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Presbytery of the James – Ninety-first Stated Meeting, Presbytery of the James, October 17, 2015, Hosted by Second Richmond

Report of theSTATED CLERK

PRESBYTERY OF THE JAMESOctober 17, 2015

I. NOMINATIONS A. Temporary Clerks Region E:

Region F: TE Joe Young (Oak Grove), RE Evalyn Page (1st United)

B. Courtesy Committee Stated Clerk

II. COMMUNICATIONSA. All readers of presbytery minutes for the June 16, 2015 Stated Meeting have given

approval. Copies are at the Stated Clerk’s desk or will be e-mailed to people who request them. Commissioners from Regions E and F and will be asked to read minutes of this meeting.

III. COMMISSION REPORTS

A. THE COMMISSION OF THE PRESBYTERY OF THE JAMES APPOINTED TO INSTALL Rev. Victoria Bethel as Pastor of Brett-Reed Memorial Presbyterian Church at West Point, VA met Sunday June 14, 2015 at 3:30 PM at the church. A quorum was present consisting of the following:

MINISTERS: Rev. Robert Knox, sermonRev. Kay Steele, Charge the CongregationRev. Don Steele, Charge the Pastor.

ELDERS: Ruling Elder Ann Knox (Ginter Park), Moderator and ask the Constitutional QuestionsRuling Elder Hymphrey Muraya (New Hanover) Prayer of Installation

Pursuant to the assignment of Presbytery and the provisions of W-4.4000 of THE BOOK OF ORDER, Victoria Bethel was installed as Pastor, Brett-Reed Memorial Presbyterian Church, West Point, VA.

B. THE COMMISSION OF THE PRESBYTERY OF THE JAMES APPOINTED TO ORDAIN AND INSTALL Charles Michael Weiglein as Associate Pastor of Meadows Presbyterian Church at Charlottesville, VA met Sunday June 14, 2015 at 10:00 AM at the church. A quorum was present consisting of the following:

MINISTERS: Rev. Thomas Goodrich, SermonRev. Stephen Hitchcock, ModeratorRev. Kendall Pearson

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ELDERS: Ruling Elder Leslie Bailey (Blue Ridge Church)Ruling Elder Kendall Cox (First, Charlottesville)Ruling Elder Kris Kubow (Meadows)

GUESTS: Ruling Elder Meg Barclay (Meadows Church)Rev. Charles Pickett (James Presbytery) Charge to CongregationRev. Lowell Sykes (Evangelical Presbyterian Church) Charge Minister

Pursuant to the assignment of Presbytery and the provisions of W-4.4000 of THE

BOOK OF ORDER, Charles Michael Weiglein was ordained and installed as Associate Pastor, Meadows Presbyterian Church, Charlottesville, VA

IV. The Stated Clerk makes the following recommendation:A. That the minutes of the June 16, 2015, Stated Meeting be approved.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONSPRESBYTERY OF THE JAMES

October 17, 2015

I. THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS THAT THE PRESBYTERY ELECT:All who are elected to serve as members of the class of 2018 will begin their service on January 1, 2016. Those elected to other classes are being elected to fill out uncompleted terms and will begin service immediately after election.

1. Presbytery Moderator for 2016Kenna Payne, Ruling Elder, Westminster, Richmond

2. Presbytery Vice Moderator for 2016Stephen Hodges, Teaching Elder, Providence Forge

3. Committee on Preparation for MinistryClass of 2018, Region A, Kimberleigh Wells, Teaching Elder, First, Charlottesville Class of 2018, Region A, Ruffin King, Ruling Elder, OlivetClass of 2018, Region B, Rebekah Johns, Teaching Elder, BethlehemClass of 2018, Member at Large, Howard Curle, Ruling Elder, HebronClass of 2018, Member at Large, Sylvester Bullock, Teaching Elder, Rosewood

4. Committee on MinistryClass of 2018, Moderator, Member at Large, Greg Govan, Ruling Elder, Cove, Class of 2018, Region A, Kevin Channell, Teaching Elder, South Plains


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Class of 2018, Region A, Nancy Nevill, Ruling Elder, RockfishClass of 2018, Region B, Caroline Deaderick, Ruling Elder, FredericksburgClass of 2018, Region B, Daniel Hrach, Teaching Elder, SummitClass of 2016, Region F, Peter Smith, Teaching Elder, BlackstoneClass of 2018, Member at Large, Wayne Johnson, Ruling Elder, EastminsterClass of 2018: Member at Large, Joel Morgan, Teaching Elder, Westminster, Richmond

5. Communication and Coordination TeamClass of 2018, Vice Moderator, Member at Large, Linda Hague-Poates, Ruling Elder, HebronClass of 2018, Region A, Elias Awad, Ruling Elder, First, CharlottesvilleClass of 2018, Region B, Steve Starzer, Teaching Elder, Fairfield

6. Mission and Service TeamClass of 2018, Moderator, Member at Large, Mary Jane Winter, Teaching Elder, ActiveClass of 2018, Vice Moderator, Member at Large, B. Ayars Lore, Ruling Elder, Providence ForgeClass of 2018, Region A, Stephen Hitchcock, Teaching Elder, ValidatedClass of 2018, Region B, Bill Nix, Member of Congregation, FredericksburgClass of 2016, Region E, Janet Winslow, Teaching Elder, Bon Air

7. Leadership Connection TeamClass of 2018, Region A, Deborah Rexrode, Ruling Elder, First, Charlottesville

8. Permanent Judicial CommissionClass of 2021, Member at Large, Michael Reynold, Ruling Elder, MechanicsvilleClass of 2021, Member at Large, Archibald Wallace, Teaching Elder, Second, PetersburgClass of 2021, Member at Large, Alexander Evans, Teaching Elder, Second, Richmond

9. Service with the Synod of the Mid-AtlanticClass of 2018, POJ Representative to the Synod Assembly, Nikki Morris, Ruling Elder, Bon AirClass of 2018, Speer Trust Fund, George Conway, Teaching Elder, RetiredClass of 2018, Committee on Representation, A.W. Dickerson, Ruling Elder, TuckahoeClass of 2018, Committee on Nominations, Patrick Dennis, Teaching Elder, Tuckahoe

Opportunities for Service in the Presbytery

The following vacancies exist on Committees and Teams that are filled by The Committee on Nominations:

Committee on Preparation for the MinistryClass of 2018, Region B, Ruling Elder

Leadership Connections TeamClass of 2016, Region F, Teaching ElderClass of 2018, Region B, Ruling Elder/Member of Congregation


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If you are interested in any of these opportunities for service, please contact Gordon Lindsey, Moderator-Committee on Nominations, [email protected].

The following vacancies exist on Committees that are filled by the Communication and Coordination Team:

Committee on NominationsClass of 2018, Vice Moderator, Member at Large, Ruling ElderClass of 2017, Region C, Ruling Elder/Member of Congregation

If you are interested in this opportunity for service, please contact John Storey, Moderator-Communication & Coordination Team, [email protected].

In addition to these elected positions, POJ members may serve on Purpose Groups. Please see the Home Page on our website, www.presbyteryofthejames.org, and directly contact a Purpose Group of your choice.

COMMUNICATION AND COORDINATION TEAM(C&C TEAM and Trustees)

Presbytery of the James Meeting, October 17, 2015

The C&C Team Reports this Information:1. Learned that some ministers regularly arrive late for presbytery meetings, have lunch, and

depart. Decided to announce that registration is 8 – 10:30 AM for each Stated meeting of the Presbytery.

The C&C Team Reports Taking the Following Actions: None

The C&C Team Reports the Following Items for the Consent Docket: 1. That the following persons be elected to the Committee on Nominations:

Moderator: Joshua Andrzejewski, Teaching Elder, Validated Ministry, Class of 2018, Term 2Region A: Denise Hall, Teaching Elder; Class of 2018, Term 1Region B: James Salyers, Teaching Elder, Mechanicsville, Class of 2018, Term 2

2. That the following persons be elected to the Committee on Representation:Moderator of the Committee: A.W. Dickerson, Ruling Elder, Tuckahoe, Member at large, Class of 2016, Term 1Vice Moderator: Kathryn Lester-Bacon, Teaching Elder, Richmond, Second, Class of 2018, Term 2Member at large: Rosa Oden, Ruling Elder, All Souls, Class of 2018, Term 1

3. That the presbytery approve the 2016 Balancing of Commissioners plan (see page 6)

The C&C Team Makes the Following Recommendation:


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1. That the Docket for October 17, 2015, Presbytery meeting be approved.

-----------------------------The POJ Trustees Report this Information:

1. Learned that the Victoria Church continues to be in default of the rental agreement between them and the Presbytery of the James and is unresponsive to requests for payment. In addition, the Victoria Church is being asked to provide POJ with proof of insurance coverage.

2. Report concerning investments: Jeff Chapman, RB Wealth Management: As of 8/31/2015, the investment portfolio totaled $ 3,586,733 vs. a total cost of $1,593,932. Since inception we have realized a return of 5.18% vs. 6.36% for the custom index (custom index is 70% S&P 500 Total Return, which includes dividends ,10% Barclays Capital Gov-Corp Intermediate Bond Index and 20% HFRIC Index). For the prior 12 months the total portfolio returned -0.44% vs 1.12% for the custom index. Presbytery Office Park as of 4/30/2014 the value was $963,687. Since inception on 11/13/07, the return on the investment is 4.58% vs. 4.81% for the custom index. The 12 month performance was -1.21% vs. the custom index of 1.12%.

The POJ Trustees Report Taking the Following Actions:

1. Approved leasing of vans for Camp Hanover for the summer2. Approved a Clear-Cut Timber Sale Proposal for Camp Hanover3. Approved lease between Laurel Church and Faith Revival Church, 7/1/15 – 9/30/154. Approved the purchase of a commercial steamer for Camp Hanover kitchen.5. Denied a request from Camp Hanover to allow a Hunt Club to use the property. Trustees

want to assure that the property has been “posted” and marked and that if people arehunting illegally, the Camp must call the Game Warden.

The POJ Trustees Report the Following Item for the Consent Docket:

1. Will recommend to presbytery to transfer the property of the New Covenant Church from POJ to New Covenant Church of Chesterfield, Inc.:

The POJ Trustees Make the Following Recommendation: none

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Report to POJ concerning Crestwood Church request for dismissal:

As directed by the POJ in March of 2015 when the former Administrative Commission reached an impasse with the Crestwood Presbyterian Church, the Trustees have been engaged in negotiations for a property settlement with the Crestwood Church to effect their dismissal to the ECO. Those negotiations continue and the Trustees beg your prayers for both parties.

Submitted September 17, 2015Ronald Bullis, President, POJ Trustees


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PRESBYTERY OF THE JAMESBALANCING OF COMMISSIONERS

FOR 2016In accordance with G-3.0301

1. Teaching Elders1 Validated (145), Members at Large (14)2.................................................................... 159Minus those of the above who are unable to attend meetings3....................................- 12Subtotal........................................................................................................................ 147Honorably Retired (96), of whom we count 22 for purpose of balancing...................+ 22................................................................................................................................................

