NORTH CENTRAL PRESBYTERY

of the

CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Minister  Roll Feb. 21, 2004
Name Opening Final
Aros, Jeremias A A
Axton, Durant P P
Barnett, Rudolph EX EX
Bender, Richard A A
Blevins, Ralph P P
Brown, Rosalie EX EX
Compton, Marcia ex ex
Corwin, Thomas A A
Craig, Robert A. EX EX
Dallwig, Roger EX EX
Furr, Wayne A A
Gross, Dan ex ex
Gross, Ronald P P
Harris, Rodney A Letter out
Jerrell, A. P. P P
Korb, Leon C. EX EX
Lovelace, John G. EX EX
McCain, Sr., Terence R. EX EX
Montoya, Eduardo P P
Nichols, Oscar Lee P P
Oliveira, José A A
Parman, David P P
Patterson, Jerry A A
Pedigo, Russell P P
Richards, Carroll R. P P
Rolman, Jr., W. L. P P
Shirley, Betty L. EX EX
Small, Kevin P P
Smith, Albert J. P P
Springer, Robert J. EX EX
Suenram, Timothy D. A A
Topar, Shirley A A
Wallace, Andrew A A
Watkins, Robert ex ex
Wood, Kevin ex ex

Probationer Roll Feb. 21, 2004
Name Opening Final
Bunting, Geoff (Lic) A A
Gates, J. B. (Lic) ex ex
Yarce, Janeth (Lic) P P

French, Hershel (Can) A A
Gifford, Jimmy (Can) A A
Gruen, Eric (Can) A A
McDuffee, J. C. (Can) A A
Synder, Chet (Can) A A

Church Roll Feb. 21, 2004
Church Delegate Opening Final
Albion A A
Bethany Tom McReynolds P P
Burnt Prairie A A
Campground A A
Casey Mary Gard P P
Chandler A A
Christ A A
Cumb. Chapel Ron Huffman P P
Ebenezer A A
Elm River A A
Fairfield Bob Owen P P
Faith A A
Fullerton A A
Georgetown A A
Good Prospect Don Groves P P
Grace A A
Hanover Park Lydia Zorilla P P
Hebron A A
Knights Chapel A A
Lebanon North A A
Lebanon South A A
Lincoln, 1st A A
Monroe City A A
Morningside Clara Hubbard P P
Mt. Gilead A A
Mt. Olivet A A
Mt. Oval A A
New Hope A A
New Providence Don Thompson P P
Oak Grove A A
Petersburg A A
Pleasant Grove Donnie Bailey P P
Shiloh Anna Ruth Long P P
Shinar Sue Strause P P
Spring Hill Stanley Kline P P
Union North A A
United A A
Village A A
Warren, 1st A A
Willow Creek A A
 

MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OF NORTH CENTRAL PRESBYTERY
April 2, 2004
AFTERNOON SESSION, April 2, 2004 1:30 p.m. CST

Dr. Robert Watkins, the retiring moderator opened the Worship Service with prayer. The congregation sang “Give of Your Best to the Master” accompanied by June Gross at the piano. After thanking the presbytery for the pleasure of serving as moderator for the past year, Dr. Watkins read 2 Timothy 2:15, from Romans 12 and spoke on “Raising the Bar Just a Little Bit Higher” about how each of us should try our hardest to do the best job we can. He closed with prayer.

The welcome and announcements for the host church were given by Elder Donnie Bailey.

Dr. Watkins called the meeting to order. After a sign-in roll call the clerk declared a quorum present. The Constituting Prayer was given by Rev. Ralph Blevins.

Rev. Eduardo Montoya was elected Moderator by acclamation. Rev. Ralph Blevins was elected Vice Moderator by acclamation.

The program was adopted as printed.

Recognition of Visitors: Stated Supply of Casey Church, Rev. Gene Southard, was introduced. He is a member of the Southern Baptist denomination. Mr. Bill Ulrey, Lay Speaker at Pleasant Grove was also introduced. Rev. Southard was seated as an advisory member.

The Moderator called Recess for the appointment of Committees.

The Moderator called Recess out. The following were appointed to the select Committee on Overtures, Resolutions & Excuses: Rev. Kevin Wood, Chr., Rev. Kevin Small, Elders Rita Vaught, Stephen Hughes and Randy Smith.

Communications:
The Treasurer's Report was read, marked "B" and placed on file. A letter from Eugene Leslie the stated clerk of Synod of the Midwest was read announcing the meeting on April 24, 2004 at Morningside in Evansville. Letters regarding Faith Church will be held and read when the issue is presented to presbytery with presbytery's permission. Excuses were referred to the Committee on Overtures, Resolutions and Excuses.

Board and Standing Committee Reports:

The Report of the Board of Christian Education was read, concurred in, its recommendation adopted, marked "C" and placed on file.

The Report of the Nominating Committee was accepted, its recommendations adopted, marked "D" and placed on file. There being no other nominations, the nominees were elected by acclamation.

The Report of the Board of Finance and Trustees was read and accepted, marked "E" and placed on file.

The Report of the Committee on Pastoral Care was read and accepted, marked "F" and placed on file.

The Report of the Heritage Committee was read and accepted, marked "G" and placed on file.

The Report Number One of the Board of Missions was read, concurred in, its recommendations adopted, marked "H" and placed on file.

The Report Number One of the Committee on Ministry was read, concurred in, its recommendation adopted, marked "I" and placed on file.

The Report of the Session Records Committee was read and accepted, marked "J" and placed on file.

The Report of the Committee on Theology and Social Relations was read and accepted, marked "K" and placed on file.

The Moderator called Recess for committee work.

The Moderator called Recess out.

On motion the program was changed to consider the Faith Commission Report. The report of the Faith Church Commission was distributed. Communications from Jeff Zschernig, Violet McCain, Denise Todd, Kathy Kirouac, Ken Todd, Michael Kirouac and Jessica Todd, members of Faith Church were read. Copies of letters from Jeff Zschernig, Kenneth & Loretta Everett and Charlotte McMacken were distributed. A motion to receive the report and deny the recommendations was made. Debate on the motion ensued. At five o'clock the moderator called for the orders of the day and informed presbytery that this item of business will be resumed in the morning. Bro. Bill Ulrey gave the blessing for the evening meal.

The Moderator called recess for dinner after prayer.

EVENING SESSION, April 2, 2004
7:00 p.m.

After the introit played by Debbie Shanks, the Moderator opened the worship service. The congregation sang “The Love of God” after which Rev. Montoya led in prayer. Donnie Bailey sang “O What a Friend” and “There's No Other Lovelier Name than Jesus.” CP Women's Ministry officer Rita Vaught told about the Children's Home program “Model for Parenting and Family Intervention.” Lucy Becker, June Gross, Nancy Gordon and Sarah McCawley received the offering of $343.00. After reading from Matthew 18:1-6, Dr. Carroll Richards spoke on “Through the Eyes of Children.” We should all try to see Jesus with the unjaded eyes of children. Rev. Ronald Gross led the Sacrament of Communion after reading I Corinthians 11:23-25 and consecrating the elements. Assisting him were Elders Donnie Bailey, Ramona Williams, Terry Gordon, and Sue Strause. Rev. Montoya closed with prayer and recessed presbytery until Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m.


MORNING SESSION, April 3, 2004
8:30 a.m.

The Devotional was opened with the congregation singing “There's Something About That Name” accompanied by Debbie Shanks on the piano. After introducing himself, Candidate Eric Gruen read Mark 11:22-24. After prayer he spoke on “Ask and You Shall Receive.” He closed with prayer.

The Heritage Report on Lebanon North, Fairfield IL, was given by Leo Doty.

Debbie Shanks gave the Stewardship Report on “Being Stewards of Discernment” based on Joel 2:28-29. She spoke about Gideon, David and Jesus and their use of discernment in their lives. If churches helped people find people's talents and use them as He wants them used what kind of amazing things might happen. She then talked about “Touch the Future the Discernment Process”. If we are willing to listen to God and are willing to carry out His plans as he gave them to us we have no limits. Then a workshop was led by Vision Enabler Roy Shanks to put discernment into practice.
The Moderator called a recess.

