special meeting for anyone wishing to learn what was required electronically.

o On motion/second, by unanimous consent the revised docket as distributed in the supplemental packet was adopted.

Correspondence (May 2, 2020 to September 4, 2020) and other information matters: o Correspondence –

o Notification on June 15, 2020 from the Office of the General Assembly that action on the Overture sent from this presbytery to the 224th General Assembly related to amending the Book of Order regarding the definition of Honorably Retired had been recommended for referral to the 225th General Assembly (2022). The 224th General Assembly later approved that referral.

o Delinquency reports from the Board of Pensions; summary of Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program loans and mortgage grants to churches.

o Request from Dayton: Immanuel Korean Presbyterian Church for presbytery support for dues relief from the Board of Pensions following the departure of Rev. Sang Un Lee as pastor. The presbytery provided this support.

o Permanent Judicial Commission (PJC) of the Presbytery o Former Members Roster D-5.0206b of the Book of Order says: “The designated stated clerk shall keep a current roster of those members of the permanent judicial commission whose terms have expired within the past six years…The stated clerk shall report the roster annually to the council.” Should the current PJC lack a quorum, the clerk will select by rotation a sufficient number of these former members to constitute a quorum. Class of 2020

Minister of the Word and Sacrament George (Sandy) McConnel—resigned before completion of term to serve on COM

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Ruling Elder Marge Morgan (Dayton: Sugar Creek)—resigned before completion of term to serve on COM

Ruling Elder Cynthia Nowka (Springfield: Covenant) Minister of the Word and Sacrament Robert Wade

Class of 2018

Minister of the Word and Sacrament Brian Maguire—resigned before completion of term to assume office of presbytery Moderator

Minister of the Word and Sacrament Denise Weaver o Synod Minutes Review–The Presbytery of the Miami Valley minutes for 2019 were reviewed on

August 18, 2020, via a Zoom conference with stated clerks from other presbyteries in our Synod. The Clerk has not yet officially received the results of the review.

o Synod Assembly Report—The Stated Clerk provided the following report on recent virtual Synod Assemblies:

The Administrative Commission for the Synod of the Covenant, acting as the Synod, has been meeting monthly by Zoom and inviting presbytery staff to take part as corresponding members. Your PMV staff have been participating as schedules permit. Synod discussions have recently centered on:

▪ Enhancing communications (see the new Synod web site, https://synodofthecovenant.org/) ▪ Studying ways to build relationships and promote reconciliation, with skilled assistance from

the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center ▪ Promoting the availability of Synod grants and scholarships (see the flier on p. 85 of this packet) ▪ Undertaking personnel searches for a Synod stated clerk and an office manager ▪ Clarifying Synod finances ▪ Relocating the Synod office to the Detroit area ▪ Discerning when and in what ways to begin to return control of the Synod operations to elected

representatives of the presbyteries, and to ensure strong engagement with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities.

The Commission has encouraged open discussions at its meetings on various topics with presbytery staff. We are very grateful for this willingness on the Synod’s part to hear a variety of voices and to reflect deeply on what it means to be a Synod in these challenging moments in the life of the Church.

o Presbytery Directories—The availability of 2021 presbytery directories was announced. o Administrative Commissions--The presbytery expressed appreciation for the faithful ongoing

work of the following presbyters now serving on Administrative Commissions (ACs) by Moderator appointment:

o AC for Collinsville: MWS Brian Maguire, chair; MWS Arbuth Conn; MWS Norman Godfrey; RE Nancy Peterson (Middletown: First); RE Marj Lawson (Dayton: Southminster).

o AC for Dayton: Memorial: MWS Amy Duiker, chair; MWS Ed McNulty; RE Cindi Cook (New Carlisle: Honey Creek); RE Charles Chamberlain (Dayton: Fairmont); RE Gordon Neumann (Springboro: Covenant).

o AC for New Paris: RE Jennifer Gray (Farmersville: Slifers), chair; RE Kathy McCreary (Eaton: First); RE Linda Taggart (New Paris); MWS Lawrence Bartel; MWS Jocelyn Sheldon.

o AC for the Xenia Churches: MWS Todd Allen, acting chair; MWS Emily Haddox; MWS M. Merritt Worthen; RE Rob Storm (Springfield: Covenant); RE Jay Peterson (New Carlisle: Honey Creek). RE David Weaver (Dayton: Westminster) formerly served on this Commission.

o Minister of the Word and Sacrament membership changes since last stated meeting: a. Gains: Cheryl (Gidget) Collins (as Commissioned Ruling Elder commissioned to the

Seven Mile Church by action of the presbytery); Charles (Chip) Hardwick (from Chicago); Steven Schumm (following presbytery action in August 2020 to receive him into membership pending receipt of evidence that he no longer has ministerial standing in another denomination, which has now been provided)

b. Losses: Solomon Avotri (to the Lord’s loving care in death)

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c. In transition: None Treasurer’s Report Summaries

o Year to Date Treasurer’s Report and Balance Sheet through August 2020 distributed. YTD Receipts for General: $273,210; YTD Disbursements for General: $196,357; Difference: $76,853. YTD Pass-Through Income and Expense: $96,064. Total Liabilities and Fund Balance: $1,608,715.

SPEAKING TOGETHER THE PRESBYTERY COVENANT

o To remind ourselves of what binds us together as a presbytery, the entire body spoke words from our Presbytery Covenant, including the mission statement.

HOSPITALITY REPORT

o Welcome and Service Opportunities—The Moderator announced that the offering at today’s meeting would be accomplished by requesting that presbyters give an offering to their local foodbank to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Moderator prayed to dedicate this offering.

o Guests and first-time Ruling Elders were welcomed. o New pastors in our midst – Presbytery noted transitions for several ministry colleagues since our

last meeting. Minister of the Word and Sacrament Charles (Chip) Hardwick is a new member of our presbytery by transfer from Chicago; MWS Steve Schumm is now transferred from the Mennonite Church (USA); and Ruling Elder Gidget Collins is serving as Commissioned Ruling Elder at Seven Mile.

o Memorial – (Appendix B) Memorial remembrances and prayers were offered for Dr. Solomon Avotri, long-time professor of Biblical Studies at Payne Theological Seminary, and MWS Thomas Martin, who served at Xenia: Memorial and other churches in our presbytery. COM chair Marge Morgan led prayers for the new ministers among us and offered a memorial remembrance for our departed friends in ministry.

o To enable a virtual passing of the peace, the presbytery was unmuted en masse and encouraged to extend warm greetings to each other.

WORSHIP -- Former Moderator Bruce Saunders led presbytery in worship, reflecting on the changes in the

way we do the work of the church together in these days, and reminding us of the ways the people remembered the songs of Zion in exile in Babylon. Bruce completed his year-long term as Moderator in May during our first Zoom meeting and did not have a chance to lead his final worship until today.

EXECUTIVE PRESBYTER’S REPORT – Executive Presbyter Terry Kukuk reminded us that many churches

are not currently worshiping in their buildings but the people are still doing church. She encouraged everyone to watch the presbytery web site for virus-related resources. In the midst of the anxiety that pastors and church leaders are feeling, self-care remains vitally important. Terry described the strong partnership with Brethren Disaster Ministries in the use of the former Dayton: Memorial Church facility for tornado reconstruction teams. She commended us to look for the new things God is doing among us; for places the Spirit is at work; and ways we can witness to Christ’s love.

REPORT FROM REV. DR. DOUGLAS PORTZ, SENIOR CHURCH CONSULTANT, BOARD OF PENSIONS – Doug

offered his annual report sharing information on new programs the Board is offering to help ensure the well-being of pastors and church staff. Key timelines for benefits to be offered and accepted are coming soon. (Appendix C)

A PERSONAL TIME FOR RENEWAL OF BODY AND SOUL -- During this mid-meeting break, Ruling Elder

Eliot Heflin (Dayton: Trinity) offered a recorded cell-phone chorus of “It Is Well With My Soul.” LEADERSHIP COUNCIL—CONSENT AGENDA – Ruling Elder Bruce Saunders, chair

The Consent Agenda below was presented. No items were requested to be pulled from the agenda, and by unanimous consent the following actions were approved: From the Stated Clerk: o Presbytery Meeting Minutes -- Approved the minutes of the stated meeting of May 12, 2020 and

the special meetings of June 10 and August 12, 2020.

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o Minutes of the Administrative Commission for the Xenia Churches – Approved the minutes

of the Administrative Commission for the Xenia Churches of June 1, 2020 (Appendix D). o Minutes of the Administrative Commission for Dayton: Memorial Church – Approved the

minutes of the Administrative Commission for Dayton: Memorial Church of June 22, July 27, and August 10, 2020 (Appendix E).

From the Leadership Council: o Approval of Independent Accountant’s Audit Report regarding 2019 Presbytery of the

Miami Valley Financial Statements – Approved the Independent Accountant’s Report dated August 7, 2020 relating to the presbytery’s financial statements as of December 31, 2019, in accordance with G-3.0113 of the Book of Order, which include the conclusion that, in the auditor’s opinion, “the financial statements referred to above present, in all material respects, the financial position of Presbytery of the Miami Valley as of December 31, 2019, and the changes in its net assets and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.” (Appendix F)

LEADERSHIP COUNCIL – Ruling Elder Bruce Saunders, chair

For Action: o Kirkmont Center Obligations (Ruling Elder Georgie Woessner, chair of Trustees)

On the recommendation of the Leadership Council and Presbytery Trustees, presbytery adopted the following two actions by separate recorded votes of 74 votes in favor and 0 (zero) votes against:

▪ That the presbytery return the four remaining $10,000 Kirkmont mortgages received by the presbytery at the dissolution of the Morning Sun United Presbyterian Church back to Kirkmont Center Mortgage Group, LLC.

Rationale: This has been an ongoing issue since Morning Sun dissolved in 2017. The circumstances that caused both discussion and delay no longer exist and the Trustees would like to honor the wishes of the session of the Morning Sun church in returning these mortgages to Kirkmont Center Mortgage Group, LLC.

▪ That the presbytery forgive the three unsecured loans that the presbytery holds for Kirkmont Center totaling $45,005.

Rationale: It is the desire of the Trustees to align the balance sheet of PMV to represent both the presbytery’s work and mission. We believe these items on our balance sheet represent assets that further the mission of Kirkmont Center and it serves us both at this time to return them to Kirkmont.

Reports Presented For Information: o Presentation by Anne Paquette, Young Adult Advisory Delegate to the 224th General

Assembly Anne orally presented her perspectives on the all-virtual General Assembly in June. Her written report and those of Ruling Elder Commissioner Bruce Saunders and Minister of the Word and Sacrament Commissioner Michael Isaacs are in Appendix G.

o Preliminary 2021 Budget Guidance -- Ruling Elder Georgie Woessner, chair of Trustees, outlined the financial expectations for churches to provide payments for Presbytery Connectional Support ($40.00 per active member) and General Assembly per capita ($8.98 per active member) and Synod per capita ($3.25 per active member) in 2021 (Appendix H). These funds are an expression of the covenant that binds us together to do the Lord’s work in a united, mutually-supportive way. The presbytery expressed gratitude for the strong support from many churches.

o Representation and Diversity Committee—Committee co-chair Ruling Elder Pat Meadows introduced committee members and noted plans for conversations with each standing committee about diversity and inclusion opportunities in their work (Appendix I). She invited presbyters to a Presbyterian Outlook webinar on Choosing Faith over Fear.

o Blessing and Farewell for PMV Office Manager Tom Oxley—Led by Staff Support chair MWS Diane Ziegler, Executive Presbyter Terry Kukuk, and former EP Ruling Elder Margaret Haney, the presbytery wished Tom Oxley well as he leaves the staff and begins a business manager position with a local church. Tom has been a vital member of the staff for 20 years. His compassion, dedication and procedural knowledge have been invaluable to our work over the years. Our prayers go with Tom as God leads his next steps.