Total................................................................................................................... 169

2. Ruling Elders Ruling Elders Elected by 107 Sessions as Commissioners to Presbytery (G-3.0202a):4 commissioners from each of 4 congregations having 900 or more members ............ 163 commissioners from each of 3 congregations having 610 to 899 members ............... 9 2 commissioners from each of 29 congregations having 150 to 609 members ............. 601 commissioner from each of 70 congregations having up to 149 members.................. 70Subtotal............................................................................................................................ 155

..........................................................................................................................................................................Ruling Elders Enrolled by Presbytery During Terms of Elected Service to Presbytery Or its Congregations (G-3.0301)

New Church Development.............................................................................................. 0 Moderators4 of POJ, Teams, or Committees .................................................................. 3Ruling Elders commissioned5 to do pastoral work ........................................................ 1Certified Educators6 who are Ruling Elders &

congregation members (G-2.1103b) .................................................................. 10Subtotal...................................................................................................................................... + 14

Total ........................................................................................................................... 169

Average Attendance per Meeting of T.E.s & R.E.s 2010-15, As of July 2015

Year H.R. T.E.s All T.E.s All

R.E.sR.E.s from Sessions

2010 17 115 132 1242011 14 113 133 1252012 10 105 128 119

1 Following G-2.0503, we designate three categories of teaching elder: Validated, Member at Large, and Honorably Retired; we discontinue “Active” and “Active-HR.”2 Includes Brittany Tamminga, Marie Adam, Michelle Owens, and John Vest as Validated. Does not include Robert Azzarito, Tony Tien-Ren Lin, Greg Wood, or Sandra Shaner.3 Virginia Bairby (Kentucky), Fernando Cascante (Florida), Joshua Choi (California), Stephen Cobb (Disability), Douglas Fenton (Disability), Douglas Hicks (New York), Mary Johns (Staunton) , Inock Kim (Korea), Arnold Lovell (North Carolina), Chad McCain (Japan), Phillip Thetford (Disability), Christopher Thomas (Washington).4 Tim Williams (Leadership Connections Team), Greg Govan (COM). 5 Charles McRaven.6 Gloria Cauthorn, Carol Dunlap, Marian English, Barbara Flynt, Marcia Hale, Bruce Harvey, Marilyn Johns, Ann Knox, Leigh Anne Ring, Daniel Wiard.


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2013 9 105 111 1042014 8 97 106 1022015 12 98 94 86

RULING ELDERS FROM EACH CONGREGATIONJANUARY 1, 2016 TO DECEMBER 31, 2016

Four Ruling Elder Commissioners from congregations having 900 or more members:

Charlottesville First, Fredericksburg, Richmond First, Salisbury.

Three Ruling Elder Commissioners from congregations having from 610 to 899 members:

Crestwood, Richmond Second, River Road.

Two Ruling Elder Commissioners from congregations having 150 to 609 members:

Bethlehem, Blackstone, Bon Air, Brandermill, Campbell Memorial, Chester, Culpepper, Fairfield, Gayton Kirk, Ginter Park, Grace Covenant, Lakeside, Lord Jesus, Madison, Meadows, Mechanicsville, New Hanover, Olivet, Orange, Petersburg Second, Providence Forge, Rockfish, Southminster, St. Andrews, Summit, Swift Creek, Three Chopt, Tuckahoe, Westminster Charlottesville, Westminster Richmond.

One Ruling Elder Commissioner from congregations having up to 149 members:

Aberdour, All Souls, Amelia, Ampthill, Ashland, Bethany, Bethesda, Beulah, Blue Ridge, Bott Memorial, Brett-Reed Memorial, Burkeville, Byrd, Chase City First, Colonial Heights, Concord, Cove, Covenant, Eastminster, Ebenezer, Emporia First, Forest Hill, Genito, Gordonsville, Greenwood, Gregory Memorial, Hartwood, Hawkins Memorial, Hebron, Hopewell First, King’s Chapel, Kirk O’Cliff, Laurel, Lawrenceville, Louisa, Mattoax, Milden, Milford, Mitchells, New Covenant, Oak Grove, Ogden, Overbrook, Pine Grove, Praise the Lord, Providence Gum Spring, Providence Powhatan, Pryor Memorial, Rennie Memorial, Richmond First United, Rivermont, Rosewood, Salem, Sandston, Scottsville, South Hill, South Plains, St. James, Tabor, Tappahannock, Thyne Memorial, Trinity, Village, Waddell Memorial, Wesley, Westminster Petersburg, Woodlawn, Woodville, Wylliesburg, Zion Hill.

Mission and Service Team Report

It is great news that Cindy Corell, our missionary in Haiti, is our guest preacher for the October 17 presbytery meeting and will be available during lunch for further conversation. She will return in 2016 to speak in our churches, thanking them for their support and continuing to connect our presbytery with God’s work in Haiti. In addition the Hunger Purpose Group has allocated funds to several projects in Haiti that support Cindy’s work and address hunger.


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Haiti Purpose Group

Cindy Corell, a new mission coworker of the PC(USA) serves in Haiti because of the inspired commitment of the Presbytery of the James. As a purpose group of the POJ, we celebrate her call to serve in this neighboring nation, and we express deep gratitude to the congregations of our presbytery that provide financial and prayer support to her and the people she is serving.

Cindy will be attend the October meeting and be our guest preacher! You will also learn of the next POJ sponsored trip to Haiti, an opportunity to visit Cindy, learn first-hand of her ministry and meet the people she works with. The dates are February 18-25, 2016. It is designed for 7 interested individuals from our member churches. The trip promises the opportunity to see what God is doing in Haiti through the efforts of Cindy's ministry, offering a variety of ways to interact with Haitian partners. If interested, please contact the Rev. Elizabeth McGuire at [email protected] to get more details and an application is included as the last page of the packet.

The Haiti Purpose Group continues to urge the participation of all congregations in the presbytery to provide the financial support for Cindy's presence in Haiti.

The Presbytery of the James is the only presbytery in the PC(USA) that has made this kind of commitment to mission; namely to provide a new missionary position and to fully fund it. While a unique distinction, it is also an enormous responsibility. When the office park funds were being awarded to the various purpose groups, the Haiti Purpose Group received a portion of those funds specifically to call a new mission co-worker to Haiti. The total cost of a mission worker is $83,000 per year. The grant has been used in the following way:

2013 Office Park- $62,250 (75%) and churches $20,750 (25%) 2014 Office Park- $41,500 (50%) and churches $41,500 (50%) 2015 Office Park - $20,750 (25%) and churches $62,250 (75%)

Because Cindy's ministry is thriving, our support is critical. Contributions received by the presbytery from churches and individuals as of September 10 are $28,738.62. We need more congregations to join the effort and we need those who have supported her in the past to continue. How can you help?

Receive a special offering during worship near January 12th, the anniversary of the devastating 2010 earthquake which caused so much damage and loss of life

Provide the opportunity during Advent to make Cindy's ministry an alternative gift for people to consider

Invite members from one of the recent trips to Haiti to come to your congregation to talk about the work that is being done there to the glory of God and take a free will offering

Finally, and most importantly, add Cindy's support to your congregation's annual budget.

Because Cindy has been reappointed to another term of service in Haiti, she will be visiting churches in the POJ in the spring of 2016. Can we insure her success for full support ($83,000) in 2016 and beyond? Please keep Cindy's ministry before your congregation. Join in


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her support. Pray for her and her ministry. Join national Haiti Mission Network on Facebook where Cindy gives updates about her work. Send a member on a POJ trip to Haiti. Cindy will be visiting churches in the POJ in the spring of 2016. More information about how to schedule a visit and whom to contact will be coming.

Your support is critical. Thank you!

New Worshiping Communities Purpose Group

This group is committed to advancing the PCUSA’s 1001 New Worshiping Community (NWC) initiatives, which in large part replaces the traditional approach of New Church Development (NCD) as the primary method with which to form new church communities. Because most NWC’s are formed as a result of a sponsoring church, the purpose group is seeking to identify churches that would pursue the formation of a NWC.

AFREIM (African Evangelical International Ministries) is a certified 1001 New Worshiping Community that began three years ago reaching out to recent immigrants, especially from Africa. It is led by Humphrey Muraya and is a growing and enthusiastic mission. The group meets and worships at New Hanover Presbyterian Church.

Our Purpose Group sent three representatives from POJ to the Annual Conference of 1,001 New Worshiping Communities, held August 10-14 in St. Pete Beach, FL. The event was the largest and most comprehensive held to date. It provided insight, information, and mentoring, as well as critical connections with other new worshiping communities and denominational leaders in the PCUSA. The NWC Purpose Group is eager to expand the new worshiping communities here in the POJ, and encourages anyone to contact us for information or assistance in forming one. Opportunities are also available for new members of the Purpose Group. They ordinarily meet once a month. Available to assist you are Randy Smith, at [email protected] and Katherine Todd, at [email protected].

First Things First Purpose Group

Upcoming FREE Training Opportunities for Presbytery of the James Pastors and Church Members

Oct 29 Certification in PREPARE-ENRICH for Clergy, Counselors and Ministry Leaders. "The single best tool for helping couples." Registration: http://www.firstthingsrichmond.org/marriage/prepareenrich/ NOTE this is the LAST FREE Training Opportunity for Office Park Grant.

November 12 Marriage Adventure: Money Habitudes and Communication Tips at Salisbury Presbyterian Church, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Understand and appreciate each other’s


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habits and attitudes towards money. Dinner and child care provided with reservation Contact: Elizabeth McGuire at 804-794-5311.

Host a free program at your church, contact Bob Ruthazer, CFLE at [email protected] 804-402-8004

Grace-Covenant hosted a half day Couples Enrichment program on September 12 and had 12 participants who learned Communication Skills, Love Languages and Appreciating and Understanding Personalities.

Great Couple's referral resource: Marriage & Relationship Coaching Center of Central VA: www.MarriageRelationshipCoach.org

Public Policy Witness Purpose Group

During the late spring and summer months of 2015, the Public Policy Witness Purpose Group has continued its efforts to broaden its base of support within the Presbytery of the James. Success has been limited but new efforts are planned for the fall of 2015. Our goal continues to be expansion of church representation on the committee by 10-15 new congregations, and our target date remains spring, 2016.

Additionally, the purpose group has some exciting plans for new areas of advocacy activity for the fall of 2015. One such activity will be a Seminar on Immigration Policy November 15 at Bon Air Presbyterian Church. It is cosponsored with the Virginia Interfaith Center on Public Policy (VICPP). Presenter for the seminar will be Lana Heath de Martinez. Lana has had extensive experience in working with the immigration issue and with immigrant communities. The seminar promises to be a timely, informative event and one that, we anticipate will be widely attended by church members throughout the POJ. Lana is also the seminary intern working with the purpose group this year.

