minutes committee on the office of the ......2020/09/28 · elona street stewart, co-moderator of...

MINUTES

COMMITTEE ON THE

OFFICE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

September 28-30, 2020

Video Conference

September 28, 2020 Plenary A 12:00 noon

Welcome, Opening Worship and Native American Land Acknowledgement The video conference gathering of the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly (COGA) convened via electronic means at 12:00 p.m. by Moderator Stephanie Anthony with a devotion led by COGA member, Dave Davis. Cora Brown acknowledged the sacred ground of our indigenous ancestors in Kentucky. Sallie Watson offered prayer for the unrest in Louisville, KY and all over the United States.

WELCOME OPENING WORSHIP ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF NATIVE AMERICAN LAND

APPROVE AGENDA (Item A-02) A motion was made, 2nd to approve the Agenda as amended to add a report on the Coordinating Committee. Motion Carried Unanimously.

AGENDA APPROVAL (Item A-02)

ATTENDANCE The following persons were present for all or part of the meeting. COGA Members: Stephanie Anthony, Moderator Eliana Maxim, Vice-Moderator Sam Bonner Dave Davis Luci Duckson-Bramble Lynn Hargrove Andy James Wilson Kennedy Blythe Kieffer Leon Lovell Martin Leeanne Masters Robin Pugh Luis Ocasio Torres (Excused Tuesday) Shannon Vance-Ocampo Sallie Watson J. Herbert Nelson II, Ex-officio Elona Street Stewart, Co-Moderator of the 224th GA (2020) Diane Moffett, Executive Director, PMAB

PARTICIPANTS

Excused Gregory Bentley, Co-Moderator of the 224th GA (2020) OGA Staff: Kerry Rice Tricia Dykers Koenig Nancy Taylor Julia Henderson Jihyun Oh Diane Minter Rick Jones Laurie Griffith Dianna Wright Other Guests: Kathy Lueckert, Executive Director, ASG Mike Kirk, General Counsel, ASG April Davenport, Assoc. General Council, ASG Ruth Gardiner, Human Resources, ASG Ernest Higginbotham, PHS Board of Directors Denise Hampton, ASG Byron Elam, GACOR (Tuesday)

APPROVAL OF MINUTES (Item A-03) The minutes of COGA meetings from April 15, 2020 – August 20, 2020 were presented to the committee for approval. Motion made to approve the minutes as presented and the Committee did so by consensus.

MINUTES APPROVAL (Item A-03)

SHARING AND COMMUNITY BUILDING Sallie Watson facilitated the community building and sharing by asking everyone to share their baptism story. J. Herbert Nelson, Nancy Taylor, Dianna Wright, Dave Davis and Sam Bonner shared their stories.

SHARING AND COMMUNITY BUILDING

STATED CLERK REPORT TO THE COMMITTEE ON THE OFFICE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY The Stated Clerk, Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson II, provided an update to the Committee on his work on justice issues and refocus of the work of the Office of the General Assembly including the remodel of General Assemblies, innovation, and Per Capita challenges.

STATED CLERK REPORT TO THE COMMITTEE ON THE OFFICE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

REPORT OF GA225 and GA226 WORKGROUP COGA received a report from the workgroup on the 225th and 226th General Assembly from Wilson Kennedy and members of the workgroup. COGA members participated in a generative

REPORT OF GA225 AND GA226 WORKGROUP

conversation regarding values with hope of creating a set of values COGA will use to inform decisions moving forward. The workgroup will reconvene and bring back a document for the committee to review.

REFERRALS FROM THE 224TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY (A-06) Kate Trigger Duffert provided the Committee with a list of referrals from the 224th General Assembly. The Committee agreed to form a subgroup to work on a plan and process for referrals.

224TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY REFERRALS (Item A-06)

RECESS PLENARY A The Committee on the Office of the General Assembly recessed with prayer at 3:00 pm and instructions to return for Plenary B at 4:00 pm.

RECESS WITH PRAYER

PLENARY B The committee reconvened at 4:00 pm with prayer.