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o Synod Grants and Scholarships -- Presbytery again welcomed Minister of the Word and Sacrament Charles (Chip) Hardwick, Interim Executive of the Synod of the Covenant. Chip focused on promoting Synod racial/ethnic and new covenant grants and higher education and COVID/emergency scholarships, underscoring the timelines for applying and when applications will be reviewed.

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE—Minister of the Word and Sacrament Sarah Sparks-Franklin, committee member

(legend: MWS= Minister of the Word and Sacrament; RE= Ruling Elder) The Committee nominated the following names to serve the Presbytery in elected positions. Additional nominees from the floor were solicited, and none appearing, nominations were declared closed and, by a Yes/No vote on Zoom of 76 votes in favor and 0 (zero) votes against, the presbytery elected the following people: o To serve in the indicated capacities on presbytery committees, commissions, and Council:

Leadership Council

Class of 2023 MWS Nancy Birdsong

Network Support and Grants Class of 2021 Rev. Daria Schaffnit

Presbytery Trustees Class of 2023 MWS Kazy Blocher Hinds

Representation and Diversity Class of 2023 MWS Laura Nile Tuell

Staff Support Class of 2021 MWS Lawrence Bartel

Presbytery Permanent Judicial Commission Class of 2026

RE Eliot Heflin (Dayton: Trinity)

MODERATOR’S REPORT— Moderator Alice McCollum noted that her tenure has been entirely by Zoom

meetings, but she is available to the presbytery. She encouraged people to reach out to others, including those for whom technology is difficult, in a time when isolation and despair are real but hope will see us through.

COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY -- Ruling Elder Marge Morgan, chair For Action: On recommendation and motion of the committee, presbytery:

o Approved by a Yes/No vote on Zoom of 75 votes in favor and 0 (zero) votes against, the 2021 Pastors’ Compensation Recommendation, which provides for no change in the minimum effective salary or continuing education reimbursement for 2021. (Appendix J)

o Approved by unanimous consent granting the status of Honorably Retired to Minister of the Word and Sacrament Angela Schenck, effective September 30, 2020, at her request.

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RECOGNITION OF WRITTEN REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES: LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

For Information: o Redress of Imbalance -- Under authority the presbytery granted at the May 2020 meeting, Council

agreed to invite three churches to supply one additional ruling elder each to the presbytery meetings occurring between September 2020 and May 2021, to create a better balance between ministers and ruling elders in our presbytery deliberations. The three churches that have agreed to provide the additional ruling elders are Xenia: United, Huber Heights: Faith, and Dayton: Trinity. We thank these churches for assisting in balancing the number of ministers and ruling elders at presbytery meetings. (LC, June 11, Aug. 13)

o Kirkmont Obligations – At the Trustees’ request, LC voted to request that the presbytery return to Kirkmont Center Mortgage Group, LLC, the four remaining Kirkmont mortgages the presbytery received from the Morning Sun: United church when it closed, and forgive three unsecured loans the presbytery holds for Kirkmont. (LC, Aug. 13)

o Resolution of payment amounts to Synod and General Assembly for per capita for 2021 – Trustees requested that Council consider reducing the amount presbytery would pay in 2021 for General Assembly and Synod per capita, below the amounts those councils designate for us to pay, to reflect that several churches that were open in 2019 will have departed or closed by 2021 and that presbytery resources are strained. After discussion about the merits of doing so, and a reminder that the consistent position of our presbytery in the past has been to fully honor the requests of other councils in the spirit of connectional commitment and support for their important initiatives, Council voted to commit to paying the full amounts requested from GA and Synod for 2021. (LC, Aug. 13)

o Approval of 2019 audit report and request for presbytery approval -- Having received the positive audit report for 2019 financial statements from CPA Matthew Scarr, Council voted to approve the report and ask that presbytery do the same at the September stated meeting, as required by Sec. 1.08(6)(B) of the Trustees Policy and Practice. (LC, Aug. 13)

o Approve budget guidance and maintaining Connectional Support at $40 for 2021 – Council received an overview of the proposed 2021 presbytery budget and voted to advise churches to expect a continuation of requested Connectional Support payments of $40.00 for 2021. The budget guidance is on pp. 59-61 of the advance packet. (LC, Aug. 13)

o Approve RE Diane Welborn as LC designee to the Representation and Diversity Committee. Council by a 12-0 vote reappointed RE Diane Welborn to serve as LC representative on the Representation and Diversity Committee for 2020-2021 (June 11)

o Presbytery meeting attendance – The three presbytery meetings conducted by Zoom—in May, June and August—have been evaluated and suggestions for change have been considered and often adopted. The combination of Zoom presence and livestream participation has meant that total numbers of people experiencing the meetings has often exceeded pre-Zoom attendance for both stated and special meetings.

o Brethren Disaster Ministries agreement – The presbytery signed a memorandum of understanding with Brethren Disaster Ministries permitting their shared use of the former Dayton: Memorial church building to house and support work groups involved in post-tornado and other disaster assistance programs. (LC, July 9)

o Lilly Grant Proposal – The presbytery submitted a grant proposal for church revitalization to the Lilly Foundation, to provide support for a 3-5 year program to work with congregations and pastors toward thriving. This is a competitive grant process and we should hear in the fall whether we receive the grant. (LC, June 11)

o Reopening of Presbytery – A task force of Council continues to evaluate how and when the presbytery offices might reopen more fully as the coronavirus situation changes.

o Flexibility on meeting in-person – Council is reviewing whether increasing experience with electronic meeting platforms might allow presbytery committees to welcome members who would essentially only connect virtually rather than attend meetings face-to-face when that becomes safe and possible to do.

o Redefinition of Network – The Network Support and Grants Committee has been discussing the definition of what constitutes a “Network” and how presbytery support for Networks can be aligned with the presbytery’s mission.

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o Approval of Nominations Committee motion related to waiving MWS/RE balance

requirement on certain committees -- Council considered the motion from Nominations Committee to request waiving the imbalance on the rosters of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry and Presbytery Trustees through May 2021, and after discussion adopted the motion by a vote of 11-0. (June 11)

o Stated Clerk Search – The Staff Support Committee reported that it was pleased to report that the Stated Clerk Search Committee is in the stages of final interviews and will complete the search on the targeted timeline (November 2020).

o Presbytery Meeting hosts approved – The Stated Clerk and Council reported that the following churches have committed to hosting presbytery meetings through the end of 2022, assuming that at some point the COVID-19 virus and government safety regulations permit face-to-face meetings:

o Tuesday, September 8, 2020, 3:00 p.m., Virtual Meeting via Zoom o Saturday, November 14, 2020, 9:00 a.m., at Huber Heights: Faith or Virtual (TBD soon) o Saturday, February 13, 2021, 9:00 a.m., at Dayton: Trinity o Tuesday, May 11, 2021, 3:00 p.m., at Huntsville o Tuesday, September 14, 2021, 3:00 p.m. [Presbyterian Church of Hamilton has been offered

this slot, since their September 2020 slot went virtual. They will decide at next session meeting] o Saturday, November 13, 2021, 9:00 a.m. OPEN [Tentatively reserved for Huber Heights: Faith

United if the November 2020 meeting becomes virtual] o Saturday, February 12, 2022, 9:00 a.m., at Bellefontaine: First United o Tuesday, May 10, 2022, 3:00 p.m., expected to be at home church of incoming presbytery

moderator o Tuesday, September 13, 2022, 3:00 p.m., at Farmersville: Slifers o Saturday, November 12, 2022, 9:00 a.m., at Springboro: Covenant

COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY –

o For Information: The committee noted it had enrolled a new Inquirer, Emily Knoth (Springboro: Covenant); completed processes both for Rev. Steven Schumm and CRE Gidget Collins; certified Candidate Susan Brasier Goud ready to receive a call; and continued outreach to inquirers and candidates under care.

COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY

For Information: The Committee on Ministry, on motion, took the following actions on behalf of the presbytery (date of COM action listed after each item): o Ruling Elder Cheryl (Gidget) Collins and Seven Mile—

o Revised retroactively to March 1, 2020 the approved terms of service for RE Gidget Collins at the Seven Mile Church to authorize her to preside at funerals without restriction beginning on March 1, to clarify and amend the terms approved by COM on February 25, 2020;

o Renewed the request to the presbytery Moderator to promptly call a special meeting of the presbytery to examine Ruling Elder Cheryl (Gidget) Collins on her statement of faith, call, and motive, and on her fitness for the commission at the Seven Mile Presbyterian Church, and

o Following presbytery approval in (b) above at the special meeting, approved that: ▪ the presbytery immediately proceed to hold a commissioning service pursuant to G-2.1003;

and ▪ the presbytery be invited to join the Seven Mile congregation in celebrating the

commissioning in a way and at a time to be arranged by the Seven Mile Church. (COM, May 26)

o Monroe — In light of the expected action of the Monroe congregation on Sunday, June 7 to vote to agree to the request of MWS Jeri Baker to dissolve the pastoral relationship effective June 21, 2020, the COM:

o Authorized RE Marge Morgan to moderate the June 7 congregational meeting; o If the way be clear after the congregational vote, concurred on behalf of the presbytery in the

dissolution of the pastoral relationship under Sec. 1.06(7) of the COM Policy and Practice; o Appointed MWS John Lewis to moderate the Monroe session, effective June 21, 2020; o Authorized the Stated Clerk to transfer MWS Baker to the Member at Large roll effective June 21,

2020;

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o Made plans for an exit interview with MWS Baker. (COM, May 26)

o MWS Charles (Chip) Hardwick—Following a successful interview with COM members on May 20-- o Approved receiving Minister of the Word and Sacrament Charles (Chip) Hardwick as a member of

this presbytery, effective May 26, 2020, and o Authorized the Stated Clerk to request the dismissal and transfer from Rev. Hardwick’s current

presbytery, Chicago, and enter him on the Validated Ministry roll and request that he submit a report for renewal of a Validated Ministry that is approved by COM this fall. (COM, May 26)

o Bradford: First – Renewed the part-time (14 hours per week) Commissioned Ruling Elder Covenant between Ruling Elder Mike Buker and the First Presbyterian Church in Bradford, effective June 1, 2020 through June 1, 2021. Duties: Preach and worship leadership, administer the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, perform weddings and funerals, provide pastoral care, advise and resource session and congregational committees. Serve as Moderator of session, attend meetings of the Presbytery of the Miami Valley with voice and vote. Mentoring by MWS Cliff Haddox. RE Buker’s membership is in the Dayton: Central Church. Terms: Effective Salary including housing--$11,600; Mileage and Professional Expense Reimbursement -- $1,600; Continuing Education expense reimbursement--$1,300. Vacation--4 weeks, including 4 Sundays; Continuing Education—2 weeks, including 2 Sundays. Salary terms do not meet 2020 presbytery minimum salary requirements for CREs. (COM, May 26)

o Dayton: College Hill Community – Approved the full-time Stated Supply appointment of Minister of the Word and Sacrament M. Merritt Worthen, effective July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, at the following terms, and appoint her moderator of the session: Total Effective Salary (including housing allowance) $55,000; full Board of Pension dues; SECA (up to 50%); Travel reimbursement (including auto at IRS rates) $1,000; Continuing Education reimbursement $1,220; Vacation – 4 weeks, including 4 Sundays; Continuing Education time 2 weeks, including 2 Sundays, cumulative to 4 weeks. Terms meet 2020 presbytery pastor salary and reimbursement guidelines. (COM, May 26)

o Dayton: Immanuel Korean – Authorized a team convened by COM to work with the Immanuel Korean session, along with Office of the General Assembly staff member Rev. Luke Choi who is assisting with guidance, and with the congregation in discerning key next steps. Agreed to appoint MWS Sunkyoo Park, a member of Midwest Korean American Presbytery, to moderate the session and congregational meetings, if necessary. (COM, May 26)

o Sexual Misconduct Response Taskforce – Authorized the COM liaison to the Sexual Misconduct Response Taskforce to inquire of the Taskforce leadership about the taskforce’s current activities and needs, including whether new appointments are required to fill vacancies in membership on the taskforce; and next steps on implementing the presbytery’s authorization for a special team to be created to train members of an Investigating Committee to be prepared for future sexual misconduct charges. (COM, May 26)

o Ruling Elders to serve Communion – The Committee: o Authorized RE Gidget Collins to coordinate contacting Ruling Elders who were trained in 2019 to

serve communion in their churches in the absence of a pastor to: ▪ require a report from them for review at the June 30 COM meeting detailing how many

times they have administered the Lord’s Supper and how their understanding of the Lord’s Supper has grown; and