The purpose group has made plans to encourage a larger Presbyterian presence at the VICPP’s Day for All People, an event that will be held on January 20, 2016. The Day for All People offers an opportunity for members from a variety of faith communities – including our own – to meet and advocate with members of the Virginia General Assembly for specific pieces of legislation that are under consideration in the current legislative year.

The Public Policy Witness Purpose Group, therefore, invites all POJ congregations toSAVE THE DATES!

November 15, 2015 – “What Do We Do with the Stranger: A Conversation on Immigration” Bon Air Presbyterian Church, 2:00—4:00 p.m.

January 20, 2016 – “A Day for All People” Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy. Location and time to be announced.

World Mission Purpose Group


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For the second year, the World Mission Purpose Group is enthusiastic about the Presbytery of the James participating with Peaks Presbytery in a Synod Shared Initiatives Grant to Guatemala with CEDEPCA, a mission partner of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Last year Synod funds enabled church leaders and especially women in Guatemala to experience life-transforming study of the Bible in a distant province. A new grant is anticipated to continue this work, to bring Guatemalan leaders here, and to encourage members of Peaks and James to travel together to Guatemala June 13-20, 2016. If you or your church wants to see how God is at work in Guatemala and changing lives, including ours, consider engaging in this joint initiative of James and Peaks Presbyteries. For more information contact Mary Jane Winter, [email protected].

Are there young adults in your church who have a year to give to mission service, either in the United States or in another country? The Young Adult Volunteer program of the Presbyterian Church (USA) is flourishing. Scholarships are available for those who are accepted from a POJ congregation. Placement sites offer a wide variety of experience and the opportunity to grow and serve, experiencing a new culture from a global perspective or a local one. Consider being a YAV after college or as a gap year. It’s a year of service and a life time of change. For more information see http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/yav/. Or contact Colleen Earp, a former YAV, or Mary Jane Winter, moderator of the purpose group.

Mission Networks connect mission partners with church members and leaders all over the United States, providing energy and advocacy and celebrating the impact that God’s mission is having. The Presbytery of the James was well represented at the mission network meetings of Guatemala, Haiti, Egypt, and Congo. The Congo Mission Network was recently hosted in Richmond and representatives preached or gave a Minute for Mission in seven of our churches on September 20. Earlier, the Haiti Mission Network invited representatives from the James to speak about our presbytery partnership with Cindy, offering it as a model for other presbyteries.

Who is the mission contact in your congregation? Who moderates the mission or outreach committee? Please give their contact information to the Presbytery Office. The World Mission Purpose is eager to share information or to be a resource to your church.

Evangelism Purpose Group

This group was formed in late 2014. It is committed to “The Joy of Sharing God’s Love” throughout the Presbytery of the James and beyond.Currently the members of this team are:

John Vest Willie Woodson Dan Hrach Don McLean Ayars Lore - Moderator

In the spring of this year this group held an event to learn how a diverse group of churches within the Presbytery of the James were reaching out and “Sharing God’s Love”. On Saturday November 7 our team is planning a second event. Again representatives of churches within the Presbytery of the James will gather to discuss the successes and concerns and how, as individuals, as worshiping bodies, or as a presbytery, we can better “Share God’s Love”. If you


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are interested in attending this event or becoming a member of the Evangelism Purpose Group please contact Ayars Lore, [email protected] or 804-366-8325.

REPORT OF THE LEADERSHIP CONNECTIONS TEAMPresbytery of the James Meeting

October 17, 2015

The Team Reports this Information:The importance of groups that help develop leadership in the Presbytery of the James remains the significant focus. Please read the reports of the various purpose groups so that you may be aware of the programs which are on going withinn the presbytery. If you are interested in forming a Purpose Group that supports leadership development, please contact Tim Williams, the Team moderator or a team member. We will be happy to walk with you through the process. Look for information about these and other Purpose Groups on the POJ Website: www.presbyteryofthejames.org

Team Member Role: Develop a strong working relationship with the purpose group. Serve as a resource / consultant to the purpose group leaders. Shape the thinking of the purpose group to have a plan to grow. Assist the group in defining ways to measure success.

Tim WilliamsLeadership Connections Team Moderator

The Team supports and encourages the following Purpose Groups:

Purpose Group Purpose GroupCamp Hanover Resource CenterStewardship SPIM

CAPS Black Caucus

Christian Education Resource and Special Events

Small Church Presbyterian Women

Older Adult Youth Ministries

Small Church Summer Intern Collegiate Ministries

The Leadership Connections Team Reports Activities for the Following Purpose Groups:

REPORT OF THE SMALL CHURCH MINISTRY PURPOSE GROUP:


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Small Church Pastor Regional Lunch Meetings conclude with the inclusion of several churches in the western region of the Presbytery, the Small Church Purpose Group concluded its lunch meetings with pastors of the POJ’s small churches (those with 100 and under in worship). A healthy percentage of small church pastors were able to attend the get-togethers that took a year to complete. Highpoints among the survey of church and pastoral needs included (1) a desire for greater inclusion and connection within the POJ and its activities, (2) more support and connection among small church pastors and (3) help in developing resources to foster growth and hope for small church ministries. A summary of our findings will be made available soon to both the POJ and its small church leadership.

Big Plans for the Small Church in Our 2016 Budget In its budget for the coming year, the Small Church Purpose Group seeks to build upon its contacts with small church pastors by having one-on-one lunch lunches with pastors and members of the Purpose Group to ascertain the specific needs and thoughts of clergy. In addition, we plan to hold a small church “big event” featuring an experienced church musician who will lead us in a discussion of congregational music in settings where numbers and budgets are limited. Last, we seek to be able to help subsidize small churches as they engage in mission discernment involving agencies beyond the local church such as the interdenominational New Beginnings Program, programs that require financial commitments not easily met by small congregations.

Hopes to Re-Purpose Office Park Grant. The Small Church Purpose Group (along with a number of other ministries within the POJ) applied for and received funds from the Office Park account for to develop mission involvement beyond the local community for our smaller congregations. Our hope was that the program would build over a period of three years, enabling pastors and church members to gain mission experience regionally, out-of-state and then internationally. We discovered, however, that our hopes did not seem to align with the movement of the Spirit, and we attracted small church volunteers for only the first year of the program design.

Let’s Tap into Local Talent Still hoping that the remaining funds might be available to support the ministry of small churches within the POJ, the Purpose Group is going to propose that the dollars may be re-purposed to bring in experts within the Presbytery who can consult with our smaller churches on as needed basis. We have a number of folks within the POJ who have had valuable small church planning experience, and we would love to give them some tangible encouragement to employ their talents in once again building up Christ’s Body in small churches, one congregation at a time.

- Mark Sprowl, Acting Moderator of the Small Church Purpose Group

REPORT OF THE SMALL CHURCH INTERN PURPOSE GROUP:

The Small Church Internship Program is a joint venture of the Presbytery of the James and Union Presbyterian Seminary. Churches get talented students to lead in worship, Christian education, mission and other church programs. Students get a temporary church family with whom to explore ministry, and from whom they receive nurture and encouragement. Over a period of 18 summers thirty-five different small churches and sixty-eight students have benefited from the opportunity to focus on the joys and challenges of small church ministry.


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In September the program began its transition from the summer to the academic year with two internships. Melissa Miller is serving Ashland Presbyterian, and Kelly Rex is serving Rennie Memorial. It is believed that academic year internships will better serve both students and churches. Students will engage in ministry on a weekly basis starting in September and going though the following May. Since this time frame covers a greater portion of the church year (includes Advent-Christmas and Lent-Easter) students will have the opportunity to engage in a greater variety of pastoral activities. Cost to the churches will be the same ($1,500) but is spread out over two fiscal years. Presbytery funds provide $1,700 for each internship. While we currently only have two interns, we are planning for four for the 2016-17 academic year.

REPORT OF THE HANOVER MINISTRIES BOARD PURPOSE GROUP:

Camp Hanover has been serving the children, youth, adults, and families of our Presbyterian community as well as the surrounding community with camps, retreats, and life-changing outdoor ministry for more than 50 years. Many of our campers then become summer counseling staff and continue to give back to future generations of campers. Camp Hanover provides a place apart for spiritual growth and renewal. Campers experience all of creation: the woods, a lake, hiking trails, chickens and goats, a mudslide and a water slide. Campers experience fellowship, fun and laughter, and food around the campfire. They sleep in cabins, tents, and their own lean-tos in the woods. They enjoy the lake in canoes, paddleboats, and sliding feet first into the water down a one hundred foot water slide. Campers enjoy the great cooking of our staff but they also learn how to cook on the campfire. Above all, campers experience God at Camp Hanover.

WHAT IS NEW AT CAMP HANOVER?1) Completion of the 2015 Summer Camping Program - "Living in the Spirit"

- The 2015 Summer Camping Program offered more than 20 different types of camping experiences from two-days to two-weeks. There were camps for all ages from grade 2 to grade 12. This year Camp Hanover hosted 678 campers and 48% of them attended Camp for the first time this year.

- The youngest group of campers are called "Wingers" and there were 389 Wingers who tested their wings, flapped their wings, spread their wings, went fishing' and experienced the "Mysterious Wingerious."

- The middlers in grades 7-9 biked, cooked, photographed, rode horses, shot arrows, and built their own shelters in the woods. A total of 187 middlers enjoyed these experiences.

- The seniors in grades 9-12 experienced sailing, canoeing, caving, climbing, rafting, soaring, and trail adventures. Seniors also participated in Pathfinders and prepared for counseling positions and other forms of leadership. Nearly 100 seniors attended Camp Hanover this summer.

- In addition to our in-residence campers, Camp Hanover hosted 19-Day Camps at sites inside and outside our Presbytery. Thanks to the warm


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hospitality of the churches that invited our Day Camp staff to their locations, 379 children experienced an extension of Camp Hanover.

2) The Newell Cabin - the fifth Wise Cabin near Knoxwood Lodge- The Newell Cabin is the first of many renovations and upgrades being planned for the

Camp. It is the result of a major Capital Campaign that was begun several years ago. One of the largest contributors to that campaign was Martha Newell, whose husband, Sam, was very fond of Camp Hanover. He believed that the Camp was a place for spiritual growth, education, and being outdoors. Sam Newell was a retired teaching elder in the Presbytery of the James. Through Martha's gift and the gifts of many others, we celebrated the official opening of the Newell Cabin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunday, September 6.

- The Newell Cabin has four bedrooms and sleeps ten. This cabin has been designed so that a small group could retreat there and be self-sufficient with a small kitchenette, living room, and meeting/dining area. To

complete the retreat experience, you can lounge and gather on the screened-in back porch or the large deck on the back of the cabin which reaches out into the surrounding woods. Larger groups can use this Cabin and utilize the other Wise Cabins for additional sleeping.

- The first inaugural group to stay in the Newell Cabin was the Women's Retreat

led by Nancy Summerlin.