The Moderator called recess out and called the meeting to order.

Dr. Ronald Fleming of Missouri Presbytery was introduced and seated as an advisory member.

The clerk called the roll and declared a quorum present. The minutes to date were approved as amended.

Report Number Two of the Committee on Ministry was read, concurred in, its recommendation adopted, marked "L" and placed on file.

Report Number Two of the Board of Missions was read, concurred in, its recommendation adopted, marked "M" and placed on file.

Debate on the Faith Commission Report motion to receive the report and deny the recommendation was resumed. A substitute motion “That the report of the Faith Commission be received; and, that the recommendations be deleted on the condition that Dr. Ron Fleming be employed to work with the commission and Faith CPC, subject to the terms of his original proposal included as Attachment B of the Faith Commission Report” was made and approved. The report was approved as amended, marked "N" and placed on file. The Commission will meet with Dr. Fleming and the Faith church representatives before close of presbytery.

The Report of the Committee on Overtures, Resolutions and Excuses was read. On motion it was decided by presbytery to amend the report to include the names of those unexcused in the report and for the clerk to send letters to them. The report was accepted as amended, its recommendation adopted, marked "O" and placed on file.

A Memorial Committee for Fall Presbytery was appointed by the Moderator consisting of Rev. Ronald Gross, Rev. David Parman and Elder Rita Vaught.

The committee to review standing rules was appointed per Recommendation 3 of the Nominating Committee Report: Rev. Wm. Rolman, convener, Rev. Carroll Richards, Rev. Dan Gross, Nancy Gordon, Tom McReynolds, Randy Hooper and Ron Huffman.

Prayer cards for the Hopson's, missionaries to Uganda, were passed out.

The Moderator called recess for lunch after offering a blessing for the meal.
AFTERNOON SESSION, April 3, 2004
1:00 p.m.

The Moderator called the meeting to order.

Joyce Lovelace is in the hospital at Owensboro, KY with a heart condition and a request was made for presbytery to remember her in prayer. Dr. Fleming addressed the presbytery and expressed his desire to help the members of Faith Church and the presbytery and asked for prayers for himself and Faith Church.

Over the lunch hour the Faith Church Commission met with the Faith CPC session delegate, another elder from Faith and Dr. Fleming. The Faith Church session will make a decision in the next two weeks as to whether to proceed at the direction of presbytery. The Faith Church session will notify the commission of their decision.

The minutes were approved as read.

The final roll was called and a quorum was declared present.

Dr Watkins prayed the closing prayer.

The meeting was adjourned to meet October 8, 2004 at 1:30 p.m. CDT with the United CPC in Norris City, Illinois
 

APPENDIX B

2003 TREASURER'S REPORT

Balance on Hand 1/1/2003 $10,257.57
I. Synodic Budget $1,230.20
II. Board of Christian Education $10,375.65
Camps $6,579.23
Christian Education Conference $0.00
Convocation $1,300.00
CPYC/Triennium Scholarships $690.00
Insurance $1,553.00
Medical Expenses $44.62
Misc. Expenses $208.80
Young Adult Conference $0.00
Young Adult Retreat $0.00
III. Stated Clerk's Fund $3,546.00
Office Expense $800.00
Printing of the Minutes $1,200.00
Salary $1,500.00
Stated Clerks' Conference $46.00
IV. Presbyterial Fund $17,849.53
Board Meeting Expense $3,719.35
Commissioners to General Assembly $3,308.35
Host Church to Presbytery $1,028.00
Memorials $0.00
Miscellaneous Expense $3,100.11
Office Expense $946.92
Recording Clerk's Salary $400.00
Scholarships $3,846.80
Treasurer's Salary $1,500.00
V. Board of Missions $4,022.80
Appalachian Broadcasting $300.00
Coalition for Appalachian Ministries $300.00
Miscellaneous $600.00
Denominational Missions Conference $187.80
Urbana Youth Missions Conference $2,635.00
VI. Committee on the Ministry $1,163.32
VII. Board of Finance $0.00
VIII. Committee on Theology/Social Concerns $80.00
IX. Committee on Pastoral Care $1,646.72
X. Nominating Committee $0.00
XI. Heritage Committee $500.00
Historical Foundation $500.00
Miscellaneous Expense $0.00
XII. Health and LTD Insurance $9,643.13
Health Insurance $7,938.87
Long Term Disability Insurance $1,704.26
XIII. Committee on Session Records $22.20
Transfer to Cash Management Fund $10,000.00

Total 2003 Expenses $60,079.55

Total 2003 Income $62,320.09

Balance on Hand 12/31/2003 $12,498.11

CASH MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS

North Central Presbytery - bal. 1/1/2003 $228,757.15
Interest earned in 2003 $7,839.00
Transfer from checking $30,000.00
Balance on 12/31/2003 * $266,596.15
* Includes $124,421.18 of Faith CPC funds

Hanover Park - balance on 1/1/2003 $52,081.97
Interest earned in 2003 $1,650.87
Balance on 12/31/2003 $53,732.84

Niner Fund - balance on 1/1/2003 $1,803.76
Interest earned in 2003 $57.51
Balance on 12/31/2003 $1,861.27

Respectfully submitted, Debra Shanks, Treasurer

2003 CONGREGATIONAL GIVING

Church 2003 Giving 2003 Apportionment

Albion $0.00 $365.34
Bethany 3466.70 3466.70
Burnt Prairie 921.36 921.36
Campground 0.00 561.52
Casey 0.00 947.84
Chandler 6157.64 6157.60
Christ 831.36 1621.90
Cumberland Chapel 598.12 598.12
Ebenezer $1728.00 $1841.67
Elm River 1926.94 1926.94
Evansville First 3319.08 2702.06
Fairfield 8522.32 8522.65
Faith 1384.16 1384.16
Fullerton 1534.07 1534.07
Georgetown 2438.68 2438.68
Good Prospect 4795.92 4180.16
Grace 1274.80 1274.80
Hebron 0.00 487.32
Knight's Chapel 60.00 1337.59
Lebanon North 2370.73 2370.73
Lebanon South 300.00 304.31
Lincoln First 2325.32 2340.63
Monroe City 600.00 920.53
Morningside 3634.72 3172.51
Mt. Gilead 687.65 687.65
Mt. Olivet 575.84 752.64
Mt. Oval 200.00 203.42
New Hope 1908.22 1662.68
New Providence 0.00 1036.14
Oak Grove 364.21 364.12
Petersburg 0.00 318.73
Pleasant Grove 1352.88 1352.88
Shiloh 1269.12 1665.16
Shinar 1369.20 908.20
Spring Hill 0.00 440.21
Union North 300.00 798.54
United 2405.01 2232.56
Village 732.29 732.29
Warren First 488.00 487.87
Willow Creek 2477.75 2477.75

APPENDIX C
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
TO: North Central Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in session with the Pleasant Grove C. P. Church, Annapolis IL April 2-3, 2004

The Board of Christian Education met on February 21, 2004, with the following members present: Kevin Small; Carol Byers; Kim Wheeler; Clara Hubbard; Anna Ruth Long; Kim Seeber; Peck (Durant) Axton; and Matt Wallace, Youth Moderator. Excuses were received and accepted by: Gwen Barnett to attend the CP Young Adult Conference; Rev. Dan Gross as his congregation began the 40 Days of the Purpose Driven Life; and from Adam McReynolds.

The meeting opened with prayer by Anna Ruth Long. Elections of officers were Rev. Kevin Small, Chairperson and Kim Wheeler, Secretary.

Gwen sent a request for financial assistance to cover expenses to attend the Young Adult Conference. Motion was made and approved to support Gwen with $150 from the budgeted funds.