▪ find out their willingness to continue serving the Lord’s Supper if their church remains eligible for their service.

o Extended the authority of these ruling elders trained in 2019 to serve communion until June 30, 2020, the date of the next COM meeting, rather than June 25, 2020. (COM, May 26)

o Huber Heights: Faith—Approved the recommendation of the Pastor Nominating Committee and session of the Huber Heights: Faith Presbyterian Church to enter into a part-time Stated Supply contract (30 hours per week) with the Rev. Julia Hinshaw Williamson, for the period July 8, 2020 to July 7, 2021, and appoint her to continue as moderator of the session and to administer the Sacraments, at the following terms: Effective Salary $49,202.35 (including cash salary and deferred income); no Board of Pensions dues on account of spousal coverage through the UCC; SECA up to 50%; Travel reimbursement (auto at IRS rate) $1,000; Continuing Education reimbursement $1,720; Professional Expense reimbursement $600; Vacation 4 weeks (including 4 Sundays); Continuing education 2 weeks (including 2 Sundays). Terms comply with 2020 presbytery requirements. (COM, June 30)

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o MWS Garth Adams—Approved MWS Garth Adams to labor outside the bounds of this presbytery in a

temporary pulpit supply position with the Carmel Presbyterian Church, a congregation within the bounds of the Presbytery of Cincinnati, effective November 12, 2019. (COM, June 30)

o Representation and Diversity Committee—Reaffirmed the appointment for 2020-2021 of MWS Garth Adams as the COM representative on the Representation and Diversity Committee. (COM, June 30)

o Rural Church Fund—Approved the Stated Clerk offering the 2020 proceeds from the Krebs Memorial Fund of the Presbyterian Foundation, initially set up under the now-closed Morning Sun United Presbyterian Church, to the New Carlisle: Honey Creek Church. The total annual amount is expected to be approximately $100-$120. The fund proceeds are required to be used for rural church evangelism and education. In previous years, the funds were provided to the Clifton Church (2018) and the Huntsville Church (2019). (COM, June 30)

o Candidate Susan Brasier—The Committee on Preparation for Ministry at its May meeting authorized Candidate Susan Brasier to seek a call. COM authorized the chair and vice chair of COM, together with the EP, to resolve any issues relating to the ordainability of potential calls for this candidate to expedite scheduling of a presbytery meeting to examine her for ordination, if the way be clear, between COM meetings. Any such resolution to approve the ordainability of a position would be ratified at the next COM meeting. (COM, June 30)

o Dayton: Immanuel Korean--On the advice of PCUSA staff member MWS Luke Choi who is assisting COM, approved the equivalent of the Ministry Information Form that the Immanuel Korean PNC has created and authorized Rev. Choi and the PNC to place it on appropriate pastoral search sites for pastors of Korean churches. (COM, June 30)

o Rev. Stan Gockel—Approved the following mutually agreed-on temporary alterations in the contract of Rev. Stan Gockel as interim pastor at the Springfield: Covenant Church: a ten percent reduction in salary for the months of July and August 2020, to align with similar reductions for other church staff. (COM, June 30)

o MWS Kevin Lawler—Authorized MWS Lawler to labor outside the bounds of this presbytery to perform a wedding in Cincinnati, OH in 2021. (COM, June 30)

o Board of Pensions’ representative MWS Douglas Portz--Invited Rev. Doug Portz to present information to the July COM meeting relating to new programs offered by BoP to support ministers and churches, and requested that Leadership Council invite Rev. Portz to present information to the September stated presbytery meeting. (COM, June 30)

o MWS Richard Dalton – MWS Garth Adams, following a report to COM, agreed to arrange a conversation with Rev. Richard Dalton, a minister member of Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery, who has reached out to our presbytery with information about a new violence reduction initiative in West Dayton. (COM, June 30)

o Sexual Misconduct Response Taskforce – RE Mike Buker reported on his inquiry to the Taskforce leadership about the taskforce’s current activities and needs, including the need for several new appointments to fill vacancies in membership on the taskforce; and next steps on implementing the presbytery’s authorization for a special team to be created to train members of an Investigating Committee to be prepared for future sexual misconduct charges. (COM, June 30)

o Ruling Elders authorized to preside at the Lord’s Supper – o RE Gidget Collins prepared a summary of reports submitted by Ruling Elders who were trained in

2019 to serve communion in their churches in the absence of a pastor, detailing how many times they have administered the Lord’s Supper and how their understanding of the Lord’s Supper has grown; and their willingness to continue serving the Lord’s Supper if their church remains eligible for their service. (COM, June 30)

o COM then approved extending the authority of the following ruling elders trained in 2019 to serve communion until June 29, 2021, on the same terms as COM approved on April 30 and June 25, 2019:

▪ David Wantz, The Presbyterian Church of Wilmington ▪ James Gillette, The Presbyterian Church of Wilmington ▪ Rosemary Smith, Dayton: Trinity ▪ Mary Jean Blackmon, Dayton: Trinity ▪ Alice McCollum, Dayton: Trinity ▪ Alex Bowers, Springboro: Covenant ▪ Ann Hagen, Sidney: First

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o COM determined not to extend the authority of the following ruling elders trained in 2019 to serve

communion, without prejudice to their ability to reapply to COM for such authority if the circumstances in their churches change:

▪ Sandra Kerns, Piqua: Good Shepherd ▪ Danette Shuler, Seven Mile ▪ Linda Oliver, New Carlisle: Honey Creek ▪ Jay Peterson, New Carlisle: Honey Creek ▪ Amy Cotterman, New Carlisle: Honey Creek ▪ Marilyn Perkins, New Carlisle: Honey Creek ▪ Taylor Ball, New Carlisle: Honey Creek ▪ Cindi Cook, New Carlisle: Honey Creek

o Rev. Steven Schumm—The Committee on Preparation for Ministry has been overseeing the process that, if completed, would lead to the transfer of ecclesial membership of Rev. Steven Schumm from the Mennonite Church (U.S.A.) to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) under procedures that the presbytery has approved for ministers who are not members of denominations in full communion with the PCUSA (Sec. 1.09 of the CPM Policy and Practice, approved February 2019). CPM plans a final consultation with Rev. Schumm in July prior to requesting that the presbytery schedule an examination of him to approve his transfer. In anticipation of this consultation, CPM has asked for COM to take any necessary actions in support of the examination and transfer under Sec. 1.09(7) of the CPM Policy and Practice. Therefore, COM:

o found and confirmed that Rev. Steven Schumm’s membership in the presbytery would advance the presbytery’s mission, life and work, and

o pending final CPM action to request an examination, concurred in the approval of Rev. Steven Schumm to be examined for transfer on the floor of presbytery. (COM, June 30)

o 2021 Presbytery Budget Item for COM – Approved requesting that the Trustees include $10,000 for COM Expenses in the 2021 presbytery budget to be considered and approved at the November 2020 stated presbytery meeting. [The 2020 budget amount for COM was also $10,000.] (COM, July 28)

o Rev. Kim Katterheinrich – Authorized a COM team to have a conversation with Rev. Katterheinrich concerning whether he should be authorized to serve communion upon request of the pastor at the Presbyterian Church of Hamilton, and report back for action at the August COM meeting. (COM, July 28)

o MWS Maureen Clark and MWS Andrew Clark – Voted to deny the request of MWS Maureen Clark (Scioto Valley) and MWS Andrew Clark (Ohio Valley) to transfer their memberships to this presbytery as members-at-large at this time. (COM, July 28)

o MWS Steve Merrin – Approved MWS George (Sandy) McConnel to serve as mentor to MWS Steve Merrin. (COM, July 28)

o Moderators of Session: Authorized the COM chair to appoint a moderator of the Farmersville: Slifers session, effective August 31, 2020, subject to ratification at a future COM meeting. (COM, July 28)

o Honorable Retirement for MWS Angela Schenck -- Approved requesting that the presbytery grant the status of Honorably Retired to Minister of the Word and Sacrament Angela Schenck, effective September 30, 2020, at her request. (COM, July 28)

o 2021 Pastors’ Compensation Recommendation – Approved the final draft of the 2021 Pastors’ Compensation Recommendation which provides for no change in the minimum effective salary or continuing education reimbursement for 2021, and requested that the presbytery approve this Recommendation at the September 8, 2020 stated presbytery meeting. (COM, July 28 and Aug. 25)

o Belle Center: United – Following COM review, approved the church’s draft Ministry Information Form, and authorized its placement on the CLC. (COM, Aug. 25)

o Dayton: Immanuel Korean -- Agreed to: o permit the requested neutral pulpit process on this occasion as an exception, but without an

assurance that such a process would be approved in future searches; o approve the terms of call as presented, with the exception of amending the vacation and continuing

education leave to two weeks each. (COM, Aug. 25) o MWS Robert C. Anderson – Authorized MWS Robert Anderson, an honorably retired minister member

of the Presbytery of Cincinnati, to labor within our bounds in connection with the Monroe church. (COM, Aug. 25)

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o Authority for membership transfers – Authorized the Stated Clerk, following consultation with the

COM chair, vice chair and the Executive Presbyter, to approve the transfer of current PMV minister members to other presbyteries at those presbyteries’ request, subject to ratification at the next regular COM meeting. (COM, Aug. 25)

o Clifton: United – Approved the request of the church to grant the status of Pastor Emeritus to Honorably Retired Minister of the Word and Sacrament Arbuth Conn. (COM, Aug. 25)

o Moderators of Session: Appointed the following to serve as moderators or co-moderators of sessions: o Appointed MWS Karen Cassedy and RE Gidget Collins to serve as co-moderators at Blue Ball,

effective July 1, 2020. (COM, June 30) o Ratified the COM chair’s action to appoint RE Sue Seiler to moderate at Farmersville: Slifers,

effective August 31. (COM, Aug. 25) o Pulpit Supply List—Approved the following changes to the PMV pulpit supply list: add MWS Maureen

Clark. (COM, Aug. 25) o Validated Ministries—Based upon reports submitted, approved on behalf of the presbytery for 2021 the

validated ministries beyond the jurisdiction of the church, in accordance with G-2.0503a, for the following, and authorized these ministers of the Word and Sacrament to celebrate the Lord’s Supper pursuant to Sec. 1.06(11) of the COM Policy and Practice: (COM, Aug. 25)

o Steven Ingram, Chaplaincy at Miami Valley Hospital o Christopher Martin, Chaplaincy with the U.S. Navy o Sang Un (Brian) Lee, Chaplaincy at Emory University Hospital

o Members-at-Large—Based upon reports and requests submitted, approved on behalf of the presbytery for 2021 the status of member-at-large, in accordance with G-2.0503b, for the following ministers of the Word and Sacrament: (COM, July 28 and Aug. 25)

o Karen Cassedy o Beau Brown o Denise Weaver o Melissa Tidwell o Randall Brakemeyer

ADJOURNMENT WITH CLOSING PRAYER

The meeting was adjourned with prayer by Moderator Alice McCollum at 5:02 p.m. The next Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of the Miami Valley will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2020, at 9:00 a.m., virtually by electronic means (Zoom).