- Dedication of the Newell Cabin is scheduled for Sunday, October 18 at 4:00 pm at Camp Hanover followed by a cookout. Everyone is invited to attend!

3) Ongoing Capital Development Campaign - New goal of $750,000 has been launched- The Camp Hanover Ministries Board and Purpose Group have approved a new goal of

$750,000 in our ongoing Capital Development Campaign. This goal will provide the following improvements: 1) Lakefront Improvement to include an ADA access road to the lake and a Celtic Cross-shaped dock - $348,0002) Kitchen Equipment upgrades including a new steamer - $85,0003) Improvements to the Wise Cabins including modernizing the restrooms - $212,0004) Improvements and upgrades to Koinonia Lodge - $105,000


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These improvements are part of the Master Plan developed when the Capital Campaign Steering Committee began its work in 2007.

HOW CAN YOU HELP CAMP HANOVER?- Invite a member of the Camp Hanover Staff to your church to make a presentation.- Take a group from your church for a weekend retreat at Camp Hanover.- Bring a friend to Camp Hanover to visit.- Make a pledge to the Capital Development Fund.- Make a contribution to the Annual Giving Fund.- Contact us for more information at 804-779-2811 or by email at [email protected] Visit the Camp Hanover website at www.camphanover.org for more information.

Deborah Rexrode, ModeratorDoug Walters, Executive Director

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PURPOSE GROUP:

The Christian Education Purpose Group has been hard at work trying to provide helpful and accessible resources for educators, as well as forums to assist in the ministry of Christian education in your congregation. We welcome anyone with an interest in Christian education – professional educators, pastors, volunteers, and teachers – to any of our gatherings. We meet every two months in various locations around the presbytery. Dates and details of upcoming gatherings will be available on the POJ website and from any of the co-conveners. Please contact Marilyn Johns ([email protected]) to be added to our mailing list.

REPORT OF THE RESOURCE CENTER PURPOSE GROUP:

Yes, we’re open...! After flooding and renovation when we personally delivered hundreds of resources to requesting patrons, The Resource Center is once again fully open for patron visits! We didn’t miss a minute carrying out our mission to resource churches, schools, agencies and


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individuals for ministry in a diverse and ever- changing world. The Resource Center, an ecumenical non-profit, serves many churches and denominations, three Richmond seminaries, and various church-related agencies and individuals. The Presbytery of the James was one of our founding members in 1983. The Resource Center is much more than just books, videos, and curriculum. Our art and artifact collection, much of which can be borrowed by local congregations, provides a wonderful dialogue starter for a class or event. The Resource Center provides teaching resources for all areas of congregational life.

Updates on some recent and upcoming events sponsored by The Resource Center: ▪ Teachers’ Toolbox 2015 held on September 26, 9-noon, at Laurel Presbyterian. ▪ Annual Honoring Excellence in Ministry Banquet will be held on Friday, October 23, 2015 at 7 p.m. at the new Perkins Living & Learning Center at Virginia Union University. Consider honoring someone from your congregation!

▪ The Teaching Excellence Colleague Forum features Dr. Leah Gunning Francis and her book, Ferguson & Faith, on Saturday, January 23 (more details forthcoming)▪ We’ve added hundreds of books, videos, curriculum resources, etc. to the collection this spring! Dozens of terrific new resources were acquired as Chapter & Verse Bookstore closed at Union Presbyterian Seminary.

Each spring, the Inclusion Concert brings together a diverse tapestry of people to share music and worship arts.

Hours: 12 noon - 6 p.m. Tuesday through FridayConveniently located at: www.resourcingchurches.com1500 N. Lombardy Street, Richmond, VA 23220 Phone 804.358.8306on the 4th floor of Kingsley Hall, School of Theology at Virginia Union University

The Resource Center is a membership organization, and all congregation members may use our services, not just designated members or staff. Congregational memberships are available on an


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annual basis at nominal cost, and are based on average weekly worship attendance. Due to diligent cost management, membership rates have held steady for more than five years! 2015 rates are: up to 149 persons - $75

150 - 300 persons - $125 300 - 500 persons - $250 Over 500 persons - $400

Membership fees are paid by the Presbytery of the James for any interested member congregation!

Dr. Dori Grinenko Baker was the featured presenter at the 2014 Teaching Excellence Colleague Forum, based on her book, Greenhouses of Hope.

Interested? Would you like your church to have access to all this?


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No problem! Call or email to let us know. Your membership begins immediately. You’ll receive an application form by email requesting contact information and some information about your church. You will have instant access to resources.

Is your church located outside Richmond?

No problem there either! We regularly mail resources for congregations for whom distance is an obstacle. We pay outgoing shipping; you pay to ship them back to us.

Curious? Check out our online catalog at www.resourcingchurches.com or call to arrange a visit.

The Resource Center also offers consultation services to help in identifying the right resource for your church, comparing similar resources to one that fits you, or adapting resources to your context. In addition to our general collection, The Resource Center had three specialized collections: ☼Joseph V. Nash Multicultural Collection

☼ Isabel W. Rogers Women’s Resource Collection

☼ Naomi Wray Art CollectionNeed a place for your book group or discussion group to meet? The Resource Center comfortably hosts several such groups up to about 12 people. Call and let us work with you!

Hours: 12 noon - 6 p.m. Tuesday through FridayConveniently located at: www.resourcingchurches.com1500 N. Lombardy Street, Richmond, VA 23220 Phone 804.358.8306on the 4th floor of Kingsley Hall, School of Theology at Virginia Union University (from the traffic circle on Lombardy, take school street past the Wilder Library/Learning Resource Center and continue up the hill; Kingsley Hall is the first building on your right) Rev. Dr. Denise Janssen, executive director [email protected]

REPORT OF THE OLDER ADULT MINISTRY PURPOSE GROUP:1. Purpose Group Membership for 2015

Name Church Affiliation Phone EmailRev Carroll LondonerCo-Moderator

River Road Presbyterian 804-740-0731 [email protected]

Lillian RhudyCo-Moderator

Second Presbyterian 804-270-0871 [email protected]

Marian Bailey All Souls Presbyterian 804-321-5525

Gladys Bowles Laurel Presbyterian 804-266-0541 [email protected]

Maxine Lane Mechanicsville Presbyterian

804-746-3668 [email protected]


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Rev Skip Murdock At Large 307-399-0809 [email protected] Rhudy Second Presbyterian 804-270-0871 [email protected]

The Older Adult Purpose Group designed, developed promotional materials, and budgeted for the annual Retreat at Camp Hanover to be held on 1 October 2015. The Title of the Retreat is God’s Gift of Grace: Optimal Aging

The Purpose Group contacted several willing presenters and experts in the area of the elderly, senior aging, and social services agencies to assist us in conducting this retreat

The Focus of this retreat this year is decidedly “hands on workshops” to assist people in implementing and/or enhancing programs for older adults in their congregations and in their localities. Four workshops will be conducted:

o The Faith Journey and Inner Work, led by the Rev Dr. Charles Browno Identifying Community Resources to assist the local church and the elderly, led

by Dr. Thelma Bland Watson, Executive Director of Senior Connections, the Capital Area Agency on Aging

o Secrets of Palliative Care and Hospice, led by the Rev. Cheryl Robinsono Best Practices for local church ministries to senior, led by the Rev. Dr. Carroll

Londoner

Dr. Charles Brown is the keynote speaker and will share his thoughts on how one age’s gracefully, proactively, and spiritually within the congregational life we share with other parishioners.

Brochures were mailed out to all pastors, clerks of session and Christian Educators at the end of August 2015.

Colleagues in ministry: We need your prayers for a successful year and fall retreat. Clergy: we need some of you to step up to the plate and respond positively to your elder’s needs in your congregation. They are still God’s people and require as much love, care, prayer and concern as anyone in your congregation. We also need and respectively request several pastors join us this year on Older Adult Purpose Group. Our phone numbers and emails are listed above in the table.

REPORT OF THE PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN PURPOSE GROUP:

Twenty PW of the James Presbytery attended the Synod Summer Gathering at Massanetta Springs in June, nine of these being on the Coordinating Team of our POJ-PW. Four of these ladies were awarded full scholarships given by our CT – including first-time attendees, and for leadership enhancement.


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Three of our CT, including this Moderator, were privileged to be sent to the Triennial Churchwide Gathering held in Minneapolis, MN, following only three days after our Synod PW conference at Massanetta Springs! This was a wonderful experience for us, meeting and learning together with Presbyterian Women from many different countries outside the United States. The workshops were varied and highly educational – on many different world issues – and it was enriching to all of us to see Presbyterian Women working for the same causes for women and children. It emboldens us to keep up the work we have undertaken over the years to make lives better for those who have little power in their present life situations to accomplish it themselves.

Throughout the summer members of our CT have worked together to update and publish our yearly POJ-PW Handbook and Directory, which is available digitally, and to all our moderators in churches in hard copy, as well. These are distributed in September by our Area Leaders.

The POJ-PW Coordinating Team held their first meeting for the year, in the form of a one-dayRetreat, at Camp Hanover, on Saturday, September 12. Continental breakfast was served as we arrived, plus a wonderful lunch at Wise Lodge. In addition to the regular CT meeting, the afternoon program consisted of a “Show & Tell” exercise, where each officer, or Team leader, shared the details of her position (which has not been done in this moderator’s tenure) on this POJ team. This was accomplished earnestly, (and creatively!) by our team members; and I believe was a most enlightening event for all, regardless of how long each of us has served on the team. Also, I believe that it made each of us think through our own job description as a CT officer much more clearly.

We are in the planning stages of the Fall Gathering to be held at Second Presbyterian Church in Petersburg on Saturday, November 7, 2015. Featured will be an overview of this year’s HORIZONS Bible Study for 2015-2016, COME TO THE WATERS, by Rev. Judy Fletcher, presented by Leigh AnneRing, Dir. of Christian Education, River Road Presbyterian; plus, a Mission presentation on the Tri-CitiesWorkcamp, by one of their staff.

Sherry Scudder, Moderator

REPORT OF THE SOUTHSIDE PRESBYTERIANS IN MINISTRY (SPIM)The SPiM purpose group continues its ministry of edification and collaboration in Southside, VA including seven counties and encompassing twenty-one churches. We meet every other month in different locations throughout the area. In addition to the blessing of fellowship among our participating pastors and sharing opportunities from beyond our programs, we are constantly addressing needs that we perceive through our churches and communities.

Since the last POJ meeting, we held three officer/lay enrichment events that connected to churches and participants from across our service area. All three were useful and meaningful for education, fellowship, and networking.

Between this writing and the POJ meeting, we will have held our first ever STOP HUNGER NOW meal-packing event for our SPiM churches on October 3 at Zion Hill Presbyterian Church


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with Oak Grove Presbyterian Church's co-hosting. We expect to have been able to pack more than the minimum number of meals and to have good support from across our member churches.