Matt Wallace gave a report on the 2003 Fall Convocation sharing that Ben Pottorff was the speaker and praise and worship was lead by Herschel French, Jimmy Gifford, Mark Shreve and himself. The theme was "Relationships with God and Others."

Other reports of upcoming Christian Education Events:
A. 2004 Spring Convocation, March 5-7, 2004, will be held in Fairfield, Illinois.
B. Camp Directors' Conference, March 11-13, 2004, Memphis, Tennessee: Encourage camp directors and those interested in youth to attend. Budget for next year attendance.
C. Jr./Jr. Hi Camp, June 27-July 2, 2004, Brush Creek Camp, Xenia, Illinois. Co-Directors – Margaret Allison and Rev. Rusty Pedigo. Jr. youth will study "Thy Will Be Done" Lord's Prayer and the Jr. Hi will study "Pre-Teen Choices – Book #2."
D. NCPYC (BKK), July 25-31, 2004, Camp Epworth, Louisville, Illinois. Theme is "Complete in Him", scripture from Colossians 2:10.
E. CPYC-NaCoMe Campground, Tennessee, July 4-9, 2004. Bonnie Jean Smith of Virginia, Illinois is the youth delegate.
F. Triennium, July 20-25, 2004, Purdue University, W Lafayette, Indiana. Nathan Brendal and Mark Shreve of Fairfield, Illinois are the youth delegates with Rusty Johnson the alternate. Theme is "No Longer Strangers", scripture from Ephesians 2:14-19.
G. 2004 Fall Convocation, November 5-7, 2004, is scheduled to be at Brush Creek Camp – Xenia, Illinois.
H. Christian Education Conference, November 9-12, 2004, delegates to be determined.
Other business discussed was with regard to consultants available to teach and how are we utilizing the Christian education to encourage growth in our congregations and youth.

RECOMMENDATION: That all pastors and sessions encourage the youth of their congregations to enhance their knowledge of the Cumberland Presbyterian ministries by sending a youth representative (8th grade or above) to attend presbytery meetings.

Respectfully submitted, Kim Wheeler, Secretary

APPENDIX D
REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE
TO: North Central Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in session with the Pleasant Grove C. P. Church, Annapolis IL April 2-3, 2004
The committee met at Willow Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church on February 21, 2004. Those present were Gail Fessenbeck and Nancy Gordon. A quorum was present.
Resignations were received from Dr. Rev. T. Suenram (Committee on Ministry), Rev. R. Harris (Board of Missions), Rhonda Brown (Nominating Committee), and Gary Green (Board of Finance).
RECOMMENDATION 1: That these resignations be accepted.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That the following persons be placed in nomination for the responsibilities and terms as indicated.
Committee on Ministry (‘05-1) – Lydia Zorrilla
Board of Missions (‘07-1) – Jerry Pataki
Nominating Committee (‘07-1) – Sara McCawley
Board of Finance (‘06-1) – Jerry Neidigh
Adult Advisor to the Board of Christian Education – (‘07-1) – Kathleen Fischer
RECOMMENDATION 3: We respectfully request that a committee be formed to include the Stated Clerk, one member of the Nominating Committee, two pastors, and three elders for the purpose of reviewing the Standing Rules, number of board and committee members, number of boards and committees, and board and committees' purpose. We ask that a brief description of each board and committee's duties be included in order that the Nominating Committee can clearly apprise those requested to serve on boards and committees with an understanding of their duties, purpose, and commitment.
RECOMMENDATION 4: That presbytery meet with First C. P. Church in Lincoln IL in the fall of 2005.
Respectfully submitted: Gail Fessenbeck, Nancy Gordon

APPENDIX E
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF FINANCE AND TRUSTEES
TO: North Central Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in session with the Pleasant Grove C. P. Church, Annapolis IL April 2-3, 2004

The Board of Finance and Trustees met on February 21, 2004 at the Willow Creek CP Church. Present were Terry Gordon, Ron Huffman, Bob Owen, Donnie Bailey, Albert Becker, Mike Sander, and Debbie Shanks. Gary Green and Don Findley were excused and Beverly Bencher was absent.
Ron Huffman opened the meeting with prayer.
The following officers were elected: Terry Gordon, Chairman; Ron Huffman, Vice-Chairman; and Debbie Shanks, Secretary.
Debbie Shanks had been contacted by Church Mutual Insurance, in regards to increasing the liability coverage for the presbytery and its officers. By unanimous vote, we will add Directors, Officers, and Trustees Liability, and a Liability Umbrella to the presbytery's insurance policy.
Anne Nicholson spoke to the board about the work she has been doing at Evansville First Church since their official closing on December 24, 2003. In appreciation for her work, the board approved giving Anne a check for $250.
The chairman named two auditing committees: to audit the books of the Stated Clerk, Terry Gordon and Debbie Shanks; to audit the books of the presbyterial Treasurer, Bob Owen, Mike Sander, Albert Becker, Donnie Bailey, and Ron Huffman. Both committees reported that the books were in excellent order and were in balance.
Bob Owen closed the meeting with prayer.

Respectfully submitted, Debbie Shanks, Secretary

APPENDIX F
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PASTORAL CARE
TO: North Central Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in session with the Pleasant Grove C. P. Church, Annapolis IL April 2-3, 2004
The committee met on Feb. 21, 2004 at the Willow Creek Church. Albert Smith, Stanley Kline and Don Groves were present.
Rev. Smith opened the meeting with prayer. We reviewed the matters of previous times and concerns that we face now. There is no need to make any recommendations at this meeting of presbytery. The meeting was closed with prayer for those who face difficult situations and seeking the Lord's blessing on our presbytery with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Respectfully submitted, Don Groves, secretary

APPENDIX G
REPORT OF THE HERITAGE COMMITTEE
TO: North Central Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in session with the Pleasant Grove C. P. Church, Annapolis IL April 2-3, 2004

The Heritage Committee met February 21, 2004, at the Willow Creek Church. Present were Karen Peel, Anne Nicholson and Ruth Louder. The schedule of the historical presentations was discussed and revised as follows:

Lebanon North Spring ‘04 Monroe City Spring ‘05
Lebanon South Fall ‘04 Morningside, Fall ‘05
We want to remind everyone that they need to keep their historical information up to date. Any time there is a new addition, change in programs, etc we would like to have it for the Historical Record. We also would like to have contact with anyone who is in charge of information of the churches who are not having regular services. Just for the records, if anyone has any information please contact us.

Karen Peel dismissed with prayer.

Respectfully submitted by Ruth Louder, Chr.

APPENDIX H
REPORT NUMBER ONE OF THE BOARD OF MISSIONS
TO: North Central Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in session with the Pleasant Grove C. P. Church, Annapolis IL April 2-3, 2004

The Board of Missions met at the Willow Creek Church on Saturday, February 21, 2004. Dean McReynolds, Roy Shanks, Andy Pottorff, Sue Strause, Eduardo Montoya, Randy Hooper, and Bill Nichols were present. Roxie Musgrave was excused.
Chairman Dean McReynolds called the meeting to order and Andy Pottorff led the opening prayer. Rev. Rodney Harris, the secretary of the board, accepted a pastorate in Louisville KY and his letter was granted in a called meeting of presbytery prior to the meeting of the board. Roy Shanks was elected as the new secretary of the Board of Missions.
Of the thirteen (13) appointed moderators serving within the presbytery, the board received moderator reports from two (2) pastors - Rev. Bill Rolman and Rev. Ronald Gross.
Lydia Zorrilla and Rev. Edgar Morales spoke to the board and gave an update on Hanover Park. The board renewed its commitment to help the congregation find a minister and to make some necessary contacts for the congregation.
Rodney Harris was elected as a delegate to the "Fanning the Flames" missions conference, but will not be able to fulfill that obligation. Bill Nichols was elected to replace Rodney as a delegate to the conference. Roy Shanks is the other delegate.
The board received a request from the Fullerton congregation to approve an agreement establishing a relationship between the Fullerton congregation and lay speaker Rette Smith. Dr. Carroll Richards spoke to the board about Ms. Smith's qualifications and the board received other information from the church in regards to her qualifications as a lay speaker.
RECOMMENDATION 1: That the relationship between the Fullerton Church and Rette Smith be approved.