Attest: Ruling Elder Larry Hollar, Stated Clerk APPENDICES:

A. Bylaw and Presbytery Policy and Practice Change to permit virtual meetings B. Memorial for Dr. Solomon Avotri and MWS Thomas Martin C. Board of Pension Changes for 2021 D. Minutes of the Administrative Commission for the Xenia Churches E. Minutes of the Administrative Commission for Dayton: Memorial F. Independent Accountant Audit Report for 2019 Financial Statements G. Reports from members of presbytery delegation to the 224th General Assembly (2020) H. 2021 Preliminary Budget Guidance to Churches I. Representation and Diversity Committee Presentation J. 2021 Pastors’ Compensation Recommendation

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October 27, 2020 Presbytery of the Miami Valley

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE PRESBYTERY OF THE MIAMI VALLEY Tuesday, October 27, 2020

VIA ZOOM

For approval at the November 14, 2020 stated presbytery meeting The meeting was convened with prayer at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2020, by Ruling Elder Alice McCollum, Presbytery Moderator. The meeting was conducted virtually by Zoom under Sec. 4.03 of the presbytery Bylaws which authorizes Electronic Meetings. The decision to meet virtually is in keeping with current governmental prohibitions on larger meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the presbytery’s desire to protect its members from the effects of the pandemic.

LEGEND: P – Present E – Excused Blank – Absent Italics – attendance recorded in more than one category

OFFICERS OF THE PRESBYTERY OF THE MIAMI VALLEY Ruling Elder Alice McCollum, Moderator P Minister of the Word and Sacrament Ben Beres, Vice Moderator Ruling Elder Bruce Saunders, Leadership Council Chair Ruling Elder Larry Hollar, Stated Clerk P Ruling Elder Kathleen Seewer, Recording Clerk P

MINISTERS OF THE WORD AND SACRAMENT ON ACTIVE ROLL Adams, Garth Allen, Todd Bain, Marciana Baker, Jeri P Baker, Richard Bartel, Lawrence P Beres, Benjamin Birdsong, Nancy Bova, Lynette P Brakemeyer, Randall Burslem, Kathleen Cassedy, Karen P Circelli, Diana Dardaganian, Brad Dennis, Ted P Dozeman, Thomas Duiker, Amy Garrigan, Carmen Haddox, Clifford

Haddox, Emily Hamilton, Susan E Helling, Michael E Hernandez, David Hess, Lisa P Hinds, Kathryn Blocher P Hodgkins, Nancy Ingram, Steven Isaacs, Michael P Kukuk, Terry P Lawler, Kevin Lawrence, Ronald Lee, Sang Un Lewis, John Linville, Deborah Maguire, Brian P Martin, Christopher McCormick, Dwight Merrin, Steven

Miller, Herbie Murphy, Kevin P Neely, John E Owens, Anna P Pelaez-Díaz, Francisco Ramsey, Thomas Rupnik, Frank Schumm, Steven Shin, Kelley Wehmeyer P Soards, Marion Sparks-Franklin, Sarah Tidwell, Melissa Tuell, Laura Nile P van Bulck, Marcel P Weaver, Denise Worthen, Merritt Young, Darryll Ziegler, Diane E

TEMPORARY MINISTER MEMBERS FROM OTHER DENOMINATIONS Gockel, Stan E Schaffnit, Daria Williamson, Julia P Whitt, Joe

HONORABLY RETIRED MINISTERS OF THE WORD AND SACRAMENT (Excused unless attendance indicated) Amidon, C. Forrest Barr, Judith Dunlap Brown, Edward Conn, Arbuth Creager, Ronald Davis-Dudding, Kay Edwards, Robert L. Evans, Michael Fleming, David L. P

Foubert, David Fulton, Robert Girbert, David A. Godfrey, Norman Graham, James Hinds, Joe. M III P Hookey, Joseph R. Horrigan, Kevin Howard, Kenneth

Kester, Gordon L. Kim, Soo Kwang McConnel, George H. McNulty, Edward Meyers, JoAnne Niece, Linda P Nowak, Jacqueline P Philips, William Righter, Richard L.

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Schenck, Angela P Sheldon, Jocelyn J. P Smith, Robert B., Jr. Sparks, W. Franklin Stewart, Donald M.

Swaim, Gerald G. Thornton, Jesse Wade, Robert P Wall, Evan Walthour, William

Warren, Patrick Yanney, William Zuercher, John

ROLL OF CHURCHES (RULING ELDERS PRESENT) BELLBROOK 1 – Aldrich, Ray P BELLE CENTER 1 – Claassen, Deb P BELLEFONTAINE 1 – BLUE BALL 1 – BRADFORD 1 –Buker, Mike (CRE) 2 – CLIFTON 1 – COLLINSVILLE 1 – COVINGTON 1 – DAYTON: BATH 1 – Lockwood, Susan P DAYTON: CENTRAL 1 – DAYTON: COLLEGE HILL 1 – DAYTON: CORINTH 1 – Zeh, Barbara P DAYTON: FAIRMONT 1 – Shearer, Lisa P DAYTON: IMMANUEL KOREAN 1 – DAYTON: MEMORIAL 1 - DAYTON: SOUTHMINSTER 1 – Fyffe, Dorothy P 2 –Gaffney, Jean P DAYTON: SUGAR CREEK 1 – Neyhouse, Barbara P

DAYTON: TRINITY 1 – Blackmon, M.J. P 2 - DAYTON: WESTMINSTER 1 – 2 – 3 – EATON: FIRST 1 – Neavin, Bradley P FAIRBORN: FIRST 1 – Gadd, Ken P FARMERSVILLE: SLIFERS 1 – HAMILTON: THE P. C. 1 – 2 – HAMILTON: WESTWOOD 1 - HUBER HEIGHTS: FAITH 1 – Grycz, Diane P 2 – Skare, Mary P HUNTSVILLE 1 – JAMESTOWN 1 – MIDDLETOWN: FIRST 1 – MIDDLETOWN: ST. LUKE 1 - MONROE 1 – NEW CARLISLE: HONEY CREEK

1 – NEW PARIS 1 – OXFORD 1 –

PIQUA: GOOD SHEPHERD 1 – PIQUA: WESTMINSTER 1 REILY 1 – RUSHSYLVANIA 1 - SEVEN MILE 1 – Collins, Gidget (CRE) P 2 -- SIDNEY: FIRST 1 – SPRINGBORO: COVENANT 1 – SPRINGFIELD: COVENANT 1 – SPRINGFIELD: NORTHMINSTER 1 – TROY: FIRST 1 – 2 – URBANA: FIRST 1 – WEST LIBERTY 1 - WILMINGTON 1 – Gillette, Jim P XENIA: UNITED 1 – 2-- YELLOW SPRINGS: FIRST 1 –

RULING ELDER MEMBERS OF PRESBYTERY

Courtney, Donna (LC) Hamilton, Kim (LC) P Hollar, Larry (SC) P McCollum, Alice (Mod) P

Meadows, Pat (RD) Morgan, Marge (COM) P Niece, Don (LC) P Saunders, Bruce (LC)

Shoemaker, Matt (LC) Welborn, Diane (LC) Woessner, Georgie (LC)

CORRESPONDING MEMBERS AND THOSE GRANTED VOICE (not otherwise registered): Seated by presbytery rule: Ruling Elder Kathleen Seewer (Recording Clerk) Seated by presbytery vote: Candidate Susan Brasier; Ruling Elder Marge Mauntler (member of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry); Rev. John Crawford and Rev. Philip Lee, members of the Presbyterian Church in Canada seated as corresponding members for this meeting. INQUIRERS AND CANDIDATES (not otherwise registered): None (Susan Brasier registered above) STAFF MEMBERS OF PRESBYTERY (not otherwise registered): None

+++++++

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October 27, 2020 Presbytery of the Miami Valley CONVENING PRAYER Ruling Elder Alice McCollum, Moderator The Moderator welcomed those joining this Zoom and livestream meeting from Canada and other

parts of the United States due to the vote and expected ordination service for Candidate Susan Brasier. REPORT OF THE STATED CLERK – Ruling Elder Larry Hollar

Preliminary Business o A quorum was declared and the Clerk announced that the roll for today’s meeting would be formed by

advance registration of presbyters and confirmation of those registered being present electronically, accomplished by observation of their faces and names on Zoom and the participants list. The confirmed attendance consisted of twenty-two (22) ministers of the Word and Sacrament, one (1) minister member from other denominations, fifteen (15) ruling elder commissioners (representing twelve (12) congregations), and five (5) ruling elder members of presbytery: forty-three (43) voting members. Also present and not otherwise registered was one (1) corresponding member seated by presbytery rule and four (4) seated by presbytery vote, and zero (0) presbytery staff members. Including duplicate categories, total registered attendance of forty-eight (48).

o The Clerk declared the meeting properly called under the presbytery Bylaws by notice issued on October 14, 2020. The Clerk noted that only those matters specified in the call of the meeting may be considered today. In this case, the docket consists of motions relating to the examination and approval of Candidate Susan Marie Brasier for ordination as a minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). If the vote on Motion 2 is for approval, the presbytery will at the Moderator’s motion move immediately into the service of ordination. Without objection, the docket was adopted.

o The Clerk explained the special processes for this meeting by Zoom and provided an orientation to the various Zoom features that presbyters would be required to use during the meeting. Assistance was offered to anyone having trouble navigating their devices through the Zoom Chat function. A practice meeting was offered the day before this special meeting for anyone wishing to learn what was required electronically on their devices.

o The Clerk moved the following omnibus motion, which was seconded and adopted by unanimous consent: o Approve five requests for excuses from ministers received prior to the beginning of this meeting. o If the way be clear, that the following persons be offered the privilege of voice but not vote during

the upcoming meeting: RE Marge Mauntler, a member of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, and Candidate Susan Brasier. For the worship service to follow, if the way be clear, that the following have voice to allow their participation in the service: Candidate Susan Brasier, and Rev. John Crawford and Rev. Philip Lee, both ministers in the Presbyterian Church in Canada and to be seated as corresponding members.

o That the presbytery, in lieu of both an appointed Administrative Commission and a printed order of worship, authorize, if the way be clear following approval of Motion 2, the following elements of the Order of Worship be adopted: a recorded call to worship and music by Tom Goud; to offer the Prayer of Approach, Rev. John Crawford; to present Scripture and to preach, Rev. Brian Maguire; to ask the constitutional questions of the candidate, the Prayer and the Declaration of Ordination, Moderator Alice McCollum; to present the charge to the newly ordained, Rev. Philip Lee; to offer the final blessing, the newly ordained Rev. Susan Brasier; and for the service and the special meeting to be adjourned following that final blessing.

COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY – Minister of the Word and Sacrament Michael Isaacs, chair On behalf of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry (CPM) and the Committee on Ministry (COM), the CPM chair presented the following rationale for the motions the committees offer today: Rationale of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry: Susan Brasier enrolled with our Committee on the Preparation of Ministry in 2015. As a part of her preparation for ministry, she completed an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary (compulsory coursework from the committee included Hebrew, Greek, Presbyterian polity, Presbyterian worship and sacraments, exegesis, reformed theology, as well as field education in a congregational setting), completed a Clinical Pastoral Education program in Canada, and successfully passed ordination examinations in polity, theology, exegesis and worship sacraments. At the end of the process she could clearly articulate to us her sense of call, a personal faith, an understanding of the church, a plan for on-going professional development, and a deepening sense of self-awareness.

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Following the successful completion of the aforementioned process, the Committee on Preparation for Ministry prayerfully discerned in May 2020 that Susan Brasier was ready to receive a call as a Minister of Word and Sacrament. The Committee now requests that the presbytery examine and approve her for ordination.

Rationale of the Committee on Ministry: In assessing Candidate Susan Brasier’s readiness for examination and ordination, the Committee on Ministry has:

1. At the request of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, concurred in Candidate Susan Brasier being examined for ordination by the presbytery and, if approved, to be enrolled as a member of this presbytery; and

2. Found that the position of Stated Supply Ministry with the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Canada for which the Candidate has been approved to serve by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, is a suitably ordainable position in a denomination in relationship with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and that the salary and benefits terms are adequate. (September 29, 2020)

+++++++++++++++ Based on these findings of both committees, the Committee on Preparation for Ministry offered the following

motion:

Motion 1: That the presbytery examine Candidate Susan Brasier for Ordination as a minister of the Word and

Sacrament pursuant to G-2.07 of the Book of Order and of Section 1.02 of the Committee on Preparation for

Ministry Policy and Practice.