PLENARY B

SHARING AND COMMUNITY BUILDING Sallie Watson facilitated the community building and sharing with Cora Brown, Jihyun Oh, Stephanie Anthony, Elona Street-Stewart, Luis Ocasio Torres, and Shannan Vance-Ocampo


INNOVATION AND DISCERNMENT WORKGROUP REPORT COGA received the report from LeeAnn Masters regarding the work of the innovation and discernment workgroup and received feedback from COGA.

REPORT FROM THE INNOVATION AND DISCERNMENT WORKGROUP.

REPORT OF THE MODERATORS OF THE 224TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY (2020) Elona Street-Stewart provided the Committee with an update on navigating how they will do their work moving forward. They are developing a strategy for involvement in the work of the Matthew 25 initiative and congregations and marginalized people.

REPORT OF THE MODERATORS OF THE 224TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY (2020)

AGENDA ADJUSTMENT By consensus the Committee adjusted the agenda to move Tricia Dykers Koenig’s report to be heard during this plenary.

AGENDA ADJUSTMENT

COGA CONVERSATIONS WITH MID COUNCILS Tricia Dykers Koenig provided an overview of the conversations. COGA members who participated shared their thoughts as well.

COGA CONVERSATIONS WITH MID COUNCILS

RECESS The Committee on the Office of the General Assembly recessed with prayer and instructions to return for Plenary C noon Eastern Time.

RECESS

Tuesday, September 29, Plenary C RECONVENE AND OPENING PRAYER The meeting was reconvened at noon by Moderator Stephanie Anthony. Robin Pugh opened the meeting with prayer.

RECONVENE AND OPENING PRAYER PLENARY C

SHARING AND COMMUNITY BUILDING Sallie Watson facilitated the community building and sharing with DeAmber Clopton, Laurie Griffith, Andy James, Blythe Kieffer, Lynn Hargrove, and Wilson Kennedy sharing their baptism stories.


MERGER AND NATIONAL UNITY WORKGROUP REPORT Eliana Maxim presented the report for this workgroup. COGA members had questions and offered suggestions.

MERGER AND NATIONAL UNITY WORKGROUP REPORT

ADMINISTRATION UPDATES AND ACTIONS Coordination Table [C-01]

• Kathy Lueckert facilitated the conversation and Kerry Rice, Diane Moffett, and J. Herbert Nelson answered questions regarding the scope and focus of the various workgroups.

Written updates from standing committees

• Rather than oral reports COGA will now receive written reports.

Update on work of Special Committees

• Kerry Rice reported on the status and work of the Special Committees.

• PHS by-laws [C-02]

• Ernie Higginbotham and Nancy Taylor reported on the changes to the Historical Society by-laws.

Equity and Inclusion Audit update [C-03]

• Jihyun Oh reported on OGA’s work on Equity and Inclusion and the commitments made toward that end.

MID COUNCIL LEADER ORIENTATION, MID COUNCIL LEADER GATHERING AND MODERATORS CONFERENCE Tricia Dykers Koenig shared updates on the reshaping of these events during and after the pandemic. She provided an update on the September Mid Council Leader Orientation and plans moving forward. She also reported on the plans for the Moderators Conference. Jihyun Oh shared plans for the upcoming Mid Council Leader Gathering.

MID COUNCIL LEADER ORIENTATION, MID COUNCIL LEADER GATHERING AND MODERATORS CONFERENCE

MID MEETING CHECK IN What conversations have we engaged in that piqued your interest the most? Committee members shared their observations and interests.

MID-MEETING CHECK IN

RECESS The Committee on the Office of the General Assembly recessed with prayer at 2:00 pm and instructions to return for Plenary D at 4:00 pm.

RECESS/AFTERNOON BREAK

RECONVENE FOR PLENARY D Vice Moderator Eliana Maxim opened Plenary D with prayer.

RECONVENE PLENARY D

SHARING AND COMMUNITY BUILDING Sallie Watson facilitated the community building and sharing baptism stories by Rick Jones, Tricia Dykers-Koenig, Blythe Kieffer, Leanne Masters and Robin Pugh.