Several churches need moderators for their sessions.
RECOMMENDATION 2: That the following moderators be approved:
Campground and Mt. Gilead - Rev. Oscar Nichols
Fullerton - Dr. Carroll Richards
Cumberland Chapel and Lebanon North - Rev. Ralph Blevins

The meeting was closed with prayer by Randy Hooper.

Respectfully submitted, Roy Shanks, Secretary

APPENDIX I
REPORT NUMBER ONE OF THE COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY
TO: North Central Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in session with the Pleasant Grove C. P. Church, Annapolis IL April 2-3, 2004

The Committee on Ministry met on February 21, 2004 at Willow Creek Church with the following members present: Ralph Blevins, Russell Pedigo, Tom McReynolds, Ronald Gross, and Lucy Becker; excused were Nick Ashley, Robert Watkins, and Kevin Wood
Officers: Russell Pedigo - Chairman, Kevin Wood -Vice Chairman, Lucy Becker - Secretary
The committee met with:
Janeth Yarce
Janice Kincaid – Lay Leader for New Providence
Phil Tucker - Stated Supply for Mt. Oval

RECOMMENDATION: That the following elders be approved to serve communion in their congregations anytime Cumberland Presbyterian pastoral leadership is not available:
Donnie B. Bailey - Pleasant Grove; Sue Strause - Shinar; Mary Gard - Casey; Ronald Huffman - Cumberland Chapel; Buddy Simpson - Union North

Since we were unable to have retreat this February, we plan to have the retreat at a later date.

Respectfully submitted, Lucy Becker, Secretary

APPENDIX J
REPORT OF THE SESSION RECORDS COMMITTEE
TO: North Central Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in session with the Pleasant Grove C. P. Church, Annapolis IL April 2-3, 2004

Members present were Chairperson W. L. Rolman, Secretary Mary Gard, Bud Hannaford, Nelda Kline and Oscar Lee Nichols.

Upon vote, W. L. Rolman was re-elected as Chairperson and Mary Gard as Secretary. Recognized Oscar Lee Nichols as a new member of the committee, replacing Velma Johnson.

Minutes were received for review by the following churches: Lebanon North, Lincoln 1st, Monroe City, Morningside, Mt. Gilead, Mt. Olivet, New Hope, New Providence, Pleasant Grove, Shiloh, Shinar, Spring Hill, United, Village, and Willow Creek. The minutes from Grace church were also received out of order and were reviewed. Grace church will be expected to submit their minutes again to the August 28, 2004 board meetings for their regularly scheduled review.

Minutes were not received from: Lebanon South, Mt. Oval, Oak Grove, Petersburg, Union North and Warren 1st. All of these except Union North have not submitted their minutes for at least 3 years. The committee requests the presbyterial appointed moderators of these sessions take responsibility to see that the minutes from these churches are submitted at the February 2005 board meetings for review.

The committee asks all the sessions to remind the delegates to presbytery to give a report back to the congregation or session after the meeting and note this in their minutes.

Meeting was adjourned with prayer by Nelda Kline.

Respectfully submitted, Mary Gard, Secretary

APPENDIX K
COMMITTEE ON THEOLOGY AND SOCIAL RELATIONS
TO: North Central Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in session with the Pleasant Grove C. P. Church, Annapolis IL April 2-3, 2004

The Committee on Theology and Social Concerns met Saturday, February 21, 2004 at the Willow Creek Church. A. P. Jerrell, Juanita Martin, Chris Blevins, Sara Whitfield, June Smith and Dave Parman were all present.
Progress on the North Central Presbytery's website was presented by Chris on her laptop computer, and several subjects were discussed. It was expressed that it would be nice if our presbytery could assist some way with churches who are threatened with closure, such as happened to First Church in Evansville. If churches are beginning to experience problems, our presbytery would like to help them circumvent closing by assisting struggling churches in some way. Also discussed, was the erosion of censorship by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). We as Christians are appalled by the slackening of moral standards in radio and television broadcasts, i.e. the Super Bowl flap and acceptance of foul language, etc. The committee also urges all Cumberland Presbyterians to write their congressmen and senators regarding attempts by homosexuals and lesbians to get same sex marriage ratified at state and national levels. The Bible is not vague on this matter.

Respectfully submitted, Chairman Dave Parman.
 

APPENDIX L
REPORT NUMBER TWO OF THE COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY
TO: North Central Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in session with the Pleasant Grove C. P. Church, Annapolis IL April 2-3, 2004

Status of Probationers

J. B. Gates continues to serve as stated supply at Cumberland Chapel. He has completed the PAS program, except four papers on the book of Revelation. He anticipates the completion of his coursework in the latter part of April or May.

J. C. McDuffee continues to serve as stated supply of the Burnt Prairie CP Church and works at Champion Laboratories. J. C. plans to take three blocks of six classes in the PAS summer program this year. If all goes according to plans, he anticipates completion of the PAS program in 2006.

Herschel French is in his first semester at Memphis Theological Seminary. He is attending Eastside CP Church in Memphis. Herschel has found part-time employment at the Family Christian Bookstore and is a candidate for a youth director position at the First CP Church in McKenzie, Tennessee.

Jimmy Gifford is in his first semester at Memphis Theological Seminary. He is attending Eastside CP Church in Memphis. Jimmy has found part-time employment at the MTS library.

Chet Snyder continues to serve the Fairfield CP Church as Youth Director. He plans to begin a degree completion program through Frontier College this fall. If he does so he will complete his undergraduate degree in eighteen months.

Eric Gruen continues his undergraduate studies at Bethel College. He anticipates graduation from Bethel in the spring of 2005. He is active in Campus Crusade for Christ.

Janeth Yarce continues to teach in the Aurora, IL school system. She is active in the Ebenezer CP Church, serving in the area of Christian education.

Geoff Bunting is a 2nd year student at Memphis Theological Seminary. Presently he is Youth and Children's Minister at West Union C.P. Church in Millington, TN.

Due to the fact that J. B. Gates has not yet completed his PAS coursework the Committee on Ministry suggests that the recommendation in the fall, 2003 minutes (Appendix P, p. 38) remain in effect until he finishes PAS. He would then be ordained and installed as previously approved.

Given the fact that both Herschel French and Jimmy Gifford have new jobs that made it impossible for them to attend presbytery, the COM recommends the following:

RECOMMENDATION: That candidates Herschel French and Jimmy Gifford be licensed at the Fall Meeting of North Central Presbytery, 2004.

Respectfully submitted, Kevin Wood, Vice Chairman

APPENDIX M
REPORT NUMBER TWO OF THE BOARD OF MISSIONS
TO: North Central Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in session with the Pleasant Grove C. P. Church, Annapolis IL April 2-3, 2004
We, the Board of Missions, submit the following report:
Dean McReynolds opened the meeting with prayer. Roy Shanks, Bill Nichols, Susan Strause, Dean McReynolds and Jerry Pataki were present.
The board received a request from Lebanon North Church to approve a contract between Lebanon North Cumberland Presbyterian Church and Rev. Bill J. Bruce, who will be filling the pulpit as stated supply.

RECOMMENDATION: That the contract between the Lebanon North Church and Rev. Bill J. Bruce be approved.

The meeting was closed with prayer.

Respectfully submitted, Roy Shanks, Secretary

APPENDIX N
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON OVERTURES RESOLUTIONS AND EXCUSES
TO: North Central Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in session with the Pleasant Grove C. P. Church, Annapolis IL April 2-3, 2004

We wish to thank God and voice appreciation for the gracious hospitality extended to this meeting of North Central Presbytery by the Pleasant Grove C.P. Church of Annapolis, IL.