At our next regularly scheduled meeting on November 4, we will hear from Dr. John Vest concerning issues of evangelism and Southside Virginia.

Beyond this, we are planning for next year and holding dear the fellowship we enjoy as sisters and brothers in Christ.

II. WE HAVE NO RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION.

REPORT OF THE CAMPUS MINISTRIES PURPOSE GROUPThe Purpose Group supports five campus ministries:

Mary Washington UniversityUniversity of Richmond University of VirginiaVirginia Commonwealth University Virginia State University

All five campus ministries are going strong. In three cases the campus ministers were new to their positions last year, and by year-end gained valuable experience and networks that are is serving them well moving into the new year on campus. The campus ministers from all five campus ministries are getting together with members of the Purpose Group on Saturday October 3 in Richmond for a morning of sharing notes and planning collaborations, and luncheon fellowship. VCU by Aaron Houghton, Campus Minister Grace and peace to you, in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

It was a long first week for UKirk RVA's downtown campus ministries. Classes started up at VCU last Wednesday and the week ended with the big Student Organizations and Volunteer Organizations Fair (SOVO). The Siegel Center was packed with rows of tables. Thousands of students were wandering the room looking for a place to fit in. It was intense! Last year, this was my first real experience of VCU's campus as a new campus minister. I have to admit it was pretty intimidating. I felt much more prepared for it this year.

Last Friday, during the SOVO Fair, another student and I were at the UKirk table passing out free UKirk RVA coffee mugs and encouraging students interested in finding a campus ministry community to fill out an information card. We came with 80 coffee mugs and ran out in the first hour. At the end of the day, we had collected 74 information cards from students interested in our ministry.

Saturday morning, I met with our ministry assistant and the student leadership team (6 students total) to review the information cards and plan how we would reach out to the students who had said they were interested in UKirk RVA, and to talk over the upcoming semester. We each left with a list of students to reach out to and invite to join us for dinner and worship that coming Monday night.

Monday, was spent preparing for students to arrive--making welcome signs and arrows pointing them to the dining room, all the while not knowing if we'd have 5 or 50 students show up that night. UKirk owes a huge debt of gratitude to the volunteers who prepared our meal, dessert, and


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who helped with set up and cleaned up that night. Monday night would not be what it is without our meal volunteers!

When all was said and done, we had 12 students for dinner and worship, 4 of who were new to our group! We ate, shared, and worshiped, and broke bread at God's table together. We looked at Genesis 1 and John 1 and talked about "In the beginning...", it was a great start to a new semester together! Tuesday, the next morning, 2 students joined me and gathered out at Covenant Woods in Mechanicsville for a multigenerational Bible study with 3 of the residents there. It was a small gathering, but a very appropriate gathering to discuss the "parable of the yeast."

Wednesday, I woke early to brew up 10 liters of coffee for the VCU school of music and theater. Folks were really excited to see free (and fair-trade) coffee. It was a great day of Caffeinated Conversations and 5 of the students I met that morning actually ended up filling out information cards to find out more about UKirk RVA! Big thanks to the Equal Exchange coffee team at 2nd Presbyterian Church who encouraged folks to support this important ministry by buying and donating coffee to UKirk!

Thursday, I joined with other VCU campus ministers at the Interfaith Campus Ministers Association. That afternoon I joined with 3 other students and young adults for a fun round of disc golf at Bryan Park.

Friday, this morning, began with one of our students leading a Bible Study to dig a bit deeper into the Scriptures from Monday night's worship. One of the students spoke up to say, "You know, I just want to say how much I appreciate the way we're actually studying this stuff and asking questions about it. I grew up in a church and a school where I really wasn't able to do that."

It was a beautiful affirmation and reminder about why this campus ministry thing is so important. We're building a safe and supporting community in which students can challenge and question what they believe so that by doing so, they may grow in their faith.

It was exciting this week to see students from the leadership team stepping up to take ownership of elements of UKirk RVA's ministry. Two students have offered to plan, prepare, and lead music for our Monday night worship. Another student stepped up to take a leadership role in our Friday morning Bible Studies. It's a powerful witness to God's Spirit at work when the students who have been involved in this community for the past year begin investing their time and talents in sustaining its ministries and helping it to grow! What an affirmation, too, of just how valuable UKirk RVA has been to them!

You or members of your congregations might be interested in how your church could support and encourage these students as they continue to build and grow this safe and supporting community:

1. We still need meal volunteers. Our sign-up list still has empty slots. Maybe a team would be interested in taking on one of these meals!

2. You can join the members of 2nd Church in becoming a Fair-Trade coffee sponsor! I like being able to tell students that the coffee they're drinking is Equal Exchange coffee. It's a


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way to support our campus ministry and the ministries of the PCUSA at the same time. Contact us if you want to become a coffee sponsor!

3. We cherish your prayers. Pray for campus ministries and the work of UKirk RVA, may God continue to cultivate hearts and minds, plant seeds, and nurture growth of students and of the community they are building together.

4.Thanks for being interested in what we're up to! I'm excited to share another update with you later on in the semester; I've got a feeling that there will be wonderful things about which to write. Until then, may you find all the beauty each day has to offer! Peace & Joy,

The University of Richmond Presbyterian Campus Ministry, Rev. Christopher J Mooney, Associate Pastor for Youth, College, and Young Adult Ministries, First Presbyterian Church, RichmondThis past year was an excellent one for campus ministry at the University of Richmond. Our group continued to grow as we met regularly for fellowship, study, and service. In addition to weekly gatherings in the dining hall for lunch and a devotional, we participated in service projects with Elijah House ministry here in Richmond, and had an amazing experience in Montreat for the annual College


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Conference. We also participated in a multi-denominational Progressive Dinner with other mainline campus ministries that was a huge success. God has been faithful, as we have continued to forge an intentional community among college students on campus!

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MINISTRYPRESBYTERY OF THE JAMES

October 17, 2015(June, July, August, September, 2015 meetings)

I. THE COMMITTEE REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS:

A. Transferring Ministers and Educators:1. Rev. Allen Pickett, Lake Michigan Presbytery as Interim Pastor, Hebron (p.46 ff)2. Rev. Raymond Roberts, Elizabeth Presbytery, as Pastor, River Road Church. (p. 42 ff)3. Rev. Todd McCoy, to Second Presbytery, Associate Reformed Presbyterian

Church, Greenwood, SC4. Rev. Robert Johnson, POJ, as two year designated pastor for New Hanover

Church. (p. 50 ff)5. Rev. Michelle Owens, Sheppards and Lapsley Presbytery, as Chaplain, Union

Presbyterian Seminary. (p. 38 ff)6. Rev. Liz Adam, Newton Presbytery, as Interim Pastor of Orange Church. (p. 32 ff)7. Rev. John Vest, Chicago Presbytery, Visiting Professor of Evangelism, Union

Presbyterian\Seminary. (p. 28 ff)8. Rev. Tony Lin’s to ECO. 9. Rev. Robert Azzarito to Sacramento Presbytery

10. Rev. D. Greg Wood to Presbytery of the Cascades

B. Covenant Pastor I Concurrences: (up to six months):1. Rev. Marvin Lindsey & New Covenant Church, 6/1/15 - 8/31/152. Rev. Ulysses Payne and Westminster Church, 6/7/15 – 12/27/153. Rev. Elaine Fowler and Providence Church, 7/1/15 – 12/31/154. Rev. Mark Sprowl and Laurel Church, 6/1/15 – 11/30/155. Rev. Carroll Londoner and River Road, 7/1/15 – 8/31/156. Rev. LoAnn Fairman and River Road, 7/1/15 – 8/31/157. Rev. Nancy Summerlin and River Road, 6/8/15 – 12/7/158. Rev. Gay Lee Einstein and Scottsville Church, 7/1/15 - 12/31/159. Rev. Edson Peterson and Bethany, 8/1/15-1/31/16

10. Rev. Greg Wood and Ampthill, 6/30/15-12/31/1511. Rev. Jim Goodloe and Mattoax Church, 9/1/15 – 12/31/1512. Rev. Jim Goodloe and Pine Grove Church, 9/1/15 – 12/31/1513. Rev. Joshua Andrzejewski and Cove Church, 7/1/15 – 12/31/15


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14. Rev. Marvin Lindsey and New Covenant Church, 8/1/15 – 8/31/1515. Rev. Brint Keyes and All Souls Church, 7/1/15 – 12/31/1516. Rev. Sandy Collins and Greenwood Church, 8/9/15 – 2/8/1617. Rev. Nathan Dell and First United Church, 8/9/15-2/28/1618. Rev. Archibald Wallace and Second Petersburg, 5/31/15-11/31/1519. Rev. Gay Lee Einstein and Scottsville Church, 7/1/15-12/31/15

C. Covenant Pastor II Approvals: (up to twelve months): 1. Rev. Fletcher Hutcheson &Genito Church, 6/1/15-5/31/162. Rev. Joseph Young and Oak Grove Church, 7/1/15 – 6/30/163. Rev. John Turner and Saint James Church, 7/1/15 – 6/30/164. Rev. Shady Clark and Eastminster Church, 1/1/15 – 12/31/155. Rev. George Whipple and Hawkins Memorial, 7/1/15 – 6/30/166. Rev. Sarah Nave and Covenant Church, 9/1/15-8/31/167. Rev. Kerra Becker English and Ashland Church, 9/1/15-8/31/168. Rev. Kendall Pearson and First Church Charlottesville, 9/1/15-8/31/169. Rev. Liz Forney and First Church Charlottesville, 9/1/15-8/31/1610. Rev. Nancy Clark and Blue Ridge Church, 8/16/15-4/15/1611. Rev. Dale Dealtrey and Olivet Church, 8/18/15-8/17/16

D. Appointed Session Moderators1. Burkeville Church: Rev. Jeremy Cannada2. New Covenant Church: Rev. Caitlin Deyerle

E. Parish Associate: Rev. Diane Prevary and Tuckahoe Church, 7/22/15 – 12/31/15F. Approval for Election of Pastor Nominating Committees:

1. Westminster Church, Charlottesville, PNCG. Temporary Pastoral Relationships: New policy

Any congregation without either an installed or a temporary pastoral relationship shall not have the same person preach more than three times in a quarter without the expressed permission of the COM of POJ. Any person appointed to moderate a Session without an installed or temporary pastoral relationship will be informed in writing of this policy and any other relevant policies and procedures.

H. COM instructed the Stated Clerk to write to all POJ congregations indicating that ECO pastors and

EPC Pastors are not permitted to fill POJ pulpits.I. Dates for 2016 Workshop on Sexual Misconduct and Other Boundary Issues: April

26 September 24. J. COM expressed its appreciation to Rev. Glenda Hollingshead for her work in COM

II. CONSENT DOCKET RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. That Rev. Charles Brown become Honorably Retired, May 1, 2015


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2. That Rev. Felecia Douglass become Member at Large, June 23, 20153. That the 2014 annual report for Rev. Fernando Cascantes and Rev. Shane Roberson be

approved4. That the 2015 Terms of Call for Rev. Sarah Marsh and Rev. Don McLean be approved5. That Rev. Katherine Todd become Member at Large, 8/13/156. That Rev. Cheryl Sumner become Honorably Retired Oct. 31, 2015.7. That Marvin Lindsay become Member-at-Large effective Sept. 1, 20158. That Michelle Owen’s request for Validated Ministry as Chaplain of Union Presbyterian

Seminary be approved.