Following opportunity for discussion, the presbytery adopted the motion by unanimous consent.

Candidate Susan Brasier then orally presented her Statement of Faith (Appendix A). Presbyters were then invited

to examine the Candidate by asking questions on the Statement of Faith or other materials Candidate Susan Brasier

prepared and the committee provided as background: Brief Summary of Call Experience (Appendix B) and

Biographical Background (Appendix C). After the Stated Clerk explained the process for identifying those desiring

to ask questions, six presbyters asked questions and Candidate Brasier responded. The Moderator then declared

the examination concluded. Candidate Brasier was removed from the meeting to a Zoom waiting room.

The CPM chair, Rev. Isaacs, then offered the following motion on behalf of the committees.

Motion 2: That the Presbytery of the Miami Valley:

a) approve the ordination of Candidate Susan Brasier as a minister of the Word and Sacrament in the

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) under G-2.0502 and G-3.0301c, and authorize the presbytery to organize and carry

out a service of ordination under G-2.0703 and W-4.04.; and

b) authorize the Stated Clerk to enter Rev. Susan Brasier’s name on the rolls of this presbytery as a minister of

the Word and Sacrament upon completion of the service of ordination. (Motion 2 requires a majority vote of

presbytery)

The opportunity for discussion occurred on Motion 2. When no further presbyters wished to speak, closed the

discussion and presented Motion 2 for electronic Yes/No vote via Zoom. The vote was 38 votes in favor of the

motion and 0 (zero) votes opposed. So Motion 2 was adopted.

Candidate Brasier was returned to the main Zoom room to applause as the Moderator announced the favorable vote. The Moderator prayed for the church and its life, and in gratitude for Susan and her call to serve. The Candidate expressed words of gratitude and anticipation. The Moderator, at 3:18 pm, announced that, at the request of the Candidate and with the concurrence of the presbytery Moderator, the presbytery without objection would enter into a Service of Worship for the purpose of ordaining Candidate Susan Brasier as a minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). October 27, 2020 Presbytery of the Miami Valley

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While moving directly into a service of ordination after a presbytery vote is somewhat unusual, the Moderator noted that the Candidate now works in ministry and resides in Canada and will be there for an unknown period of time given the pandemic. In addition, proceeding directly to ordination will facilitate her being accepted as a minister in full standing with the PC(USA) by the denomination of her current congregation where she is serving in New Brunswick, the Presbyterian Church in Canada. The Order of Service to Ordain Susan Brasier as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament was carried out as follows. Portions were presented in recorded format and other parts were presented live on Zoom: --Welcome to worship by Moderator McCollum [Live] --Recorded call to worship --Music from Tom Goud --Prayer of Approach by Rev. John Crawford [Live] --Recorded Scripture and Sermon by Rev. Brian Maguire --Recorded Music from Fairmont Presbyterian Church choir --Moderator announced that the Offering today, by mailed check or online gift, will be used by the Committee on Preparation for Ministry of the Presbytery of Miami Valley, to assist women and men in their preparation for ministry [Live] --Statement on Ordination by Moderator McCollum [Live] --Constitutional Questions by Moderator McCollum and Candidate Susan Brasier [Live]—see below --Prayer of Ordination by Moderator McCollum; laying on of hands done by literal raised hands of presbyters visible on Zoom and by the Candidate donning a cape with symbolic hands on it [Live] --Declaration of Ordination by Moderator McCollum; Symbolic Welcome by Presbyters [Live] --Charge to the Newly Ordained by Rev. Philip Lee [Live] --Moderator invited the Newly Ordained Rev. Susan Brasier to offer a Blessing to Conclude the Worship and Presbytery Meeting [Live] --Blessing for the Presbytery by Rev. Susan Brasier [Live] --Adjournment and Next Meeting Announcement by Moderator McCollum [Live] During the service, the Moderator asked Candidate Susan Brasier the Constitutional Questions appropriate for ministers of the Word and Sacrament from the Book of Order, and they were all answered in the affirmative. The moderator then prayed and invited the laying on of hands, and following that announced that Candidate Susan Brasier was ordained by this presbytery as a minister of the Word and Sacrament and would be entered on the rolls of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). The presbytery warmly greeted the newly ordained. ADJOURNMENT WITH CLOSING PRAYER

The meeting was adjourned with prayer by Rev. Susan Brasier at 4:02 pm. The next Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of the Miami Valley will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2020, at 9:00 a.m., via Virtual Electronic Means (Zoom).

Attest: Ruling Elder Larry Hollar, Stated Clerk APPENDICES:

A. Statement of Faith—Candidate Susan Brasier B. Brief Summary of Call Experience—Candidate Susan Brasier C. Biographical Background Provided by Candidate Susan Brasier

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MINUTES OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION

FOR THE DAYTON: MEMORIAL CHURCH

Meeting of September 14, 2020

The Presbytery of the Miami Valley’s Administrative Commission for the Dayton: Memorial Presbyterian Church (AC) met via Zoom meeting on September 14, 2020. Members in attendance were MWS Amy Duiker, chair; RE Cindi Cook; RE Gordon Neumann, clerk; RE Charles Chamberlain; MWS Ed McNulty was unable to attend. Meeting commenced at 7:02pm with prayer by Amy Duiker *Note the minutes of the meeting from August 10, were approved via email Old Business:

Items to sell, give Hymnals – chipping away The robes are gone. Pastor’s office books, etc. need to get some pictures and make them available via Facebook Marketplace or free to pick up.

Financial records 18 boxes/bags were shredded. There is still some more that can be shredded. Waiting on findings regarding evidence that MPC did indeed pay off their grants/loans with the GA aka National Board of Missions from the 1940’s.

PILP findings While going through all the various church documents to identify what to keep for 7 years, what to send to Presbytery Historical Society, and what should be shredded, a copy of a letter that was sent to Program Agency in NY, NY in 1986 speaks to a payment of $3,000 on the grant number 78 and 99 with intent to continue same payments each year till paid off. Further review of the annual financial records showed MPC did pay off the loans in 1988. The clerk will get scans of this information for further discussions with PILP

Taxes Filing tax forms for 2020 was done. Still trying to get feedback from the state. Member address directory for member letter – letter was sent. Status of 2020 Contribution letters sent - The letters will be sent out this week. Public notices for Debts and Dissolution of corporation needs to be submitted to the paper

The date of dissolution will be the November 14 at 9am. Work with Larry Hollar on this. The clerk will submit them a week apart towards the end of October; suggested date is October 26, 2020.

Inviting the past members of MPC to the presbytery Zoom meeting in lieu of final worship service to honor the church and its rebirth

Session and financial records transferred to presbytery The fear is this could fall through the cracks as there will be personnel change in November for the stated clerk. The clerk will move the boxes to the location presbytery stores similar records.

Copy of the deed to presbytery Trustees; transfer title to PMV Charlie to Touch base with Brian Sharp on how to do this.

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Parcel ID Owner Parcel Location R72 15103 0009 PRESBYTERIAN MEMORIAL 1541 S SMITHVILLE RD R72 15103 0011 PRESBYTERIAN MEMORIAL 1541 S SMITHVILLE RD R72 15103 0013 PRESBYTERIAN MEMORIAL 1555 S SMITHVILLE RD R72 15103 0019 PRESBYTERIAN MEMORIAL FAUVER AVE (access to street) R72 15103 0041 PRESBYTERIAN MEMORIAL 1567 S SMITHVILLE RD

Current church signage

After dissolution the Memorial Presbyterian Church won’t exist. Will need to see what the presbytery wants to do with the sign. Amy to touch base with Terry. Gordon to get pictures of various occurrences of Memorial Presbyterian church signs

Dissolution by action of presbytery at regular stated meeting Looking to occur at the November 14, 2020 meeting.

Final report of actions – Request an example from Stated Clerk. Gordon to start writing and get additional items from others.

AC minutes submitted to Stated Clerk – this has been on going. New Business: Next meeting: September 28, 2020 (suggestion) AC to set an October 19, 2020 to vote on recommendation to presbytery for dissolution of Memorial Presbyterian Church. It is expected that we should be able wrap up everything by that date. Meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm Gordon Neumann, Clerk

++++++++++++++

Meeting of September 28, 2020 The Presbytery of the Miami Valley’s Administrative Commission for Dayton: Memorial Presbyterian Church (AC) met via Zoom meeting on September 28, 2020. Members in attendance are MWS Amy Duiker, chair; RE Cindi Cook; RE Gordon Neumann, clerk; RE Charles Chamberlain; MWS Ed McNulty was unable to attend. Meeting commenced at 7:02pm with prayer by Amy Duiker *Motion to approve the minutes of the meeting from September 14, 2020, with corrected typos: 2nd, passed. Old Business:

Terry Kukuk wants us to get to the point that we can be done but not go forward with the dissolution. If we dissolve the church, then presbytery would then be on the clock regarding the status of the corporation and the state. This way presbytery can continue searching for spiritual ministry use of the building. PDA has not moved from their current location. All that is in the building are the Brethren Disaster Team. Presbytery is in conversation with some people for further use of the building.

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Presbytery is taking over what is in the Pastor’s office books, etc.; need to get some pictures and make them available via Facebook Marketplace or free to pick up.

Financial records

18 boxes/bags were shredded. There are at least 3 more boxes that can be shredded. Waiting on findings regarding evidence that MPC did indeed pay off their grants/loans with the GA aka National Board of Missions from the 1940’s.

PILP findings Email was sent to request the payments received pertaining to MPC’s loans/grants.

Taxes State says it was paid but trying to get it in writing is not occurring. Status of 2020 Contribution letters - The letters were sent out. Public notices for Debts and Dissolution of corporation needs to be submitted to the paper

We are on hold for the moment to see if this needs to occur or not till a further understanding on when we vote to dissolve the church.

Session and financial records transferred to presbytery will occur by the time we finish our work. Copy of the deed to presbytery Trustees; transfer title to PMV

Contacted Brian Sharp, asking for details to transfer the title(s). We are currently waiting for the information.

Current church signage

Terry Kukuk has not looked at the signage. It appears to be a lower priority at the moment. Terry seems to think this will be presbytery to resolve.

Final report of actions – awaiting an example of the Final Report. New Business: Next meeting: Try to get someone from presbytery to join our next meeting in order to get an idea of what all needs to be done for this AC team. Perhaps October 5 or 12, 2020. Meeting adjourned at 7:41 pm. Gordon Neumann, Clerk

++++++++++++++

Meeting of October 5, 2020 The Presbytery of the Miami Valley’s Administrative Commission for Memorial Presbyterian Church of Dayton (AC) met via Zoom meeting on October 5, 2020. Members in attendance are MWS Amy Duiker, chair; RE Cindi Cook; RE Gordon Neumann, clerk; RE Charles Chamberlain; MWS Ed McNulty. Larry Hollar. Presbytery Stated Clerk. Meeting commenced at 7:01pm with prayer by Amy Duiker Last meeting it was noted that presbytery wanted us to delay dissolving Memorial Presbyterian Church. This meeting is to seek clarity from Larry Hollar. Items 1-4 and 8 (roman numbers) AC task list from December 2008 completed

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Still to do is the outstanding grant/loan with PILP, transfer of title, issue public notices, handing off records to Stated Clerk of the presbytery

1. What can we still complete from our list of tasks and what, if anything needs to be left undone until the very end? We are thinking the public notices in the paper would be one of those things. Need to hand back the authority to presbytery who will actually dissolve the church along with the public notices.

2. What kind of timeline are we talking about in holding off on the dissolution? How does that play out practically – what actions do we and/or presbytery take or not take to accomplish the goal correctly? With COVID, opportunities of finding usage of the building in a spiritual sense is taking longer than might be happen. By delaying the dissolution presbytery would be able to find spiritual usage of the building and grounds.

3. Time of final report can be filed anytime; it will be picked up at the next stated presbytery meeting.

4. Signage - Presbytery to address in due course? There is a listing of church times that should be whited out somehow. It will be done when appropriate.