BLACK LIVES MATTER, PC(U.S.A.) STATEMENTS, AND CHURCH’S RESPONSE Talie Hairston from Seattle Presbytery joined COGA to share his work in the Presbytery and community and beliefs regarding Black Lives Matter

BLACK LIVES MATTER, PC(U.S.A.) STATEMENTS, AND THE CHURCH’S RESPONSE

EXECUTIVE SESSION A Motion was made, second and passed to enter executive session to discuss personnel matters with the Stated Clerk.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

RECESS A motion was made, second, and passed to exit executive session. The committee recessed for the evening with prayer offered by Sam Bonner.

RECESS

Wednesday, September 30, 2020 PLENARY E CONVENE AND OPENING PRAYER The meeting was reconvened at noon by Moderator Stephanie Anthony. The Moderator reported that there were no actions taken during executive session last night. Lynn Hargrove opened the meeting with prayer.

RECONVENE AND OPENING PRAYER - PLENARY E

SHARING AND COMMUNITY BUILDING Sallie Watson facilitated the community building and sharing with Julia Henderson, Kerry Rice, Diane Moffett, Eliana Maxim, Leon Lovell, and Lucy Duckworth Bramble sharing their baptism stories.


AGENDA ADJUSTMENT By consensus the Committee agreed to move the report from the 225 and 226 General Assembly workgroup report as the next item on the agenda.

AGENDA ADJUSTMENT

REPORT FROM 225 AND 226 GENERAL ASSEMBLY WORKGROUP Wilson Kennedy led the discussion regarding establishing a set of values. The workgroup will continue with their work being informed by the discussion taking place today.

REPORT FROM 225TH AND 226TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY WORKGROUP

BUDGET, STAFFING AND IMPLICATIONS OF COVID-19

• DeAmber Clopton updated the Committee on the work of the revenue team and expense reductions.

• Cora Brown provided information on how OGA supports staff through the pandemic and working remotely.

• Kerry Rice spoke about the process the Office of the General Assembly Leadership Team is identifying a path forward in response to the budget passed by the 224th General Assembly.

BUDGET, STAFFING AND IMPLICATIONS OF COVID-19

GIVING TUESDAY - Blythe Kieffer represents COGA for Giving Tuesday and shared the plans for the 2020 event.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

EXECUTIVE SESSION A Motion was made, second and passed to enter executive session to discuss personnel matters with the Stated Clerk.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

ADJOURNMENT A motion was made, second, and passed to exit executive session. The Committee on the Office of the General Assembly Adjourned with prayer offered by Andy James.

ADJOURNMENT

Respectfully submitted:

Diane Minter

MINUTES

Special Called Meeting

COMMITTEE ON THE


November 12, 2020

Video Conference

Prayer and Land Acknowledgement Welcome The video conference gathering of the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly (COGA) convened via electronic means at 12:00 p.m. by Moderator Stephanie Anthony with prayer. The Committee acknowledge the sacred ground of our indigenous ancestors.

WELCOME

ATTENDANCE The following persons were present for all or part of the meeting. COGA Members: Stephanie Anthony, Moderator Eliana Maxim, Vice-Moderator Samuel Bonner Dave Davis Lynn Hargrove Andy James Wilson Kennedy Blythe Kieffer Leon Lovell Martin Robin Pugh Luis Ocasio Torres Shannon Vance-Ocampo Sallie Watson J. Herbert Nelson II, Ex-officio Diane Moffett, Executive Director, PMAB Elona Street Stewart, Co-Moderator of the 224th GA (2020) Excused Luci Duckson-Bramble Leeanne Masters Gregory Bentley, Co-Moderator of the 224th GA (2020) OGA Staff: Kerry Rice Nancy Taylor Julia Henderson Jihyun Oh Diane Minter Rick Jones Laurie Griffith

PARTICIPANTS

Cora Brown DeAmber Clompton Brunhilda Williams Carrington Dianna Wright Other Guests: Kathy Lueckert, President, ASG Mike Kirk, General Counsel April Davenport, Assoc. General Council, ASG Denise Hampton, ASG Ruth Gardner, ASG

COGA CHECK IN Committee members were given the opportunity to update each other on their lives and activity related to the pandemic and other world events.