Requests for excuses were received from the following church sessions for this meeting of Presbytery: Albion, Chandler, Christ, Cumberland Chapel, Mt. Olivet, Oak Grove, United and Village Cumberland Presbyterian Churches.

We also received requests from he following ministers and probationers asking to be excused: Marcia Compton, Herschel French, J. B. Gates, Dan Gross, Eric Gruen; for Friday, Dave Parman, for Friday, Shirley Topar and Russell Pedigo.

RECOMMENDATION; We recommend these excuses be granted.

The following were unexcused and will be sent a letter expressing presbytery's displeasure.
Ministers and Probationers--Jeremias Aros, Richard Bender, Thomas Corwin, Wayne Furr, Jose Oliveria, Jerry Patterson, Tim Suenram, Andrew Wallace, Geoff Bunting, Janeth Yarce, Jimmy Gifford, Chet Snyder.
Churches--Burnt Prairie, Campground, Grace, Hanover Park, Hebron, Knights Chapel, Lebanon South, Monroe City, Mt. Gilead, Mt. Olivet, Mt. Oval, Oak Grove, Petersburg, Union North, Village.

Respectfully submitted:

Kevin Wood, Kevin Small, Rita Vaught, Stephen Hughes and Randy Smith

APPENDIX O
FAITH COMMISSION REPORT

To North Central Presbytery in session with the Pleasant Grove Congregation on April 2 and 3, 2004, the Commission on Faith Cumberland Presbyterian Church submits the following report:

On June 9, 2001, the Presbyterial Board of Missions and Board of Finance/Trustees met with Ms. Denise Todd, an elder who was acting as the treasurer of Faith CP Church, in regard to the closing of the Faith CP Church and the pending sale of Faith's manse and church building. Ms. Todd turned over the records and remaining funds of Faith CP Church to the Presbytery and worked with the Presbytery to change accounts, pay bills, and reconstruct the events that led to the closing of Faith CP Church. A committee was appointed to meet with the remaining members of Faith Church and discuss the church's future. That committee was made up of Roy Shanks, Dean McReynolds, Rev. Albert Smith, Rev. Roger Dallwig, and Debbie Shanks, the presbyterial treasurer.
The Committee sent a letter to everyone on the membership list at Faith Church, announcing a meeting on July 1, 2001 at the church. The locks on the church were changed when the church was closed and Ms. Todd had given the Committee the extra keys. The Committee's meeting with the congregation on July 1 was to be the first meeting in the building since the church's closing in April; however, someone managed to obtain keys to the building and a small group of people, who left during Frankie Dickerson's pastorate and who were now interested in returning to Faith, began holding meetings in the building on June 10 - the day after the Presbytery's meeting with Ms. Todd. That same "core group" sent out their own letter (see attachment A) to Faith's membership, outlining an agenda and purpose for the meeting before the Committee had even made such plans, much less shared them with anyone. In retrospect, those two actions should have given us a warning of conflicts to come, but at that time, they didn't.
Some of those who attended the July 1 meeting shared with the Committee their hopes that a congregation could once again worship and grow at Faith CP Church, but that they had already found a church home elsewhere and were not planning to return to Faith. Other members scheduled individual, private meetings with the Committee, at which they shared the hurts they had suffered at the hands of those who were now returning to Faith CP and they expressed their intentions to find new church homes. Only 8 members declared their intent to stay with Faith CP Church. Two committees were appointed - a Worship Committee and a Maintenance Committee. (The Maintenance Committee members soon changed their own name to the "Coordinating Committee" and changed their own job description to supervising the work of both committees.) The Maintenance Committee's purpose was to take care of the physical building and grounds and the Worship Committee's purpose was to plan weekly services and schedule speakers for those services. The job descriptions for the committees were discussed at length, until everyone said they clearly understood what the Presbyterial Committee's responsibilities were and what were the church committees' responsibilities were. One member, when asked to serve on the Maintenance Committee, said he would do so only if he could pass out some materials he had brought to the meeting - another warning that we missed.
On September 16, Dean, Roy, and Debbie went back to Faith CP to answer questions about finances, the newly-discovered credit card fraud, the sale of the manse, and other issues. At that meeting, the tension between the core group and the other members in attendance was so thick that it was almost tangible. Accusations and catty remarks were made that very clearly indicated the feelings of the core group toward those who stayed with the church during Frankie Dickerson's pastorate. Although the Committee attempted (at that time and at many other times in the following months) to address the hurts of the past and to encourage the group to seek healing and restoration, the animosity of the core group continued to be a factor, until it eventually drove away everyone else who tried to reconnect with the Faith congregation. As though playing some ecclesiastical Red Rover game, the core group at Faith invited the other members to attend services, then closed ranks to shut them out whenever they did come. One attendee told the Commission that he was "invisible" whenever he attended Faith - no one seemed to see him or hear him. Another said she couldn't go back because of their "childish behavior toward her."
The Presbyterial Committee was made a Commission at the October 2001 meeting of Presbytery, retaining all of its original members. (Debbie Shanks was changed to an advisory member in October 2002, in accordance to a ruling of the General Assembly regarding the make-up of a commission.)
Following their election, the Commission began to actively seek a CP minister who would consider going to Faith as an interim, or even prospective, pastor. In the meantime, members of the Faith Church, area lay-people, and Rev. Terence McCain filled the pulpit.
The Commission received a call from a CP minister in January 2002. Rev. Roger Marsiglio was pastoring in KY and was thinking of returning to the Detroit area. He had read about the opening at Faith CP in The Cumberland Presbyterian. Rev. Marsiglio grew up in Detroit and worked there for over 25 years before moving to KY, so he was familiar with the Detroit area and culture. The Commission set up a meeting with Rev. Marsiglio on February 22 and invited a member of the Faith congregation to attend the meeting. The representative from Faith CP took over the meeting, asking Rev. Marsiglio 72 questions that were compiled by the Faith congregation, including such things as the wording on the church sign, who should choose the hymns for the worship service, who the pastor really works for, the correct wording of the Apostles' Creed, throwing away old dusty stuff in a junk room, and more. Upon returning to Faith, the representative reported these questions and their corresponding answers to the congregation in a 12-page document. The commission members also received this document and it was obvious to the Commission that the answers to the questions were reported in such a manner as to bias the congregation against Rev. Marsiglio. On March 31, six members of Faith Church, who were "writing for the majority opinion", sent a letter to the Commission that stated they were not interested in Rev. Marsiglio.
In May of 2002, Rev. Mike Kays was contacted by the Commission and asked to consider an interim pastorate at Faith CP. He asked the congregation to consider and answer five questions, which he felt would help them prepare for a new minister, whether that minister was himself or someone else. After receiving the congregation's responses, Rev. Kays withdrew his name from consideration.
On June 10, 2002, the Commission asked that the Faith membership meet and vote on a matter connected to the charges against Frankie Dickerson. A member was contacted and asked to notify the rest of the Faith membership. When the results of the June 24 vote were reported to the Commission, only 7 people had voted on the issue, causing the Commission to ask whether or not an attempt had been made to inform the entire membership of the congregational meeting, as requested by the Commission. When asked, the church's response was "no", even though there was sufficient time and sufficient means (a weekly newsletter reportedly mailed to all members) to notify the entire membership. Four church members contacted the Commission when they found out about the meeting and vote, because they had not been notified about the meeting. (The irony of the situation was that the core group which held this meeting was the very same group that brought Ms. Dickerson before Presbytery on charges of not notifying all of the membership prior to holding congregational meetings and of not allowing them a chance to vote.)
On October 11, 2002, the Commission met with 7 members of the Faith congregation to address two issues. When the congregation found out about the resignation of the church's janitor, the Maintenance/Coordinating Committee hired a member of the congregation to be the new janitor, without consulting the Commission. Hiring employees was not an item under the job description of the Maintenance Committee and the member who was hired as janitor knew that, so she contacted the Commission and asked what she should do. The Commission had already been contacted by Ms. Ruthe Petrovich (who runs a weekday Montessori school in the church building) and the Commission had already hired a janitor, an employee of the school who had previously expressed an interest in the job should the opportunity arise. The member who had been hired by the Maintenance Committee understood and agreed with the Commission's actions, but the Maintenance Committee chair was upset that his committee's "authority" had been undermined and demanded that the Commission give an explanation for "interfering" in the Maintenance Committee's business. Though both the Commission and the Maintenance Committee had extensive notes on the job descriptions given out at the July 2001 meeting, the Maintenance Committee chair would only consider his notes as being valid or reliable. His desire to micro-manage everything associated with the church caused this problem and many others to come.
At the October 11 meeting, the Faith members asked the Commission to change the current arrangement for handling the church's mail. When the Presbytery assumed control of Faith's assets, Denise Todd agreed to continue as the Presbyterial Treasurer's contact person in St. Clair Shores. She had a key to the church office and saw to it that all mail (except newsletters) was forwarded to the Treasurer. She assisted the Treasurer during the credit card investigation and faithfully kept that information confidential. Now the members of the congregation were complaining about Ms. Todd getting the mail, since she was no longer attending services at Faith on a regular basis. The Commission was reluctant to have anyone else get the mail, considering the sensitive nature of the information that was still arriving in the church's mail. In addition, the Commission felt confident that Ms. Todd was forwarding all of the mail and was not making arbitrary decisions about what mail to forward and what mail to keep. The Commission shared these concerns with the Faith congregation and received the congregation's assurance that they would follow any and all guidelines set up by the Commission, if we would get Ms. Todd out of the loop. After much discussion, the Commission decided that this was an opportunity to build some bridges of trust with the congregation and agreed to have someone in the congregation take care of the mail IF these guidelines were followed - 1) All first class mail was to be forwarded, unopened, to the Treasurer. 2) The church could keep newsletters and mailings from MTS and Bethel, but everything else was to be forwarded. The person getting the mail was not to make arbitrary decisions regarding which mail was forwarded. If there was any question, the item was to be forwarded and the Treasurer would return anything that she did not need.
The guidelines for mail-handling were very black and white, without any gray areas. The members agreed to these guidelines and asked Christopher McMacken to be responsible for the mail.
The following day, Roy and Debbie Shanks went over the guidelines very thoroughly with Mr. McMacken again. The first mailing received from Mr. McMacken contained three envelopes, all opened, with Post-it Note instructions to the Treasurer attached to the contents of each envelope. The outside of the first envelope said "Invoice Enclosed", the second said "Bill To", and the third said "Renewal Notice Enclosed", and all three were first class letters, which could leave no doubt that these were to be forwarded unopened. The second and third mailings from Mr. McMacken did not even include the envelopes - they were all bills with his Post-it Note instructions attached to each one. Several communications between the Commission and Mr. McMacken failed to bring any results - he said he was sending the Commission everything it "should get and should know about" and that the discussions about sending the mail unopened "never happened." Again, his notes on the meeting were the only ones that were valid or reliable. The Commission finally was forced to make arrangements with Ms. Petrovich (who was already sorting the church's mail from the school's mail) to hold the church's mail and forward it to the Treasurer each week.
Every time the Commission voiced an objection to some unauthorized action made by the Faith congregation, their reply was that a decision needed to be made and the Commission was too far away for them to consult. However, Rev. Roger Dallwig, a member of the Commission who lived on the south side of Detroit and who repeatedly told the Faith congregation that he was available to meet with them, counsel them, or help them in any way, was never once called by the congregation, despite reminders from the Commission of Roger's availability and willingness to help. They did not want to consult the Commission.
The Commission continued to communicate with the congregation on a regular basis and to deal with whatever issues were brought to us. Some Faith members expressed their wishes that the Presbytery and the Commission would go away. As much as we understood their feelings, the Commission felt that God was telling us to continue our supervision of the congregation.
In May of 2003 - almost two years after the church was reopened - the Commission announced an election of elders and the establishment of a new session at Faith. The Commission's hopes were that this action would give the congregation the encouragement it needed to move on, reach out, and start to grow. This would also give the Commission a way of testing the congregation's readiness to assume leadership of the church again. The election was held on June 8, with Christopher McMacken, Kenneth Everett, and Suzanne Magnan being elected and installed as elders. (Mr. McMacken was also ordained.) They asked Debbie Shanks to continue as their treasurer.
Within months of the session's election, the Commission began to receive communications by phone and letter, complaining that the situation at the church had worsened since the election of the session. Family problems were becoming church problems; communication between the session and the congregation was almost non-existent; a member was disrupting worship services as a personal protest, etc. The Commission continued to encourage the members to pray, engage in Bible study, and try to discern God's will for the congregation. Some claimed they had already done that, with further discussions revealing that each had a different vision for the church though each was sure their vision was "God's will for the church." The Commission was in a quandary about the church. The Faith congregation had not made any progress in over two years - there were still 8 members (with only 2-3 attending some Sundays) and as a congregation, the members were still very divided on what they wanted for, and from, the church.
After a time of prayer and discussion, the Commission decided to intensify its search for an interim pastor, in hopes that a strong, experienced leader would be found who could help the church heal internally and begin to look outwardly. At about that same time, Rev. Dr. Ronald Fleming sent out a communication, stating that he was available for interim pastorates. Dr. Fleming, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister and licensed counselor, had experience as an interim in congregations from several different denominations. Rev. Smith personally vouched for Dr. Fleming, who had held a couple of revivals at Shiloh CP. Debbie Shanks shared her personal knowledge of Dr. Fleming, whom she had met through various CE events. The Commission contacted Dr. Fleming and asked if he would consider an interim pastorate at Faith CP.
Dr. Fleming took some time to pray about the request and discuss it with his wife, then without even knowing what his financial compensation would be, he expressed his willingness to accept an interim pastorate of 6-12 months at Faith CP. Dr. Fleming sent the Commission a plan of action, designed to bring healing, reconciliation, and a new sense of purpose to the congregation (see attachment B). The Commission reviewed the plan and enthusiastically endorsed it. Dr. Fleming stated that two things were non-negotiable - he must be answerable to the Commission; and, the entire congregation must be in agreement about going through the process with him.
On November 1, Dean McReynolds and Roy Shanks traveled to St. Clair Shores to present Dr. Fleming's proposal to the Faith congregation. Rev. Terence McCain, who pastored Faith church for over 30 years and is currently serving as the moderator of Faith's session, shared his personal acquaintance with Dr. Fleming, that Dr. Fleming was well-qualified, and that he was sure the congregation would benefit from going through this process with Dr. Fleming. Others in the congregation made the following statements - they did not want Dr. Fleming to meet with ALL the members of Faith CP (proposal - first month), but to meet only with the currently active members; they did not want Dr. Fleming to be accountable to the Commission only, but to the session as well; they wanted to see Dr.. Fleming's credentials, to determine if he was qualified for the position; they were concerned that Dr. Fleming might interfere with some personal projects they had started. The Commission was told that the session would take the matter under consideration after receiving Dr. Fleming's credentials (see attachment C). The session promised to give the Commission an answer after their November session meeting. The Commission reiterated that the decision to accept or reject the plan needed to be made by the whole congregation, not just the session.
When the Commission had not heard anything more than a week after Faith's November session meeting, a member of the congregation was contacted and asked about the decision of the congregation. This member did not know the "congregation's decision", but said he/she would ask at church services the next day. The next afternoon, the member contacted the Commission and reported being told that the answer was none of his/her business - that "the session will handle it."
Two weeks after Faith's session met, the Commission and Dr. Fleming received a "revised proposal" from the Faith session. After consideration and discussion with Dr. Fleming, the Commission contacted the session and gave them another chance to accept the original proposal with the following changes - that the session would not be suspended, but would instead be charged with caring for the day-to-day physical needs of the congregation while Dr. Fleming would be responsible for the spiritual needs of the congregation; and, that Dr. Fleming would work in close harmony with the session throughout this process, but he would be answerable to the Commission.
The Faith session sent a reply, stating that "The session has no intention of paying anyone anything to even consider this question (the possibility of closing the church)." They also stated that they would not approve bringing Dr. Fleming to Faith CP without knowing exactly how much it would cost nor would they approve the session being "stripped of most of its responsibilities, authority, and power, and relegated to a maintenance committee." The letter once again revealed the desire of the some in the church to micro-manage everything about the church.
After Dr. Fleming received the reply from the session, he sent a letter to the Commission stating, "If they (the Faith congregation) are not willing to spend 3 months facing their problems and/or working on conflict management and reconciliation, and 3 months working on the other aspects of the proposal, then I hereby withdraw my name from consideration as an Intentional Interim Minister for Faith Church."
The Faith congregation is now being served by a lay speaker who brings a following of friends and family whenever she speaks. However, those people do not attend when she is not speaking nor are they involved in any of the church's programs. Some of the 8 church members have not attended services in several months.
We, the Commission, believe that the Church belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ; yet, how can the Lord work in a church where maintaining power and control are more important than spiritual growth and healing? For almost three years, the congregational leaders have shown total disregard for agreements that were made in good faith between the Commission and the congregation. They have acted in opposition to the Confession of Faith without any apology or regret. The current leadership of the congregation refuses to work with the Commission, with outside advisors, or even with the other members of the congregation. As one member recently said, "I remember many years when the session welcomed the congregation's involvement, but this is a NEW SESSION."
After much prayer, study, counsel, and consideration, the Commission on Faith Cumberland Presbyterian Church makes the following recommendations:

RECOMMENDATION 1: That Faith Cumberland Presbyterian Church, St. Clair Shores MI, be closed, effective April 24, 2004.

RECOMMENDATION 2: That the roll of members for Faith Cumberland Presbyterian Church, St. Clair Shores MI, be moved to First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Warren MI.

Respectfully submitted, Rev. Albert Smith, Rev. Roger Dallwig, Dean McReynolds, and Roy Shanks

NOTE: THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THIS REPORT WERE AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
That the report of the Faith Commission be received; and, that the recommendations be deleted on the condition that Dr. Ron Fleming be employed to work with the commission and Faith CPC, subject to the terms of his original proposal included as Attachment B of the Faith Commission report.

COMMISSION ATTACHMENT A

Kenneth & Loretta Everett
Kenneth & Linda Rudolph
Christopher & Charlotte McMacken
Suzanne Magnan

20396 Erben St.
St. Clair Shores,:MI 48081
Phone: (810) 771-7855

19 June 2001

Dear Member, Participant, or Friend of Faith Cumberland Presbyterian Church,

Greetings to one and all!

The purpose of this letter is to invite you and your family to attend a critically important congregational meeting at Faith Cumberland Presbyterian Church at 9:30 am on Sunday 1 July 2001. The future of Faith Church hangs in the balance. Your participation in this meeting can tip the balance in favor of Faith Church's survival.

First, it is necessary to inform you of some key, relevant events in the recent history of Faith Church:

• .During the past few years, church participation was on the decline.
• On Easter Sunday, Pastor Frankie Dickerson led worship at Faith Church for the last time.
• Rev. Dickerson resigned as pastor.
• Rev. Dickerson and her husband Junior moved to Cookeville, Tennessee.
• Ruling Elder Eva Olsen and her husband Leif moved to Florida.
• Citing inadequate participation and financial giving, the church session (consisting of three elders) decided to disband the church and sell-off all of its assets, including the manse and church building.
• Eva Olsen resigned as ruling elder.
• Presbytery received notifications of the actions of the pastor and session.
• Presbytery referred the matter to the presbyterial Board of Missions.
• The Board of Missions met with Ruling Elder Denise Todd in a special, dedicated meeting on Saturday 9 June 2001 in Trilla, Illinois. At that meeting, Denise Todd resigned as ruling elder. The Board of Missions took the following actions:
• it dissolved the session of Faith Church,
• it took control of Faith Church assets,
• it decided to rent the manse (instead of selling it),
• it turned the financial records of the church over to the presbyterial Board of Finance, and
• it decided to send a delegation on a fact finding trip to St. Clair Shores to:
• examine the existing physical facilities and assets of Faith Church, and
• meet with interested people regarding the continuation of Faith Church. The principal forum for this activity will be the congregational meeting at Faith Church on Sunday 1 July 2001.
• Regular Sunday morning worship resumed at Faith Church on 10 June 2001.

You may be wondering what will happen at the congregational meeting. At this time, the agenda looks like this:

• The meeting will begin with a worship service led by the delegation from the Board of Missions. This delegation will include Rev. Albert Smith, Roy Shanks, and Debbie Shanks.
• The meeting will provide a good opportunity and setting for people to ask questions and get real answers. If you want more information about the past. present. and future of Faith Church, then this is the meeting for you.
• The meeting will include opportunities for everyone to express their opinions, positions, and possible commitment to the future of Faith Church.
• A light lunch will be provided during or after the meeting.

The primary purpose of the meeting is for the presbyterial delegation to ascertain "the will of the people". They will presumably ask these key questions:

• Should Faith Church continue?
• Who will support the church?
• What families will be involved?
• Are there enough dedicated and capable people?
• Will there be enough financial support?
• What are people's intentions?

In a nutshell, they will be looking for commitment. The delegation will report back to Presbytery on this matter. Then. presbytery will decide whether Faith Church is disbanded or continues. In essence, presbytery will make that decision based on what the delegation sees, hears, and senses during their meeting with us on Sunday I July 2001.

Consequently, you and your family are sincerely and warmly invited to attend and participate in this critically important congregational meeting at Faith Church at 9:30 am on Sunday I July 2001.

If you cannot attend this meeting, but would still like to participate in some way at the meeting, you may do so via a letter sent to the above return address. . We will publicly read your letter in its entirety at the meeting.

While the influence of the Lord God Almighty can never-ever-be underestimated, we have been commissioned by His Son to be the builders of His Church on this earth. This is your opportunity to help chart the future of Faith Church. It will either die, linger, survive, or thrive. Which will it be?

Sincerely in Christ.
/s/Loretta Everett, Kenneth Everett, Linda Rudolph, Kenneth Rudolph, Charlotte McMacken, Christopher McMacken, Suzanne Magnan

COMMISSION ATTACHMENT B

Proposed Six Month's Plan To Evaluate and/or Revitalize
Faith Cumberland Presbyterian Church, St. Clair Shores, Michigan
by Ronald T. Fleming, D. Min.
Potential Intentional Interim Minister

CHRIST'S CHURCH KNOWN AS FAITH CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN

There will be a regular Sunday morning worship hour with the Intentional Interim Minister preaching.
The studies will be held on Sunday and/or Wednesday evenings.

A real commitment from the current congregation and session is vital to this six months' evaluation and revitalization ministry. If I should make a commitment to work with them for six months, they, in turn, must make the same kind of commitment. Without their commitment, I will not invest my time, talent, and energies in working with them.
It will be understood by both parties (congregation and Intentional Interim Minister) that my assignment is for an initial six months' period to evaluate and assess the situation at Faith and if possible to enable them to reconcile their differences and to revitalize the congregation. Furthermore, it must be understood by all parties concerned, that I am employed by the Commission and have the Commission's authority to implement the suggested following plan.