5. Property titles do need to be transferred prior to the end of this administrative commission, correct? The thinking is this needs to happen while we exist. We may need legal help in this area. Brian Sharp was going to get in touch with Fidelity Lawyers Title to transfer the property to presbytery. The question is the timing of dissolution and the title transfer. We need an understanding of how the state of Ohio would view the existence of a church but not have a place to worship. Would this action trigger the countdown clock of presbytery addressing the status of the building not being used as a place of worship. Larry Hollar will get with Brian to ask about the tax side of what is going on regarding the building.

6. We need an understanding who will be addressing the items in the pastor's office. Will work with Brethren team and EP Terry Kukuk putting things in motion to clean up the office.

7. AC will re-locate the financial boxes in the pastor's office to the location that other defunct church's documents currently live. Need to get a list of all the current members and hand them off to presbytery.

8. Bills are still in MPC names. It was an understanding that it was quite involved to establish a name change and create necessary new accounts at this time, especially with the presbytery office manager leaving.

9. Furniture in the church did get sold in the parking lot sale. Other items were kept because this is still a church. What is left needs to stay.

10. PILP had to dig deeper into their records since MPC says we paid it off in the 1980’s. If they still can’t confirm payment in full after we sent our findings, then it will be presented to a group that would make judgment call of whether it was paid in full or not.

Meeting adjourned at 7:54 pm. Next meeting will be scheduled when appropriate. In the meantime, updates will be communicated via email. Gordon Neumann, Clerk

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MINUTES OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION FOR THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF NEW PARIS

October 25, 2020

The Presbytery of the Miami Valley’s Administrative Commission (AC) for the New Paris Church met via Zoom beginning at 12:30 pm. Members participating were Jennifer Gray, Kathy McCreary, Lawrence Bartel, Jocelyn Sheldon. After opening in prayer, Jenny Gray (chair) updated the members of the AC on developments since the meeting on October 12. Following the summary, Jenny Gray moved that the AC:

● Ratify the action of dissolving the Presbyterian Church of New Paris effective July 31, 2020;

● Authorize the Stated Clerk of the presbytery to report this ecclesial dissolution as of that date to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.);

● In consultation with the Presbytery Trustees and Church Registered Agent Linda Taggart, authorize the Stated Clerk to determine the appropriate time and process to cease the active corporate business status of the church with the State of Ohio;

● Report the above actions to the presbytery in the minutes of this AC meeting to be published in the packets for the Nov. 14, 2020 presbytery meeting.

The motion was seconded by Lawrence Bartel. After further discussion, the motion was unanimously approved. The AC then discussed next steps in the process. Financial Review After a conversation with the New Paris Church Treasurer, Cindy Hoffman, Lawrence will follow up with Linda Taggart and Larry Hollar to obtain the financial records for review. Acknowledgement of 2020 Contributions Linda Taggart functioned as Financial Secretary, depositing the Sunday morning offering. Cindy will follow up with Linda to clarify if any financial gifts made to the New Paris Church in 2020 may be tracked and acknowledged as a contribution this year. Access to Church, Safe, and Church Records Jenny will contact Larry Hollar to ascertain if the church was re-keyed and safe opened on Friday, October 23 as well as additional church records obtained. A motion to adjourn was approved and the meeting concluded at 1:05 with prayer. Respectfully submitted, Lawrence H. Bartel, Clerk

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NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE November 14, 2020

For Action: Move the election of Presbytery Committee Members and Synod Representatives

(nomination materials will be in the Supplemental Packet)

For Action: The Nominations Committee, on behalf of the Stated Clerk Search Committee and

with the affirmation of the Leadership Council, moves the following:

Motion 1: That the presbytery examine Minister of the Word and Sacrament Lynette H.

(Lynn) Bova, a minister member of this presbytery, concerning her Statement of Call (pp.

35-36) and her fitness and readiness to serve in the position of Stated Clerk for this

presbytery (see also p. 36);

Motion 2: Following completion of the above examination, that the presbytery:

(a) Elect the Rev. Lynette H (Lynn) Bova to the position of Stated Clerk of this presbytery

for a term of three years pursuant to Section 1.04 of the PMV Policy and Practice, with

the term to begin upon installation to the office on November 14, 2020, at the terms

of call listed below;

(b) Upon approval of these terms of call by adoption of this motion, the terms be included

in the 2021 presbytery budget to be considered later in this meeting, and as approved

be recorded in the minutes of this meeting as the action of this council to establish the

housing allowance and other compensation recorded in the terms;

(c) Approve the office of Stated Clerk as a validated ministry beyond the jurisdiction of

the church under G-2.0503a, without a requirement for the Clerk to submit annual

reports to the Committee on Ministry because of the regular oversight of the Staff

Support Committee;

(d) Elect the members of the Stated Clerk Search Committee present on this Zoom

meeting to sign the call papers;

(e) Express deep gratitude to the Stated Clerk Search Committee for its diligent work to

present a candidate for election, and dissolve the Search Committee at the conclusion

of its work with the presbytery’s heartfelt thanks.

Stated Clerk Terms of Call for Rev. Lynette H. Bova

Effective Salary: $53,000 (including cash salary of $24,200, housing allowance of

$25,000, supplemental medical expense reimbursement of $2,000, and deferred

compensation of $1,800)

Estimated Board of Pensions Dues: $19,610

SECA reimbursement (up to 50% only): $4,054.50

Professional Expense reimbursement (including auto at IRS rates): $5,000

Continuing Education Expense Reimbursement: $2,200

Moving Expenses: Up to $7,500

Annual Vacation Leave: 4 weeks

Annual Continuing Education Leave: 2 weeks

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STATED CLERK SEARCH COMMITTEE REPORT

OCTOBER 8, 2020

The Stated Clerk Search Committee is pleased to recommend Minister of the Word and

Sacrament Lynette H. (Lynn) Bova for the position of Stated Clerk of the Presbytery

of the Miami Valley. The Leadership Council has affirmed this choice.

Rev. Lynn Bova has a great understanding of the mission and vision of this presbytery. The

committee knows she will bring her many gifts and talents to the job. Having started out as an

elementary teacher and then moving into Christian education, Lynn is very excited about the

teaching and equipping component of the job description for the Stated Clerk. In addition, she

is known as a “polity geek,” is a certified conflict mediator trained through the Lombard Training

Program, and has strong communication, collaboration, adaptability, and organizational skills.

Rev. Bova currently serves as Interim Pastor at the Belle Center United Presbyterian Church and

is a member of the Committee on Ministry, a position from which she will resign if elected Stated

Clerk. Her extensive experience includes serving in Maumee Valley Presbytery as Interim

Presbyter, Presbytery Moderator, Moderator of the Committee on Ministry, and member of an

Administrative Commission, as well as many other positions at the congregational and mid-

council level. Rev. Bova’s references provided stellar recommendations of her character and job

performance.

The Search Committee’s process began with posting the job in early July on the Presbytery of the

Miami Valley website and distributing the job posting to surrounding presbytery and synod

networks. Information was circulated through the Association of Mid-Council Leaders with a

special emphasis on the presbyteries in the Synod of the Covenant and two presbyteries in the

Synod of Lincoln Trails. Additionally, the Center for Congregations and the Louisville, Dubuque,

Pittsburgh and Payne Theological seminaries were contacted. Initial information was received

from the applicants and subsequently they submitted answers to a series of supplemental

questions. Then, each applicant participated in two Zoom interviews with the members of the

Search Committee. Upon evaluation, it was very clear that Rev. Lynn Bova’s skills and experience

make her the ideal candidate for the job of Stated Clerk.

The Stated Clerk Search Committee is confident that Rev. Lynn Bova will do an outstanding job

as Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of the Miami Valley.

Members of the Search Committee:

Rev. Judith Barr Rev. Terry Kukuk

Ruling Elder John Ey Ruling Elder Sherry Webb

Ruling Elder Kim Hamilton Rev. Diane Ziegler, Committee Chair

Ruling Elder Tyra Jackson

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STATEMENT OF CALL

MINISTER OF THE WORD AND SACRAMENT LYNN BOVA

The Presbytery of the Miami Valley’s Stated Clerk job description was one that jumped out at me

but that I set aside because I wasn’t sure I was called to be a stated clerk. To be honest, I had

never considered being a stated clerk until I read this job description and then a couple of people

suggested, without prompt, that I might be a good fit. That is almost always a sign that I should

be listening for God’s word to me about a call. And so, I listened for God’s direction and believe

that I do have the traits and skills you have described and will be a good fit.

The emphasis on collaboration and education was exciting and a new vision for this type of

position in this Presbytery. I believe that it is important work for this century as we face new

challenges in the church. The Presbytery’s Mission and Vision statements are indicative of the

times in which we live. The questions that are being asked and the current work of the PMV are

vital as we live into new and relevant ways of being the church in the future. I am excited,

honored, and humbled to be a part of that future.

As the church moves forward, finding balance between the new adaptive changes taking place

and continuing to honor the tradition and order we currently have will be key. This position

offers that challenge of how to collaborate on new ways to be the church and yet respect our

heritage. In particular, I love that you recognize that the Stated Clerk should not be the “No”

person but, instead, the person who helps identify ways to work within the system and yet find

adaptive ways to do things differently. To not be expected to quote chapter and verse from

Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised is also refreshing!

I have been faithfully working with congregations in transition for a number of years and find it

to be both rewarding and challenging. Congregations need to be able to identify their assets and

challenges and be lifted up and affirmed for the wonderful ministry they already do even as they

seek new direction. The new challenge is not just helping churches to survive but to empower

them to thrive. It is about listening to them and helping them determine God’s call for their

future as the Church of Jesus Christ. There is no one-size-fits-all future for congregations or

presbyteries. Equipping them to know how to move forward is a part of this call that is appealing.

I would like to share a bit of my story and how I came to this place and time. A long time ago, I

was called to serve a church in a part time CE position that grew into a full time position. I was

challenged to go back to school and complete a Masters in Christian Education. During the

course of those studies, I found myself being encouraged to examine my sense of call. Program

and Polity was one of my favorite classes in seminary. When the time came to do my Field Based

Learning, a friend suggested that I consider doing something at the Presbytery level because I

seemed to have a call to serve there. She pointed out my love of serving on the Committee on

Ministry and my conflict mediation skills as evidence. Another friend said, “Ask your General

Presbyter if you could do your internship with her because she will say yes” and I was set on a

new course of action. My family strongly affirmed this new direction also. One son exclaimed,

“Well, it is about time!” and the other said, “This sounds like a perfect fit for you.” My husband

said, “Go for it!” And so I did my internship in Maumee Valley Presbytery. After that, I was

challenged to consider if I might be called to be a transitional pastor and found that I was also

gifted in that area and pursued my ordination.

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One way that I know God is nudging me to consider a different call is when I start waking up in

the middle of the night – 4:15 a.m. to be exact! That has been happening recently. Also, two

Scripture passages have appeared repeatedly in my life; first is the Isaiah 43:19 passage, “I am

about to do a new thing, it is about to spring forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in

the wilderness…” and the other is Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be

transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God…”

These have helped me form and transform my thinking about the future, about my call and about

new directions for the church. They have been appearing frequently of late. As I have been

prayerfully considering this call, I feel a strong sense of God in the mix, which I find exciting.