CHECK IN

EXECUTIVE SESSION The following motion was made, second, and approved: The Committee on the Office of the General Assembly enter executive session for the purposes of personnel and contracts. COGA invites Cora Brown, Laurie Griffith, Nancy Taylor, Dianna Wright, Rick Jones, Jihyun Oh, Julia Henderson, DeAmber Clopton, Kerry Rice, Diane Minter, Kathy Lueckert, Mike Kirk, April Davenport, Denise Hampton and Ruth Gardner to remain in the executive session as well.

MOTION TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION

EXECUTIVE SESSION The Committee entered executive session at 12:15 pm.

ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION

EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION A motion was made, second and approved to exit session at 1:25 pm.

EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION

REPORT OUT AND ADJOURNMENT The moderator reported that no action was taken during executive session. The meeting was adjourned with prayer offered by Wilson Kennedy,

ADJOURNMENT

Respectfully Submitted:

Diane Minter

MINUTES

Called Meeting

COMMITTEE ON THE


November 19, 2020

Video Conference

Prayer and Land Acknowledgement Welcome The video conference gathering of the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly (COGA) convened via electronic means at 12:00 p.m. by Moderator Stephanie Anthony with prayer. Robin Pugh acknowledge the sacred ground of our indigenous ancestors.

WELCOME

ATTENDANCE The following persons were present for all or part of the meeting. COGA Members: Stephanie Anthony, Moderator Eliana Maxim, Vice-Moderator Samuel Bonner Dave Davis Luci Duckson-Bramble Lynn Hargrove Andy James Wilson Kennedy Blythe Kieffer Leon Lovell Martin Leeanne Masters Robin Pugh Luis Ocasio Torres Shannon Vance-Ocampo Sallie Watson J. Herbert Nelson II, Ex-officio Excused Diane Moffett, Executive Director, PMAB Elona Street Stewart, Co-Moderator of the 224th GA (2020) Gregory Bentley, Co-Moderator of the 224th GA (2020) OGA Staff: Kerry Rice Nancy Taylor Julia Henderson Jihyun Oh Diane Minter Rick Jones Laurie Griffith Cora Brown

PARTICIPANTS

DeAmber Clompton Brunhilda Williams Carrington Dianna Wright Deb Davies Other Guests: Kathy Lueckert, President, ASG Mike Kirk, General Counsel April Davenport, Assoc. General Council, ASG Denise Hampton, ASG Ruth Gardner, ASG Byron Elam, GACOR

APPROVE AGENDA A by consensus the Committee approved the meeting agenda.

AGENDA APPROVAL


CHECK IN

EXECUTIVE SESSION The following motion was made, second, and approved: The Committee on the Office of the General Assembly enter executive session for the purpose of contracts negotiations. COGA invites Kerry Rice, Cora Brown, Laurie Griffith, Nancy Taylor, Tricia Dykers Koenig, Dianna Wright, Rick Jones, Jihyun Oh, Julia Henderson, DeAmber Clopton, Kerry Rice, Diane Minter, Kathy Lueckert, Mike Kirk, April Davenport, Denise Hampton, Byron Elam and Ruth Gardner to remain in the executive session as well.






REPORT OUT FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION The moderator reported that no action was taken during executive session.

EXECUTIVE SESSION REPORT OUT

GIVING TUESDAY Blythe Kieffer shared the plans for PCUSA’s giving Tuesday and encouraged COGA members to consider participating.

GIVING TUESDAY

ADJOURNMENT WITH PRAYER There being no further business the meeting adjourned with prayer offered by Blythe Kieffer at 2:05 pm.

ADJOURNMENT


Diane Minter

MINUTES

Called Meeting

COMMITTEE ON THE


December 3, 2020

Video Conference

Prayer and Land Acknowledgement Welcome The video conference gathering of the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly (COGA) convened via electronic means at 12:00 p.m. by Moderator Stephanie Anthony with prayer. Robin Pugh acknowledge the sacred ground of our indigenous ancestors.