First Month Investigation of causes for decline and their desire to continue. Suggest strongly that the current Session be "suspended" for at least 3 months - not actively making any decisions regarding the church and/or the structure of how the revitalization period will be accomplished.
Strongly suggest that 10% of Sunday offerings be sent to OUO.
Uncover the real and perceived reasons why the church has declined. This will be done by mailing of questionnaires to all on the membership roll and with personal interviews with current and past members to determine if they want to rebuild or continue the ministry of the church.
The mailings should go out before the Intentional Interim Minister's first Sunday. A cover letter would explain what the Commission and Intentional Interim Minister hope to accomplish, the revitalization of the congregation, during his tenure.
Personal interviews will be set at specific times in the church office. Reason: this will help the folk to know that we are serious and will strengthen their commitment to the evaluation/revitalization process. In addition, confidentiality can be maintained in this setting. This will also avoid distractions by televisions, phone calls, or others within the household. In addition, the individuals or congregation will not perceive such interviews as a "social" visit by the minister.
Evening service of healing and reconciliation to be held once each month.
A report will be sent to the Commission at the end of the month.
Second and Third Months In depth dynamics of biblical reconciliation. (These will be the decisive months.)
Study the biblical dynamics of Christ as Head of the Church. This will also include what kind of congregation Faith should be under the Lordship of Jesus.
Based upon the findings of the questionnaires and interviews, work on reconciliation with each other. This will be done through formal study of biblical ways of reconciliation and group discussion with "home work."
Report to the Commission the status - go forth or close.

Fourth Month Learning what it means to be Cumberland Presbyterians under the Lordship of Christ
Special in-depth training for elders - duties and responsibilities of elders/Session.
Overview of the Confession of Faith - basics of Cumberland beliefs - for entire congregation.
Report to the Commission.

Fifth Month Community Outreach and local congregational building
Re-activation of Session if the Intentional Interim Minister believes they are ready. Will need to discuss what is truly needed in a pastor. Formulate a CIF for the Board of Missions. Construct a realistic budget for the congregation.
Begin reaching out to the community in meaningful ways.
Report to the Commission.

Sixth Month Where do we go from here?
Continue community outreach.
Where do we go from here? How the local congregation can build on what it has learned in the last five months.
Begin search for a pastor. The Intentional Interim Minister may need to remain until a pastor can be found. His stay, however, should not be for more than a year.
Report to the Commission.

ROUGH DRAFT - Cover letter and Questionnaire

For members and friends of Faith Cumberland Presbyterian Church
St. Claire Shores, Michigan

Dear Christian Friend,

Allow me to introduce myself. I am Dr. Ronald T. Fleming, an ordained Cumberland Presbyterian minister and pastoral counselor. I have been asked by a Commission of North Central Presbytery to evaluate the situation at Faith. I approach this assignment with an open mind and an open heart.
I will serve as the Intentional Interim Minister for a period of six months, during which time I will be working with the congregation to resolve past or current differences and learning biblical ways in which the congregation can be a vital witness under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The revitalization of the congregation is my personal hope for this assignment.
My objective is to be open and honest with all persons. I will be listening, counseling, and enabling individuals and the congregation to be the person and Church Christ desires them to be. I trust that you will join me in this effort to evaluate and revitalize Faith Church. Your help is critical in aiding me in the work God has placed in my hands.
Please take a few moments right now to complete the questionnaire. Please feel free to write on the back or separate pages any additional information you wish to share.
Please know that your answers are confidential. Information received will be tabulated and shared; however, no names will be revealed. If we are to reconcile with one another and revitalize Faith Church, we must know the problems and differences so we can work through them and begin to work together in a new relationship under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
I look forward to meeting you. Please join me to see what God has planned for Christ's Church known as Faith Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Sincerely,

Ronald T. Fleming, D. Min.

Name Date Phone number Address

*When did you join or attend Faith CPC?
*Are you still active in the congregation? If not, how many years did you attend?: less than 2 years; 3-5 years; 5-10 years; more than 10 years
*While attending did you serve or are you serving in any leadership capacity? Please list all areas of service: SS teacher, Elder, Clerk of Session, treasurer, choir member, etc.

*Did you or do you have a CP background? If no CP background, what was your church affiliation, if any?
*During your time at Faith Church, did you attend any formal studies of the Cumberland Presbyterian Confession of Faith? If not, why not?
*During your time at Faith Church, did you have an understanding of the role of the Session? If not, why not?

*Why did you stop attending? Please be specific.
*How long ago was that?
*Did you stop attending because of a conflict you had with someone in the congregation? Please be specific. You don't have to name names.
*Would you like to resolve this conflict? If not, why?

*What do you think is wrong at Faith CPC? Please be specific.
*Why do you think it has declined over the last several years? Please be specific.
*Would you be willing to become involved in addressing and resolving these issues during the next six months? If not, why?
*Would you be willing to engage in reconciliation and conflict management workshops during the next six months? If not, why?

*What kind of ministries and programs would you like to see at Faith CPC?
*Would you be willing to help initiate and implement these ministries?
*What is your preferred style of worship?: formal, informal, traditional, contemporary

*What do you think it means to be a Christian?
*What do you think it means to be a Disciple of Jesus Christ?
*What do you think it means to live under the Lordship of Jesus Christ?

Thank you for responding to the questionnaire.
Please send it to Dr. Ronald T. Fleming

COMMISSION ATTACHMENT C

From: RONALDTF@aol.com
To : ct_alsmith@casscomm,com, royndebbie@hotmail,com, jan_dean@yahoo.com
Subject: Requested Info
Date: Tue,4 Nov 200310:16:42 EST

Roy:
Thanks for the phone call last evening regarding the Commission's meeting with the Faith congregation.

I grew up in the Grace church. I've attended the following college/seminaries
Henry Ford Community College
Bethel College
Cumberland Presbyterian Theological Seminary (now Memphis Theological Seminary)
Vanderbilt University Divinity School
Scarritt College
Covington Theological Seminary.

I have the following academic degrees: Associate In Arts, B. A., B.D. M.A. in Christian Education; D. Min. in Christian Counseling.
I have served the following CP Churches during my career:
Camp Ground, Anna, III (student pastor)
Bethlehem, McMinnville, TN (student pastor)
Bates Hill, Centertown, TN (student pastor)
Young's Chapel, Kingston, TN
Silverdale, Chattanooga, TN
Frayser, Memphis, TN
Brush Hill, Nashville, TN (Associate Minster)
Beech, Hendersonville, TN
Glencoe, Glencoe, AL
First, Springfield, MO (16.5 years. Retired about 10 years ago)

I have also served the following non CP churches:
Settle Memorial United Methodist, Owensboro, KY (Minister of Education)
Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church, Galveston, TX (Minister of Education)
Christ Church, United Methodist, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (Minister of Education and Administrator of private elementary School)
Elkton Christian Church, Disciples of Christ (current stated supply minister)

I served 9 years as a member of the Board of Trustees, CP Children's Home. Have been Commissioner to GA several times. Have served as Stated Clerk of several presbyteries/synods. Have lead numerous educational events, seminars, workshops, etc.

Dr. Carroll Richards and Commission member, Dr. Albert Smith know me. I can supply additional clergy references should they be need.

I trust this information is helpful. May God's richest blessings be upon the Commission in your dealings with Faith church.
Ronald T. Fleming, D. Min

May the Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on you. May His hand hold yours leading and guiding you throughout this day. May the power of His presence make your heart sing aloud with joy. Until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His Almighty Hand. Amen.
 

Church Roll - Oct. 8-9, 2004

1993, April 2-3 Evansville, 1st Rev. Don Sweet Rev. Terence R. McCain, Sr. 49

1993, October 8-9 Lincoln, 1st Rev. Tim Suenram Rev. Terence R. McCain, Sr. 43

1994, April 8-9 Morningside Rev. Tim Suenram Rev. Terence R. McCain, Sr. 37

1999, October 8-9 Lincoln, 1st Rev. Rodney Harris Dr. Carroll R. Richards 45

2000, April 7-8 Evansville, 1st Rev. Rodney Harris Dr. Carroll R. Richards 40

2000, October 13-14 Chandler, Elder Terry Gordon Dr. Carroll R. Richards 42

Dr. Carroll R. Richards, Stated Clerk

Ms. Ruth J. Gates, Recording Clerk

Ms. Debra S_h_a_n_k_s_, Treasurer

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