A SUMMARY OF MINISTRY AND EXPERIENCE

MINISTER OF THE WORD AND SACRAMENT LYNN BOVA

Rev. Lynette (Lynn) Bova has been nominated for the position of Stated Clerk in the Presbytery of Miami Valley. Lynn is currently serving as the Interim Pastor for Belle Center United Presbyterian Church. She has served as the Interim Temporary Presbyter for Common Life (aka GP) in the Maumee Valley Presbytery as well as has been Moderator in 2016, Moderator of the Committee on Ministry and also held the position of Administrative Consultant for Transformation for Maumee Valley Presbytery. She has served on the Committee on Ministry in this presbytery since shortly after arriving. Lynn graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree

in Elementary Education from Waynesburg College (University), a small Presbyterian school in Southwestern Pennsylvania. She earned her Master of Arts in Christian Education (MACE) in the Extended Campus Program at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Va. She received the Malcolm and Mildred McIver Scholarship given to a MACE student who has strong leadership qualities and a deep commitment to educational ministry and the Inaugural Presidential Leadership Award for a graduating student’s exceptional contributions to the life, work, and mission of the Union Presbyterian Seminary community during the time of their studies. Having fulfilled the requirements to become an ordained teaching elder, she was ordained on July 2, 2017, in Maumee Valley Presbytery. She has completed coach training through Auburn Theological Seminary in New York with a focus on working with leaders and teams in transition. She has also completed two weeks of interim/transitional training, interim executive training, conflict resolution training, and has participated in a variety of other continuing education opportunities particularly in the areas of family systems, change theory, and transition. She and her husband, Dennis, reside in Perrysburg, OH with an eye to moving to the Dayton area soon. They have two adult sons; Ian, who sails on historic tall ships, most recently on the Niagara as head cook, and Andrew, who recently completed his PhD in Music: Competitive Scottish Bagpipe Repertoire from 1947-2015: Convention, Change, and Innovation, at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow, UK.

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LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

November 14, 2020

For Action:

1. Approval of 2021 Presbytery Budget and Terms of Call for Executive Presbyter – On behalf of the Presbytery Trustees and the Leadership Council, move the approval of the 2021 Presbytery Budget (pp. 39-41) with information provided in the Budget Explanatory Comments (pp. 42-43). Approval of the budget would mean the following payments from each congregation to the presbytery in 2021:

a. $40.00 per active member (calculated as of end of year 2019—see p. 44 for church memberships) for Presbytery Connectional Support;

b. $8.98 per active member for General Assembly Per Capita; c. $3.25 per active member for Synod Per Capita

By adoption of the 2021 budget, the presbytery will be deemed to approve the following terms of call for Minister of the Word and Sacrament Terry Kukuk as Executive Presbyter for 2021 for inclusion in the meeting minutes:

Cash Salary $52,993.13 Housing Allowance $18,000.00

SECA Allowance $5,889.97 BoP Pension/Disability $7,699.31 BoP Medical Expenses $20,788.15 Supplemental Medical $6,000.00 Professional Expenses Reimbursement $9,000.00 Continuing Education Reimbursement $3,000.00

Terms of call for the Stated Clerk will have been approved in the

motion to elect the Stated Clerk earlier in this meeting.

For Information:

1. Prayers for Unity and Healing Breakout Session The presbytery will be doing something a little different this month. We will be breaking into

small groups for about 15 minutes to offer prayers for unity and healing. When it is time to break

into groups you will automatically be placed in a room with some others from the presbytery

meeting. You may see a screen that looks like this:

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Once you are in your small group, we invite you to name areas where you see a need for unity

and healing (our families, our congregations, our local government, our schools, the church

universal, the country, the world, etc.) We encourage you to invite the Holy Spirit to sustain you,

to unite and heal all those you are lifting up in prayer and to give you a sense of hope. When the

time is coming to a close, you should see a message telling that the breakout session is almost

over.

When the time has ended you should automatically be returned to the main room for the

remainder of the meeting. Be patient, sometimes it takes a few minutes to reconnect to the main

room! If for some reason, you don’t get back to the main meeting, just use the original link to

rejoin the main presbytery meeting.

2. Today’s Offering: For the Offering during today’s meeting, the presbytery encourages you to donate to Bread for

the World, the faith-based advocacy movement that seeks justice for hungry people at home and

abroad by speaking out to our nation’s decision-makers in an effective, nonpartisan way. The

PC(USA) is one of Bread’s long-time ecumenical partners. Our retiring Stated Clerk, Larry

Hollar, spent nearly 30 years on the Bread for the World staff before joining the presbytery as

Clerk. You may donate securely online at https://www.bread.org/make-donation or, if you

prefer a tax deductible gift, you can support Bread for the World Institute, which provides

nonpartisan policy analysis on hunger and strategies to end it, at https://www.bread.org/about-

bread-world-institute.


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Proposed 2021 PMV Budget—For Presbytery Approval

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THE PRESBYTERY OF THE MIAMI VALLEY 2021 PROPOSED BUDGET EXPLANATORY COMMENTS

(Note: The order of the statistical information below follows the sequence of the proposed 2021 presbytery budget presented on pp. 39-41.) Background:

The 2021 budget reflects the work being done to more fully live into our mission to prepare, equip, nurture, and connect congregations in their ministries for God’s mission. 2020 brought staffing changes intended to push more resources directly back to congregations and pastors. The Stated Clerk role has been expanded to include more hours devoted to offering support through collaboration, training, and guidance as we live more fully into God’s mission. The 2021 budget also represents the challenge of being the Church of Jesus Christ in a time of declining resources, a pandemic, and layers of upheaval on social and political levels. The draw from reserves for 2021 is larger than expected. We are grateful for those reserves which remind us of the faithfulness of God in providing us with resources to move courageously into an unknown future. We are confident that God is still moving among us and through us. In 2021 we expect to see the ways in which God will surprise us, doing far more than we could ever imagine.

Revenues:

1. As the total number of active members in the presbytery declines (from 7803 in 2017 to 7509 in 2018 and to 7264 in 2019 as reported in the Annual Statistical Report), so too does the revenue from Presbytery Connectional Support. Even though 2019 Connectional Support was a record year, receiving 92% of budget, the average amount actually received in past years has averaged 85% of budget. To build a reasonable 2021 budget knowing the current economic conditions with the worldwide pandemic and how it is affecting our congregations and our current budget, the 2021 Connectional Support is budgeted at 75% of apportioned revenue. In doing this, we are encouraging congregations that are financially strong to give beyond their apportioned amount to help sustain those churches that are struggling.

2. In 2020 the new line item 401.104 Minister of Word and Sacrament Support was

added and our minister members have been very generous in supporting their congregation—the presbytery. Therefore the budget of $4,000 reflects an average of $40 per active and Honorably Retired member of the presbytery.

3. The Brethren Service Center is currently using the old Memorial Church building as its

headquarters while doing reconstruction work in the Dayton area, and is paying rent amounting to an annual $14,400 in additional income. This amount is in anticipation of covering the expenses of maintaining the building.

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4. The Harvest Christian Fellowship loan is now the only remaining loan. The Oakland/Springfield (People’s Baptist) loan ($192,661) was paid off in 2020 and the Kirkmont mortgages and loans were forgiven.

5. Since expenses are expected to exceed revenues, the draw from the reserves in the amount

of $109,526 represents 30% of our budget and is not a long-term sustainable amount. The market performance of our reserves cannot be guaranteed for the future. In recent times, the sale of buildings of churches that have closed in our presbytery has provided income that cannot be counted on in the future.

Expenditures:

1. The Leadership Council has approved a 1.5% increase in salary for the Executive Presbyter for 2021. The Board of Pensions payments (line 501.103 and 104) have been increased in line with the salary increase and other benefits adjustment.

2. The approval of this 2021 presbytery budget will be deemed approval for the terms of call specified on p. 37 pf this packet for Minister of the Word and Sacrament Terry Kukuk as Executive Presbyter for 2021, and shall be included in the official minutes of this meeting.

3. The approval of this 2021 presbytery budget, and the earlier vote to elect the new Stated Clerk, will be deemed approval for the terms of call specified on p. 33 of this packet for Minister of the Word and Sacrament Lynette (Lynn) Bova as Stated Clerk for the Presbytery of the Miami Valley for 2021, and shall be included in the official minutes of this meeting.

4. The Staff Support Committee is still working on the other support positions. Funding for the other positions will be adjusted at a later date.

5. The employer FICA line has decreased because the Presbytery does not pay FICA on the Executive Presbyter and Stated Clerk as ordained ministers.

6. Telephone expense is higher than 2020 budget due to including telephone, internet and telecommunications for meetings.

7. The Audit line item is less because in 2021 there will be a review of the finances instead of a full audit.

8. Insurance is more because of adding new properties (churches that have closed). 9. Memorial building Expense (501.406) is offset by the income from the Brethren Service

Center rent. 10. Line item 501.455 varies based on the amount of per capita received from congregations.

General Assembly per capita for 2021 is increasing $0.03 over the 2020 level to $8.98 per active member, and Synod per capita remains at $3.25 per active member. Annually some PMV congregations have not paid the full per capita amounts, yet the presbytery has committed for many years to pay the full amount to General Assembly and Synod as a sign of our relationship to the councils of the Church. This line represents our estimate of the shortfall in congregational per capita giving in 2021. We strongly encourage every congregation to meet its entire per capita responsibilities, since not doing so distances us from the support these higher councils provide and depletes the presbytery's reserves.

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Location Church Name End Total

Bellbrook Bellbrook 57

Belle Center United 75

Bellefontaine First United 269

Blue Ball Blue Ball 26

Bradford First 19

Clifton Clifton 118

Collinsville Collinsville 36

Covington Covington 56

Dayton Bath 42

Dayton Central 128

Dayton College Hill

Community

132

Dayton Corinth 100

Dayton Fairmont 361

Dayton Immanuel Korean 50

Dayton Memorial 80

Dayton Southminster 410

Dayton Sugar Creek 235

Dayton Trinity 89

Dayton Westminster 1020

Eaton First 252

Fairborn First 111

Farmersville Slifers 138

Hamilton PC of Hamilton 491

Hamilton Westwood 42

Huber Heights Faith 73

Huntsville Huntsville 104

Jamestown Jamestown 65

Middletown First 352

Middletown St Luke 34

Monroe Monroe 35

New Carlisle Honey Creek 57

New Paris PC in New Paris 9

Oxford Oxford 318

Piqua Good Shepherd 17

Piqua Westminster 142

Reily Reily 40

Rushsylvania Rushsylvania United 17

Seven Mile Seven Mile 30

Sidney First 77

Springboro Covenant 125

Springfield Covenant 293

Springfield Northminster 138

Troy First 313

Urbana First 192

West Liberty West Liberty 22

Wilmington Wilmington 170

Xenia Westminster 56

Xenia Xenia United 189

Yellow Springs First 59

Totals 7264

Church Memberships Year-End 2019

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COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY

November 14, 2020

For Information: The Committee on Ministry, on motion, took the following actions on

behalf of the presbytery (date of COM action listed after each item):

o MWS Kevin Murphy – Approved the action of the session of the Xenia: United Presbyterian Church to renew the full-time interim pastor appointment of MWS Kevin Murphy for the period from September 1, 2020 through September 1, 2021, at the following terms, and continued his appointment as moderator of the session: Effective Salary $70,600, including cash salary, housing allowance and deferred income; full Board of Pensions dues and dental coverage; SECA up to 50%; travel reimbursement (auto at IRS rate) $2,000; continuing education reimbursement $3,000; professional expense reimbursement $2,000; Vacation 4 weeks (including 4 Sundays); Continuing education 2 weeks (including 2 Sundays). Terms comply with 2021 presbytery requirements. (COM, Sept. 29)

o Ratification of minister transfers – Pursuant to authority that COM granted in August 2020, ratified the action of the COM chair, vice chair and Executive Presbyter to authorize the Stated Clerk to dismiss and release MWS Beau Brown at the request of Whitewater Valley, effective 8/26/2020, and MWS Erin Kobs at the request of Kiskiminetas, effective 9/13/2020. (COM, Sept. 29)

o Rev. Kim Katterheinrich – Following discussion with Rev. Katterheinrich concerning the possibility of his presiding at communion at the Hamilton church, COM approved the decision not to authorize Rev. Katterheinrich to preside at communion at this time because he is not currently in good standing as a minister with any denomination or faith tradition. (COM, Sept. 29)

o Installation Service for MWS Anna Owens – Took note of the expected virtual installation service tentatively planned for the afternoon of Sunday, November 8, to install MWS Anna Owens as associate pastor at the Dayton: Westminster Church; authorize the COM chair to approve Administrative Commission members subject to COM ratification at its October meeting; and authorize the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, at the discretion of the associate pastor. (COM, Sept. 29)

o Moderators of Session: Appointed the following to serve as moderators or co-moderators of sessions:

a. Ratified the COM chair’s action to appoint MWS Bob Wade to moderate at Dayton: Corinth, effective October 12, 2020 (COM, Sept. 29)

o Irwin Roberts – Authorized Ruling Elder Irwin Roberts (Dayton: Sugar Creek), a former commissioned ruling elder in this presbytery, to preside at the Lord’s Supper at the Clifton: United Church, effective immediately, when requested by the session and in the absence of a minister of the Word and Sacrament. This authority extends to that church and that sacrament only. (COM, Sept. 29)

o Pulpit Supply List—Following subcommittee review, took note of the following changes to the PMV pulpit supply list: Remove MWS Garth Adams, MWS Erin Kobs, and RE Larry Hollar, at their request. (COM, Sept. 29)