WELCOME

ATTENDANCE The following persons were present for all or part of the meeting. COGA Members: Stephanie Anthony, Moderator Eliana Maxim, Vice-Moderator Samuel Bonner Dave Davis Luci Duckson-Bramble Lynn Hargrove Andy James Wilson Kennedy Blythe Kieffer Leon Lovell Martin Leeanne Masters Robin Pugh Luis Ocasio Torres Shannon Vance-Ocampo Sallie Watson J. Herbert Nelson II, Ex-officio Excused Diane Moffett, Executive Director, PMAB Elona Street Stewart, Co-Moderator of the 224th GA (2020) Gregory Bentley, Co-Moderator of the 224th GA (2020) OGA Staff: Kerry Rice Nancy Taylor Julia Henderson Jihyun Oh Diane Minter Rick Jones Laurie Griffith Cora Brown

PARTICIPANTS

DeAmber Clompton Brunhilda Williams Carrington Dianna Wright Other Guests: Kathy Lueckert, President, ASG Mike Kirk, General Counsel April Davenport, Assoc. General Council, ASG Denise Hampton, ASG Ruth Gardner, ASG

APPROVE AGENDA A by consensus the Committee approved the meeting agenda.

AGENDA APPROVAL


CHECK IN

CONSIDERATION OF THE 2021-2022 PER CAPITA BUDGET

2020-2021 BUDGET CONSIDERATION

EXECUTIVE SESSION The following motion was made, second, and approved: The Committee on the Office of the General Assembly enter executive session for the purpose of contracts negotiations. COGA invites Kerry Rice, Cora Brown, Laurie Griffith, Nancy Taylor, Tricia Dykers Koenig, Dianna Wright, Rick Jones, Jihyun Oh, Julia Henderson, DeAmber Clopton, Kerry Rice, Diane Minter, Kathy Lueckert, Mike Kirk, April Davenport, Denise Hampton, Byron Elam and Ruth Gardner to remain in the executive session as well.






REPORT OUT FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION The moderator reported that no action was taken during executive session.

EXECUTIVE SESSION REPORT OUT

GIVING TUESDAY Blythe Kieffer shared the plans for PCUSA’s giving Tuesday and encouraged COGA members to consider participating.

GIVING TUESDAY

ADJOURNMENT WITH PRAYER There being no further business the meeting adjourned with prayer offered by Blythe Kieffer at 2:05 pm.

ADJOURNMENT


Diane Minter

MINUTES

Called Meeting

COMMITTEE ON THE


December 17, 2020

Video Conference

Prayer and Land Acknowledgement Welcome The video conference gathering of the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly (COGA) convened via electronic means at 12:00 p.m. by Moderator Stephanie Anthony who opened the meeting with prayer. Wilson Kennedy offered acknowledgement of the sacred ground of our indigenous ancestors.

WELCOME

ATTENDANCE The following persons were present for all or part of the meeting. COGA Members: Stephanie Anthony, Moderator Eliana Maxim, Vice-Moderator Samuel Bonner Dave Davis Luci Duckson-Bramble Lynn Hargrove Andy James Wilson Kennedy Blythe Kieffer Leon Lovell Martin Leeanne Masters Robin Pugh Luis Ocasio Torres Shannon Vance-Ocampo Sallie Watson J. Herbert Nelson II, Ex-officio Elona Street Stewart, Co-Moderator of the 224th GA (2020) Excused Gregory Bentley, Co-Moderator of the 224th GA (2020) Diane Moffett, Executive Director, PMAB, Ex-officio OGA Staff: Kerry Rice Nancy Taylor Julia Henderson Jihyun Oh Diane Minter Rick Jones

PARTICIPANTS

Laurie Griffith Cora Brown DeAmber Clopton Brunhilda Williams Carrington Dianna Wright Tricia Dykers Koenig Deb Davies Kate Trigger Duffert Other Guests: Kathy Lueckert, President, ASG Mike Kirk, General Counsel April Davenport, Assoc. General Council, ASG Denise Hampton, ASG Ruth Gardner, ASG Leslie Scanlon, Outlook Sue Trigger, ACSWP Byron Elam, GACOR

APPROVE AGENDA By consensus the Committee approved the meeting agenda as amended.