II. THE COMMITTEE MAKES THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS: NONE

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY

PRESBYTERY OF THE JAMESOctober 20, 2015

Meetings of June 23 and August 25; no meeting was held on September 22, 2015.

I. THE COMMITTEE REPORTS THE FOLLOWING FOR INFORMATION:

A. Of the 35 persons under care on August 26, 2015, 8 are inquirers, and 27 are candidates. Of the candidates, 10 are ready to be examined for ordination, pending a call.

B. Candidate Douglas Friesema (Charlottesville First) was ordained by Northeast Georgia Presbytery and installed as pastor of Pleasant Hills Presbyterian Church of Statham, Georgia, on August 23, 2015.

II. THE COMMITTEE REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS:

A. Approved the following persons’ continuation in the preparation process on the basis of an annual consultation: Jaechul Pi, Campbell Hackett, and Kendall Cox [Aug 25].

B. Certified the following person ready to be examined for ordination, pending a call: James Taneti (Ginter Park) [June 23]; Andy Morgan (Richmond Second) [Aug 22].

C. Approved a time extension of one hour for Jaechul Pi's Bible Content Exam [June 23].

D. Approved Chad Rhodes's request to be permitted not to do an internship in a larger membership congregation [June 23].

E. Approved financial aid grants for academic year 2015-2016: David Frost, $2,000; Laura Kelly, $2,000; Stephanie Martin, $2,500; Humphrey Muraya, $2,000; Jaechul Pi, $3,000; Mark Rabideau, $1,500; Kelly-Ann Rayle, $1,430; Cassandra Taylor, $3,000; Robert Vaughan, $2,000.

F. Approved a presbytery budget request for 2016: Financial Aid, $22,000; Psychological


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Evaluations, $2,028; CPM Administration, $500; Books, $200; Travel, $1,500; TOTAL $26,228.

G. Approved changing the name of CPM's "Scholarships" budget line item to "Financial Aid."

III. CONSENT DOCKET RECOMMENDATIONS: [None]

IV. THE COMMITTEE MAKES THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS: [None]

When an inquirer seeks to become a candidate, the presbytery examines him or her in person with respect to his or her Christian faith, sense of call and motives for seeking the ministry, and forms of Christian service undertaken.

John W. [email protected] Thomas Mill Drive, Glen Allen, VA 23059

Ecclesiastical Status: Teaching ElderMembership Presbytery: Chicago PresbyteryOrdination Date: November 15, 2006.Formal Education:

McCormick Theological Seminary: D.Min, May 2014University of Chicago Divinity School: PhD coursework Biblical Studies (Hebrew Bible)University of Chicago Divinity School: M.Div., March 2003Rice University: BA, May 1999, Cum Laude

Majors: Religious Studies and Ancient Mediterranean CivilizationsHebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel Rothberg School for Overseas Students. One Year Program, Academic year of 1997-98. Summer Program, 1998.

Employment Type: Full-timeMinimum Effective Salary: $75,000 / YearPosition Types and Experience Level:

Head of Staff (who supervised one teaching elder and other staff-0-2 Years.Associate Pastor (Christian Education)-10 Years or moreAssociate Pastor (Youth)-10 Years or more

Geographic Choices: UnlimitedLanguages: EnglishLeadership Competencies: Preaching and Worship Leadership, Teacher, Public communicator,

Technologically Savvy, Change Agent, Contextualization, Entrepreneurial, Risk Taker, Strategy and Vision, Initiative.

Clergy Couple? NoPast Experience:


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Visiting Assistant professor of Evangelism, Union Presbyterian Seminary, June 2015-present.

Associate Pastor for Youth Ministry, Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago, Over 5000 members, Urban, July 2006-June 2015.

Pastoral Associate, Community Presbyterian Church, Clarendon Hills, IL., 651-1000 Members, Suburban. September 2001-June 2006. Acting Head of Staff, July 16-September 5, 2005.

Pastoral Intern, Community Presbyterian Church, Clarendon Hills, IL., 651-1000 members, Suburban. September 2000-August 2001.

Commissioner to the 221st General Assembly, 2014 (Vice-Moderator of the Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Committee)

Overture Advocate to the 220th General Assembly, 2012General Assembly Mid Councils Commission, 2010-2012Commissioner to the 219th General Assembly, 2010Observer at the 218th General Assembly, 2008

Presbytery of Chicago:Moderator, February 2014-February 2015Moderator-Elect, 2013Presbytery Coordinating Commission, 2012-2015Connectional Mission Design Task Force, 2013-2015Vision and Praxis Task Force, 2012-2013Outdoor ministries Task Force, 2013New Church Development Visioning Team, 2011-2012Co-Moderator of Camping Ministry Concept Development Team, 2011-2012Vice Moderator of Camp oversight and Development Work Group, 2008-2011Camp Oversight and Development Work Group Programming Sub-Committee, 2007-2011Youth Ministry Team, 2007-2013Communications Work Group, 2010-2012

McCormick Theological Seminary Board of Trustees, 2013-2014

Describe a moment in your recent ministry that you recognize as one of success and fulfillment.

I have a general sense of success and fulfillments regarding the eight years I have serve at Fourth church. I was called to bring growth, stability, and sustainability to a youth ministry that had experienced significant leadership turnover in the decade prior to my arrival. After eight years this ministry has grown in size, leadership, and depth of ministry. In some ways I feel I have fulfilled the mandate of the search committee that called me. Now we are poised to move in exciting new directions toward a more relational and networked model, guided by a vision I have developed in response to the particular realities and challenges of this context.

Recently, when asked to name something in the past year that has given me joy, I immediately though of the first ever youth Sunday during morning worship at Fourth Church. I know that other churches have done this for years, but it had never been done here. For a congregation that used to not welcome children into worship at all, this was a huge step. It was especially gratifying to hear people say that they were disappointed to see what was in store for


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them when they arrived yet left the service feeling inspired by the voices of young people expressing their faith.

Also in the past year, it was exhilarating to conceive, plan, and host the first ever Progressive Youth Ministry Conference. This is a groundbreaking event that provides much needed space for a conversation that will push youth ministry forward in new directions.

Describe the ministry setting to which you believe God is calling you.

We are called to join God in mission in the world. Thus far, my ministry foci have been worship, preaching, adult education, and youth ministry. Through reading, writing, academic work, denominational service, and networking, I have devoted considerable attention to the changing nature of the church and our contexts for ministry in post-Christendom America.

I am interested in serving a congregation that is willing to rethink what it means to be church in the 21st century. This involves ministering with the central core of people for whom traditional forms of church are meaningful but also reaching out to those on the periphery. Forging new paths is not easy and involves much risk, imagination, creativity, and faithfulness. But I believe that God is leading the American and global church into a new era and I want to be part of a community of faith excited about following Christ into this new future. The way forward may not be clear, but the Spirit will work through us if we open ourselves to what God is already doing in the world.

I am committed to ministry with youth and young adults because there will be no future for the church without them, and it is precisely among these ages that we struggle the most. But ministry with emerging generations cannot be done in isolation. I want to lead a church that approaches ministry in a holistic manner and holds all aspects of church life in alignment with a clear understanding and articulation of the gospel for today’s world.

What areas of growth have you identified in yourself?

In terms of my personal faith, an area of growth is moving from a largely intellectual approach to faith to a more contemplative approach grounded in spirituality and spiritual practices. I grew up in essentially fundamentalist churches in which correct belief was strongly emphasized. As this fundamentalism was deconstructed in college I effectively replace it with a progressive theology equally rooted in knowledge and belief—appropriately tempered, of course, with postmodern humility. While I very much value the role of our minds in faith and still seek a faith that is intelligible, I know that I need to be open to mystery and more focused on listening for God’s voice through prayer, meditation, and other spiritual disciplines.

In terms of my leadership and management style, onboarding two brand new youth ministry staffers this year has taught me a lot. My management style is largely hands-off and grounded in trust. I set a vision and expectations and allow staff to build on their own strengths and styles to accomplish tasks and goals. What I discovered this year is that some circumstances require more mentoring, clarity of communication, and tighter ongoing supervision. I believe I have grown as a manager and leader through this experience and will continue to grow in the future.


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Describe a time when you have led change.

I am in the process of leading change right now. Based on the previous program models I inherited at Fourth Church and relying on my natural strengths as an educator, my work has bee largely grounded in religious education models of youth ministry. Our primary (though not exclusive) focus has been on the Sunday programming we offer at church. I believe that the strategic moves and innovations I have shepherded thus far have resulted in a solid congregations-based youth ministry.

However, I am convinced that this is reaching only a small fraction of the youth and families that pass through our church. The primary evidence of this is the significant attrition we experience from eighth grade confirmation through the subsequent four years of high school. While we are providing excellent ministry for the youth that stay connected and show up on Sundays the youth on the periphery are falling through the cracks. In our post-Christendom culture, I don’t think it is likely we can woo these liminal young people back. Rather, we must find new ways of being church with and for them in social realties other than traditional congregational settings.

For a cathedral church that has historically drawn prole into program-based ministries reliant on professional staff, this represents a significant culture shift. My approach is to demonstrate to our community the changing nature of American culture and religiosity and to invite leaders to join me in a new relational approach to youth ministry.

Statement of Faith:

God is not an idea. God is not the words we use to talk about God. God is not the words the Bible used to talk about God. Ultimately, all of the words we use to describe God are metaphors, incomplete and provisional.

The one proposition about God that I turn to the most is “God is love.” God is the love that we share with each other, the love that binds us together in a complex network of life. God is the ground of being in which we live, move, and exist. I don’t necessarily think of God as the cause of things that happen in the world. Rather, I experience God in shared love that longs for wholeness and peace in the fractures of our lives and in the world.

In Jesus the love of God was revealed in a unique and remarkable way. He lived in a selfless life, giving himself in service to others, even to the point of death. He taught and demonstrated a radically different vision of the way the world should be, what he called God’s kingdom. He was put to death when this vision threatened the political and religious powers of his day. But our hope in his resurrection assures us that nothing—no tragedy, no mistake, no sin, no evil—is beyond the redemptive power of God’s love. God invites each of us to be born anew in the light of God’s love.

I believe that God is constantly involved in the transformation of the world, changing the world from the way it is into the way it should be—the way God intends it to be. I believe that each of us has a role to play in this transformation and that one of our challenges is to figure out how we fit into the big picture of what God is doing in the world.