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o Validated Ministries—Based upon reports submitted, approved on behalf of the presbytery for 2021 the validated ministries beyond the jurisdiction of the church, in accordance with G-2.0503a, for the following, and authorized these ministers of the Word and Sacrament to celebrate the Lord’s Supper pursuant to Sec. 1.06(11) of the COM Policy and Practice (COM, Sept. 29):

o Garth Adams, Chaplain, Kettering Medical Center o Kathleen Burslem, Chaplain, OhioHealth o Thomas Dozeman, Professor of Hebrew Bible, United Theological

Seminary, Dayton, OH o Carmen Garrigan, Pastoral Care Manager, Missionary Air Group, North

Carolina o Sue Hamilton, Pastoral Affiliate for Congregational Care, Dayton:

Westminster Presbyterian Church o Charles (Chip) Hardwick, Interim Executive, Synod of the Covenant o Lisa Hess, Professor of Practical Theology, United Theological Seminary,

Dayton, OH o Marion Soards, Professor New Testament, Louisville Presbyterian

Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY o Members-at-Large—Based upon reports and requests submitted, approved on

behalf of the presbytery for 2021 the status of member-at-large, in accordance with G-2.0503b, for the following (COM, Sept. 29):

a. Marciana Bain b. Jeri Baker c. Brad Dardaganian d. David Hernandez e. Kevin Lawler f. Ronald Lawrence g. Francisco Peláez-Díaz

o Springfield: Covenant – Authorized the Springfield: Covenant Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) to request that the session call a congregational meeting for the purpose of acting on a report of the PNC to propose the election of MWS Darcy Metcalfe to serve as full-time pastor, beginning on January 1, 2021, at the following terms: Effective Salary $62,500 (including salary and housing allowance); full moving costs, full Board of Pensions dues; SECA up to 50%; Travel reimbursement (Auto @ IRS rates) $1,500; Continuing Education reimbursement $3,000; Professional Expense reimbursement $1,000; Vacation 4 weeks (including 4 Sundays); Continuing Education 2 weeks (including 2 Sundays); 1 Week Vacation & 1 Sunday to Present and Defend Dissertation. These terms meet 2021 PMV requirements. (COM, Sept. 29)

o MWS Lisa Hess – Approved the request of the session and pastors of the Dayton: Fairmont Presbyterian Church that COM approve Rev. Dr. Lisa Hess as parish affiliate/parish associate at Fairmont Presbyterian Church, without remuneration, commencing October 1, 2020, under Sec. 1.19 of the COM Policy and Practice. (COM, Sept. 29)

o Pastoral Affiliates – Authorized the pastoral care subcommittee to ascertain the number of current pastoral affiliate relationships in the presbytery and inquire into their status, under the COM oversight responsibilities of Sec. 1.19 of the COM Policy and Practice. (COM, Sept. 29)

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o Monroe— Approved the concept of the ministry approach brought by the group from Monroe and authorized them to make appropriate changes to the Ministry Information Form(s) that the Executive Presbyter, COM chair and vice chair and member Sue Seiler could approve on behalf of COM. Noted that the Executive Presbyter would undertake appropriate background checks of candidates for those positions. (COM, Sept. 29)

o Retirement for MWS Darryll Young – Approved requesting that the presbytery grant the status of retired to Minister of the Word and Sacrament Darryll Young and designate him as honorably retired as prescribed by the Book of Order (G-2.0503c), effective November 14, 2020, at his request. (COM, Sept. 29)

o Retirement for MWS Deborah Linville – Approved requesting that the presbytery grant the status of retired to Minister of the Word and Sacrament Deborah Linville and designate her as honorably retired as prescribed by the Book of Order (G-2.0503c), effective November 14, 2020, at her request. (COM, Sept. 29)

o MWS Andrew Gerhart – Having received notice from the assistant stated clerk of the Midwest EPC presbytery that MWS Andrew Gerhart has requested that his ordination credentials be transferred from the Presbytery of the Miami Valley to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church’s Presbytery of the Midwest, with action docketed for the EPC presbytery’s Stated Meeting on October 9, 2020, authorized our Stated Clerk to communicate to Rev. Gerhart and to the EPC presbytery that our tradition is not to transfer PMV members to the EPC but to consider that they have renounced the jurisdiction of the PC(USA) under G-2.0509 of the Book of Order either by receipt of a renouncing letter from the minister to our Stated Clerk or by action of the EPC to receive him into membership. (COM, Sept. 29)

o Candidate Susan Brasier – As a result of the Presbytery of New Brunswick’s approval on September 23 of her appointment to serve as lay missionary with specialized training (a stated supply ministry position) at the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Fredericton, New Brunswick:

o ratified the decision of the COM chair, vice chair and Executive Presbyter to declare the stated supply ministry position at St. Andrew’s an ordainable position under authority that COM granted on June 30;

o approved the terms of the full-time stated supply ministry position as follows: Annual Stipend and Housing allowance $47,700; travel expenses up to $350 per month; five weeks vacation per year; health and dental benefits according to PCC plan; continuing education allowance according to regulations;

o requested that the PMV Moderator, if needed, call a special meeting of presbytery to be conducted via Zoom or other electronic means to examine and approve Susan Brasier for ordination to this position, and assuming approval, to schedule an ordination service at an appropriate time;

o authorized the Stated Clerk to communicate to the Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC) this presbytery’s affirmation of Susan’s readiness to receive a call and this presbytery’s endorsement of her application for reception into the PCC, pending the results of the examination in (b). (COM, Sept. 29)

o Overture to the 225th General Assembly – Approved drafting to begin so the presbytery may move forward at the appropriate time to approve a revised Overture to amend the Book of Order regarding the term “Honorably Retired,” the revisions to take into account comments received on the previous Overture PMV submitted to the 224th General Assembly (see the text of the Overture and the Advisory Committee on the Constitution comments on it at https://www.pc-biz.org/#/committee/3000077/business). (COM, Sept. 29)

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o Prayer List – Approved sending a request to Leadership Council to expand the numbers of ministers, staff and officers of the presbytery lifted up on the periodic prayer list that the presbytery issues, and to explore the possibility of having prayer concerns raised at presbytery meetings. (COM, Sept. 29)

o CRE Gidget Collins and Seven Mile—Approved requesting that the presbytery approve, pursuant to G-2.1001, the term of three years for the Commissioned Ruling Elder commission for CRE Cheryl (Gidget) Collins with the Seven Mile United Presbyterian Church, with the beginning of such term retroactive to June 10, 2020, the date of presbytery approval of her commission. The Committee on Ministry, on behalf of the presbytery, shall review the commission annually. (COM, Oct. 27)

o Seven Mile – Approved the part-time (20 hours per week) Commissioned Ruling Elder Covenant between Ruling Elder Cheryl (Gidget) Collins and the Seven Mile Presbyterian Church, effective January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021, which shall include the following duties: Preaching and worship leadership, administer the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, perform weddings and funerals, provide pastoral care, advise and resource session and congregational committees. Serve as Moderator of session, attend meetings of the Presbytery of the Miami Valley with voice and vote. Mentoring by MWS John Lewis; RE Collins’s membership is in the Dayton: Bath Church. Terms: Effective Salary including housing--$29,000; Professional expense reimbursement including mileage at IRS rate--$500; Continuing Education expense reimbursement-- $1,220; Vacation--4 weeks, including 4 Sundays; Continuing Education—2 weeks, including 2 Sundays. Salary terms meet presbytery requirements for CREs for 2021. (COM, Oct. 27)

o MWS Lynn Bova--Approved the following actions of the session of the Belle Center: United Presbyterian Church:

a. extended the current interim pastoral contract of MWS Lynn Bova from October 31, 2020 to November 15, 2020;

b. continued an amended interim pastor appointment of MWS Lynn Bova beginning on November 16, 2020 on a month-to-month basis, so long as both parties agree, for part-time (10 hours per week) interim pastor services at the following monthly terms, and continued her appointment as moderator of the session: Cash Salary $1,500; SECA above 50% of $115; contribution to 403b in lieu of Board of Pensions contribution $150; SECA up to 50% of $115; travel reimbursement (auto at IRS rate) $400; continuing education reimbursement $102; professional expense reimbursement $125. Annual Vacation 4 weeks (including 4 Sundays); Annual Continuing education 2 weeks (including 2 Sundays). Pastor pays rent for use of manse of $500 monthly. Terms comply with 2021 presbytery requirements. (COM, Oct. 27)

o Installation Service for MWS Anna Owens – Ratified the following names for the Administrative Commission for the installation service on Sunday, November 8, at 3:00 pm by Zoom/livestream to install MWS Anna Owens as associate pastor of the Dayton: Westminster Church: RE and presbytery Moderator Alice McCollum (to moderate the AC); RE Gene Saunders (Dayton: Westminster); MWS Jackie Nowak; MWS Terry Kukuk. (COM, Oct. 27)

o MWS Darcy Metcalfe—Authorized the Stated Clerk to request the transfer of Rev. Metcalfe from the appropriate presbytery. (COM, Oct. 27)

o Waiver of session term limits for Dayton: Trinity and Dayton: Central officers – As requested by letters from these churches citing coronavirus limitations, asked that the presbytery grant under G-2.0404 a temporary waiver, for not to exceed one year, in the term limits for the session and deacons to permit current officers who

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were in the class of 2020 to continue to serve in an “acting” class of 2023 during the year 2021, to be replaced as soon as feasible by a class of 2023 duly elected by the congregation. (COM, Oct. 27)

o Validated Ministries—Based upon reports submitted or other information, approved on behalf of the presbytery for 2021 the validated ministries beyond the jurisdiction of the church, in accordance with G-2.0503a, for the following, and authorized these ministers of the Word and Sacrament to celebrate the Lord’s Supper under Sec. 1.06(11) of the COM Policy and Practice:

a. Susan Brasier, to the stated supply ministry position at the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, a church of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, and authorized her to labor outside the bounds of this presbytery in a position as Pastor Serving Another Denomination.

b. Lynn Bova, to the position of Stated Clerk of this presbytery if elected on November 14, 2020, without requiring her to submit annual reports to COM because of the regular oversight of the Staff Support Committee. (COM, Oct. 27)

2. MWS Andrew Gerhart – Noted that Rev. Gerhart was removed from the PMV minister rolls effective October 9, 2020 by action of the Midwest Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church to accept him into membership on that date, and by a subsequent letter from Rev. Gerhart renouncing the jurisdiction of the PC(USA) under G-2.0509 of the Book of Order. (COM, Oct. 27)


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COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY

November 14, 2020

For information: The Committee has continued monthly reports on contacts with Inquirers,

Candidates and CCEs, including ways to support those under care in their course and

examination work.

At its September 17, 2020 meeting, the committee chair, MWS Michael Isaacs, outlined

areas of outreach for the committee, including initiating contact with potential candidates for

the Commissioned Ruling Elder preparation process and potential inquirers for the process for

ordination as a minister of the Word and Sacrament.

At its October 15 meeting, the committee briefly discussed the changing shape of

ministry, and noted that it will be exploring that topic further as it works with incoming

Inquirers. The committee also elected Minister of the Word and Sacrament Kevin Murphy and

Ruling Elder Marge Mauntler to serve as ordination exam readers in 2021.


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