AGENDA APPROVAL


CHECK IN

STATED CLERK’S VISION FOR THE CHURCH IN THE 21ST CENTURY The Stated Clerk shared with COGA his vision for the Church in the 21st century.

STATED CLERK’S VISION FOR THE CHURCH IN THE 21ST CENTURY

COGA COORDINATING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION REGARDING THE 225TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY (2022) Moderator Stephanie Anthony shared with the Committee the coordinating committee recommendation for a design team for the 225th General Assembly (2022). MOTION MADE, SECOND AND APPROVED Coordinating Committee appoint a design team to work with the Stated Clerk’s vision for the 225th General Assembly (2022) MOTION MADE, SECOND AND APPROVED Coordinating team confer with the stated clerk regarding his vision for PCUSA.

COGA COORDINATING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION REGARDING THE 225TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY (2022)

COGA COORDINATING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION REGARDING A COGA COMMUNICATION TEAM Eliana Maxim reported that the COGA Communications team members are Eliana Maxim, Leon Lovell-Martin and Wilson Kennedy. Rick Jones from the Office of the General Assembly will serve as staff to the committee. The committee will coordinate the on-going communications strategy and needs. MOTION MADE, SECOND AND APPROVED COGA approves the formation of a Communication design team.

COGA COORDINATING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION REGARDING A COGA COMMUNICATION TEAM

RECOMMENDATION FOR 225th GENERAL ASSEMBLY (2022) IN-PERSON COMMITTEE MEETINGS DATES Wilson Kennedy shared the OGA staff rationale and recommendation for dates 225th GA (2022) committee meetings. MOTION MADE, SECOND, AND FAILED Approve the following dates for committee meetings: June 12 through June 18; June 19 through June 25 MOTION MADE, SECOND AND APPROVED COGA approve the following dates for General Assembly Committee meetings in 2022: June 19 through 25; June 26 through July 2

RECOMMENDATION FOR 225th GENERAL ASSEMBLY (2022) IN-PERSON COMMITTEE MEETINGS DATES

COGA WORKGROUP REPORT ON MERGER AND NATIONAL UNITY Eliana Maxim updated COGA on the workgroup’s recommendation to put their work on hold until PMAB finishes their time of discernment.

COGA WORKGROUP UPDATE AND REPORT ON MERGER AND NATIONAL UNITY

PER CAPITA PROMOTION AND OGA AND MISSION ENGAGEMENT AND SUPPORT/PMA AGREEMENT William McConnell from Mission Engagement (PMA) and Kate Duffert (OGA) led the discussion regarding the agreement.

PER CAPITA PROMOTION AND OGA AND MISSION ENGAGEMENT AND SUPPORT/PMA AGREEMENT

PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY BOARD MEMBER CONFIRMATION

PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY BOARD MEMBER CONFIRMATION

The Committee on the Office of the General Assembly affirmed the appointment of Debra Harton Love to the Presbyterian Historical

Society Board of Directors in the class of 2022.

MOTION MADE, SECOND, AND APPROVED

Affirm the appointment of Debra Love to the Presbyterian Historical

Society Board of Directors.

RECOMMENDATION TO HONOR CORA BROWN AND DIANE MINTER Kerry Rice acknowledged their work on the eve of their retirement.

RECOMMENDATION TO HONOR CORA BROWN AND DIANE MINTER

ADJOURNMENT WITH PRAYER There being no further business the meeting adjourned with prayer offered by the Stated Clerk, J. Herbert Nelson. The meeting adjourned at 2:05 pm.

ADJOURNMENT


Diane Minter

minutes committee on the office of the ......2020/09/28 · elona street stewart, co-moderator of...

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