The church is an imperfect and ongoing experiment in living together as God’s children, encouraged and strengthened by God’s spirit to engage in God’s mission in the world. Living together in this way—in the midst of our great diversity and real disagreements—is not easy, but it is one of the greatest needs of our increasingly pluralistic yet interconnected world. I pray that


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the church might find ever better means of living together in peaceful and constructive ways, and that we might even offer hope and witness for a world in need of these very things.

Slowly but surely, God’s kingdom is merging in the world. It is with humility and faith that I try to follow Jesus into this new creation.

Sexual Misconduct Self-Certification Statement

I certify below that no civil, criminal, ecclesiastical complaint has ever been sustained or is pending against me for sexual misconduct; an I have never resigned or been terminated from a position for reasons related to sexual misconduct.

I have read this certification and release form and fully understand the information obtained may be used to deny my employment or any other type of position from the employing entity. I also agree that I will hold harmless the employing or judicial authority or any other entity from any and all claims, liabilities, and causes of action for the legitimate release of any information related to sexual misconduct.

Marie Hulme [email protected] Grayrock Dr., Crozet, VA 22932

Ecclesiastical Status: Teaching ElderMembership Presbytery: Newton PresbyteryOrdination Date: November 24, 1999Formal Education:

University of Missouri, Bachelor of Journalism, Cum Ladue, 1988-1992Princeton Theological Seminary, Master of Divinity, 1994-1997

Continuing Education:Archaeological dig, Megiddo, Israel, Tel Aviv University, summer 1996Interim Ministry Week I, Union Presbyterian Seminary, November 14-18, 2011Clinical Pastoral Education, University of VA Health System, September 2010-February 2011 (Internship), January 2012-May 2013 (Residency)

Employment Type: Full Time, Part Time, EitherMinimum Effective Salary: $45,000Position Types and Experience Level:

Associate Pastor: ExperienceDesignated Pastor: No ExperienceInterim Pastor: ExperienceCampus Minister: No ExperiencePresbytery Staff: No ExperienceChaplain: Experience

Community types you would consider:Rural, Urban, Village, Inner City, Town, College, Small City, Suburban

Church sizes you prefer:101-250, 251-400, 401-650, 651-1000

Geographic Choices: Virginia


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Primary Skill Choices:Communication, Community Service and leadership, Congregational Home Visitation Redevelopment/Revitalization, Corporate Worship/Sacraments, Family Ministry, Counseling, Leadership of Staff/Volunteers, Pastoral Care, Preaching, Spiritual Development.

Training/Certification:Interim Ministry Training: PC(USA) at Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond, November 14-18, 2011.

Work Experience: 6 to 8 years.Languages in which you are fluent: EnglishClergy Couple: NoAre you willing to serve in a church or institution composed mainly of persons of another

race/ethnicity other than your own? Yes.Past Experience:June 2013-Dec 2014---Chaplain, Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge (WCBR),

Charlottesville, VA. I have served as chaplain to residents (over 400) and staff (over 300) at aContinuing Care Retirement Community founded by the Presbyterian and Episcopal churches. In addition to pastoral care duties and end-of-life counseling, I led many memorial services and worship services, book groups, meditation groups, support groups, and opportunities for interfaith dialogue and study. I have also interfaced with the surrounding community for special events, speakers and clergy collaboration.

January 2012-May 2013--Chaplain Resident, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA. As a first, then second year chaplain resident, I covered the Medical Intensive Care Unit, as well as the step down units, 3W and 3C; I covered all areas of thehospital during on-call shifts, staying overnight every 7-10 days. I led interfaith worship services in the hospital chapel and at Health South. I provided a variety of rituals to the units I served, and a memorial service for a young nurse who died tragically.

September 2010-February 2011--Chaplain Intern, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA. As part of the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) process, I served three areas --the surgery, Pediatric and Labor and Delivery floors, and stayed overnight twice a month as on-call chaplain for the entire hospital

March 2008 – January 2011--Chair, The Charlottesville Waldorf Foundation (CWF), Charlottesville, VA. After serving as a board member for a year, I became chair in March of 2009 in order to help the organization complete its $4.6 million project to build the “greenest campus in America.” The 15-member board is led by an executive group of five, which I led twice a month. I was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the project, from finance and governance, to architecture, building, publicity and fundraising. I also led quarterly board meetings.

April-December 2009--Counselor, Augusta League of Therapists (ALT), Waynesboro, VAI was offered a position with ALT because of my background in pastoral counseling and my experience with the special-needs community. In addition to counseling families, I also advocated for parents in the public school system. This position was terminated when Medicaid withdrew funding.

August 2007 – present Pulpit supply preacher (mostly for Tabor Presbyterian Church in Crozet, VA; also served as frequent worship leader for Kirk O-Cliff Presbyterian Church in Mineral,VA; preach occasionally for Sojourners United Church of Christ in Charlottesville, VA)


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January 2006 – August 2007--Pastor to Youth and Families/Tabor Presbyterian/Crozet, VA (suburban, approx. 130 members) My responsibilities included spearheading community outreach, preaching, teaching, and publishing a monthly newsletter. With an elder of thechurch, I also created our monthly “Companion Soup on Sundays” to meet the needs of the hungry in our community. I provided local mission opportunities for young people and their families, including a monthly ministry at the Salvation Army taking care of children and teens while their parent(s) participated in life skills classes. In addition, I led a prayer group for parents of special needs children, and organized community forums for the discussion of environmental issues.

August 1999 – May 2001--Pulpit Supply preacher/Newton Presbytery (NJ). I served many congregations in the Presbytery, from large suburban to smaller rural churches.

August 1997 – August 1999--Interim Associate Minister/Presbyterian Church in Morristown/Morristown, NJ (city, over 800 members) What began as an internship after seminary (1997) turned into an ordained position. I was responsible for leading both the yearlong Confirmation Class and the New Member classes, as well as serving as pastor to the youth and families of the congregation. I led the senior high group every Wednesday and taught the junior high class on Sunday mornings. I regularly participated in worship, preaching periodically. My other responsibilities included reaching out to visitors and leading the Invitation Committee members as they welcomed newcomers and integrated them into the life of the church. Once a week I served as pastor to the juvenile detention center in Morristown. I also led mission trips to New York City, as well as a Habitat for Humanity project in Tampa, Florida.

Sept. 1996 – May 1997--Assistant, Editor/Media Services/Princeton Theological Seminary/Princeton, NJ

June 1995 – August 1995--Intern/United Christian Parish/multi-denominational church/Reston, VA (suburban, about 300 members)

Sept. 1995 – May 1996--Hospital Chaplain/Mercer Medical Center/Trenton, NJJan. 1994 – August 1994--Writer, Editor/COMSAT Corporation/Bethesda, MDJan. 1993 – Jan. 1994--Program Director, Counselor/Jenny Craig Weight Management

Center/Bethesda, MDAugust 1991 – June 1992--Reporter, Anchor/KOMU-TV/Columbia, MOSept. 1988 – June 1992--Executive Assistant, Editor/New Directions for News, a not-for-profit

media think tank/ Columbia, MOSept. 1990 – June 1992--Editor/The National Women and Media Project, a long-term study

conducted at the University of Missouri for the Gannett Corp./Columbia, MOAugust 1990 – May 1992--Producer, Reporter, Writer/KBIA, a public radio station/Columbia,

MONov. 1990 – May 1991--Reporter, Writer/KCMQ/KTGR, a commercial radio station/Columbia,

MOMay 1991 – August 1991--Intern/Evko Productions, a public-service production

company/Rosslyn, VAJune 1986 – July 1988--Student Assistant, Writer/Gazette Newspapers/Gaithersburg, MD

Please list your other services to the Church or denomination for the past 10 years:

2013 – present--Member of Clergy and Laity United for Justice and Peace


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2013 – present--Organize monthly Women’s Clergy Luncheon, recently adding Jewish leaders2012-2013--Officer, Parent-Teacher Association, Virginia Institute of Autism2010-present—Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity, with Tabor Presbyterian Church, Crozet, VASept. 2007- Sept. 2012--Started Tabor Presbyterian Church’s “Companion Soup on Sundays” –

an outreach to the wider communitySummer 2005--Led a Bible Study for Tabor Presbyterian Church in Crozet, VA1999 – 2001--Served on the Communications Committee of the Newton Presbytery, starting and

publishing the Presbytery’s first newsletterSept. 1994 – May 1996--Worked as a volunteer tutor for “Get-Set,” a weekly tutoring program

sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church in Trenton, NJ

Please describe the characteristics of the church or organization you would like to serve, and the unique gifts, skills and experiences you would bring to the position:

I am drawn to a church that balances humility and confidence. A humble church is one that recognizes its partial view, for indeed Paul reminds us that we see through the glass dimly. A humble church does not profess certainty at the expense of charity; a humble church waits on the Lord, knowing that answers can take time to emerge. Confidence, then, comes from embracing and trusting our collective and individual roles within the body of Christ. A confident church relies on the Spirit as it grapples with what it means to be a disciple of Christ in this time. I also appreciate a church supported by diversity – not for diversity’s sake, but because our Creator delights in differences, coming to us within/despite our varying views, judgments and theologies. I did not grow up in the church, so I come to ministry sensitive to those who are not steeped in the mores/traditions of Christianity. My call is to guide and stand beside those who know and do not know the language or meaning of Christian theology or tradition. In this way I am a teacher. I am also inspired by the Gospel’s freedom and challenge; in other words, I am drawn to the paradoxes implicit in discipleship – that it is both costly and liberating to serve Christ. As one part of the body of Christ, I see myself as a preacher equipping people to realize their indispensable role. I am drawn to a community not so much by its outward signs but by its willingness to meet the needs that come up, from within and without.

Please describe your present call and accomplishments:

I am called to the “least of these.” I am called to be an advocate for the weak, the infirm, the poor and the lost. Like you, I am called to a certain function within the body of Christ: As a Teaching Elder, informed by biblical scholarship, I am insatiable in mining the depths of Scripture; as minister of the Sacrament, I remind fellow sojourners that it is “not I, but Christ in me” that makes the difference. I take literally our call to visit the sick and the imprisoned, to love our enemies and turn the other cheek. I see myself for who I am, and inspire others to do likewise. I have a command of the written and oral word, and I engender trust and enthusiasm. I consider prayer essential manna for ministry. In prayer I have learned to abandon the need for recognition. Through prayer I am reminded that my value is already established in Christ, freeing me to serve others with humility and strength. I have been challenged, like many mothers, to balance a vocational call with the responsibilities of parenthood. I have kept a hand in ministry as much as possible while still maintaining a healthy commitment to my family. I am in a position now to seek a position well-matched to my gifts and abilities – to help build community,


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to counsel families, and to support the work of Christ’s Kingdom. My many experiences in ministry (counseling families, serving parishes, chaplaincy), coupled with my background in journalism, prepare me to partner with a church aspiring to be relevant, open and “reformed, always reforming.” With regard to accomplishments, the rigors of chaplaincy work have permitted me dexterity in dealing with variety and diversity, in terms of spiritual needs and concerns. And, I am ever mindful of the mantra, “First, do no harm.”

Please describe your leadership style:

My hope is that I am the type of leader who has “eyes to see” – eyes to see where people need to be led. This has been my priority, and accomplishment, at WCBR. Some people need to hear the good news of eternal life; others need to hear a word about new life right now; still others need to be led into those darker places where we must wait for answers as we struggle with paradox and ambiguity. My goal as a leader within the church is not to meet the needs of people but to lead people to the One who can. I also hope for ears to hear - when I need to listen and when I need to speak. I tend to be mindful of the big picture, asking, “What are we hoping to accomplish?” or, “How are we modeling Christ in what we do and what we say?” I support and rely on the gifts among us to enhance my own work and the mission of Christ’s church. Moreover, the effective leader is one who leads by example, for what we do speaks louder than what we say. I typically serve as peacemaker, though unafraid to ask hard questions. Discipleship is a difficult road. It is easier to be insular, it is easier, sometimes, to be right than it is to be open to the lessons we are here to learn. I honor the journey of others; we’re all at different points and junctures on this road of faith. Sometimes we get stuck, or discouraged, or just plain incredulous. That is part of the journey too. I aim to be a companion on the journey, a servant - leader who encourages authenticity, honesty, compassion and a good measure of levity!

What are the key theological issues currently facing the church and society, and how do they shape your ministry?

How does being Christian intersect with what we know about the universe, and our place in it? How does science challenge us, and how do we, as members of a particular faith group, challenge science? Because of astrophysics and quantum mechanics, for example, we know so much, but we also know how little we know. What is important to know? How does what we know relate to who we are? Ministry must include conversations about such questions, with openness and with respect to the traditions and saints preceding us in faith. Also, the incredible advances in technology, though valuable, have nevertheless alienated us from one another as we spend more time with machines and less time with each other. Within community God works in miraculous ways, leading us to the Kingdom Christ inaugurated. I believe it is more difficult to partake of that Kingdom when we live individually as opposed to communally. Hence, there is a wellspring of opportunity for the church to fill the voids people feel in today’s society. As a community, the church’s role is to make real Micah’s admonition to do justice, love mercy and walk with our Lord. Further, because of our Scriptural mandate to be good stewards of the earth, and to be our brother/sister’s keeper, we are called to support efforts at conservation, environmentalism and serving the marginalized among us. The disparity between the rich and poor in this country continues to widen, and our fascination with wealth continues unabated.


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The church must be the voice crying in the wilderness; if we are Christ’s body in the world, we must be both a prophetic voice and a healing balm. We must be able to see ourselves as Jesus sees us -- flawed, and prone to distraction and hubris, yet capable of doing those “greater things” he promised we would do. And while we do those “greater things” we do well to remember a key ingredient in the life community - joy. When a congregation exhibits joy, there is no task too large, no endeavor too daunting! The future waits with joy.

Statement of Faith:

There comes a time, perhaps gradually, when childhood beliefs are tested and challenged, particularly as we recognize and experience life’s troubling contradictions and ambiguities. All too soon we observe the realities of injustice and conflict, which seem to mock our youthful vision of a loving and peaceful world. And yet, it is in the darkness that light becomes visible. Indeed, it is often in the midst of conflict, confusion, pain and doubt that we are acquainted with the Light that overcomes darkness. This Light is the God we know in three persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. For me, however, to know this God required an experience with Jesus the Christ, an experience of divine love and grace. Though I believed in God throughout my life, God was distant and remote – an object of my academic gaze, or an ineffable figure who defied understanding. It wasn’t until I began to inquire about Jesus that God became real for me. Thus, my understanding of incarnation is more than doctrinal, mental acrobatics – the incarnation, God with us, is experiential, both on a personal level and every time I gather with the community of believers. The Word made flesh reconciles me to God and to God’s people. It is Jesus Christ who rekindled in me the childhood expectation that love, justice and peace will reign supreme, both personally and corporately. God’s kingdom will come. Nothing can eclipse God’s agenda.

This is the God whom the Hebrews called YHWH, for God cannot be named or defined by us. This is the one true God who formed the universe and called it “good.” Humanity is not only a part of this good creation, but we are created in the divine image, created to be in harmonious relationship with God, one another, and all of creation. Because of sin, however, we distance ourselves from God, each other and our world. God’s presence with us through Christ bridges that distance so that we are no longer bound by sin.

In life Christ modeled for us what it means to love and serve God. He extended God’s love by feeding the hungry, healing the sick, forgiving sinners, and preparing humanity for God’s kingdom. The death of Christ demonstrates the reality of human sin, and our capacity to reject God. Nonetheless, though we are estranged from God, God acts to restore the broken relationship; “God proves God’s love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8) In resurrecting Jesus God exhibits the divine power over death – for nothing can separate us from the love of God.

As Creator, God planned for our existence and covenants with us to be our God. As Reconciler, God through Christ overcomes the hostility and alienation that separate us from our Lord and each other. As Holy Spirit, God frees us for service in the world, comforting and encouraging us as we live the life Jesus taught us to live.


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Michelle Ruth Freeman [email protected] Brook Rd., Richmond, VA 23227

Ecclesiastical Status: Teaching ElderMembership Presbytery: Sheppards and LapsleyOrdination Date: June 19, 2005Formal Education:

Agnes Scott College: Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and Psychology, 1997-2001Union Presbyterian Seminary: Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Christian Education, 2001-2005.Employment: Full TimeMinimum Effective Salary: $56,000

Position Types and Experience Level:Associate Pastor-7 yearsChaplain-3 years

Geographic Choices: VirginiaLeadership Competencies: Preaching and Worship Leadership, Spiritual Maturity, Teacher,

CommunicatorOrganizational Leadership: Advisor, CollaborationInterpersonal Engagement: Bridge Builder, Personal Resilience, Flexibility, Self-DifferentiationLanguages: EnglishClergy Couple? NoHousing type: Mance of Housing Allowance.Work Experience:

Chaplain, Richmond, Virginia, Union Presbyterian Seminary, Urban, June 2013-presentAssociate Pastor, Birmingham, Alabama, 420 members, Urban, June 2006-April, 2012.

Service to the Church:Camp Hanover Summer Staff Theological Training-2013, 2015Union Presbyterian Seminary 203rd Convocation Preacher-2014Camp Hanover Winter Retreat Keynote Speaker, 2013Birmingham Faith in Action, Member


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Committee on Preparation for Ministry, 2006-2011The Main Event-Workshop Leader, 2006, 2007, 2009-2011The Main Event Planning Committee, 2006-2011Nurture Committee, 2006-2008217th General Assembly of the PCUSA Worship Leader, 2006Committee on Local Arrangements, 2005-2006Montreat Planning Team Member, 2004-2005Stated Meeting of PSL-Worship Leader & Preacher, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011Elementary Epiphany Retreat Keynote Speaker, 2006Montreat Youth Conference-Small Group Leader, 2005Montreat Youth Confernce-Planning Team Member, 2005-2005


In January of 2014, a second--‐career student on campus was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. This student had limited financial means, and a complicated family system, so getting them back home (in the western US) and into an experimental treatment program was a small accomplishment. The absence of this student was felt keenly, as they functioned as a parental figure to several of the first--‐career--‐aged students. Grief was palpable, even as people held out hope for a miracle. Eventually the student was placed on hospice care just as the school year began in September. By November the student had died. The higher education setting is not one that regularly experiences death, and so the entire process of being with students, staff and some faculty in their grief, helping students understand what is appropriate pastoral care towards a friend (versus a congregation member), and then planning a meaningful memorial service in a place where students plan funerals as class paper was no small feat. It took care team of staff and faculty working together to check in weekly (and sometimes daily) on the well--‐being of specific individuals, as well as the mood of the community as a whole, and to continue to provide some pastoral care to the student who was dying thousands of miles away. It seemed as though the community was able to grieve appropriately, and that they found meaningful ways to remember their student/friend/mentor/parent--‐figure. In being able to provide pastoral care to the student, and to those who grieved (with good follow--‐up), and to design a memorial service that helped bring closure to those who knew and cared for the student was very fulfilling for me – and was one of the first times I clearly understood myself as “chaplain” instead of “NOT associate pastor.” I was living into my calling from Christ to the UPSem community, and through care and worship, sacrament and liturgy, we were able to act as the Body of Christ together, and witness to the resurrection.


A community of faith which seeks to answer God’s call through worship, learning, and ministering together. To be a part of a faith community that cares for one another, showing the love of Christ to each other. I feel called to an educational ministry setting where the planning of worship is as much an educational experience as it is an act of faith. Where the worship setting is seen as a learning lab as well as the place where the community is bound together by the Holy Spirit.


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It would be particularly wonderful to be in a setting where I would be able to mentor others. One of my gifts is being able to teach about all aspects of the worship planning process, to guide someone through the decision-‐making process of how best to care for other members of the community, and to be able to help others navigate complex and ingrained systems like seminaries or presbyteries.


Organization is an area where I’m constantly trying to improve. Time management comes under that category. A part of these growing edges is systematizing my follow-‐up for pastoral care, so that I check in with those who might need it most. Sometimes it is a challenge for me to reach out to people that I do not already know socially, so the more structure I have in place to help me initiate communication, like developing a schedule for checking in with students, faculty and staff, the more successful ministry interactions I am able to have.


Substantive change comes to a community over time, with many, many people involved by the power of the Holy Spirit. I’ve been a part of seeing that kind of meaningful change while serving as an Associate Pastor as the congregation developed a comprehensive program to involve the children and youth of the church in the worshipping life of the congregation.

In consultations with the Worship and Education teams, and the parents of the church, we began to lower the age of children who left worship for “children’s church.” At the same time, we began a worship education curriculum. The pastoral staff began developing ways to acknowledge the leaving and returning of the church to worship to ritualize and make meaningful those transitions (the children always returned for the sacraments), and I began writing worship materials which were supplementary to the regular order of worship. The education team also developed meaningful milestones to celebrate in worship as children aged. I worked with the youth leadership (adults and youth) to change the way we went about planning worship for Youth Sunday to make it more meaningful for the youth and the congregation. Five years into these changes, we were ready to incorporate both children and youth as liturgists, lectors, beadles, and acolytes.

Worship took on a different tone. Outside of the worship setting the generations interacted more with each other. And the congregation even became comfortable beginning a second worship service that was different in style (more Taize, less liturgy). However, the true measure of the success and the depth of the cultural change which happened is that all of these changes are still in place, or even enhanced, since I left that congregation four years ago.

Statement of Faith

I believe in the one Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, of one substance yet three persons, in whose image we are created, from whose sacrifice we are redeemed, and through whom we are sanctified.

In life and in death I belong to God the Creator of all. In the beginning God created the universe, breathing order to the chaos of creation in those first days. But the world returned to


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chaos in sin, disturbing the created order. Yet God remains everlasting. Throughout history God crafts justice in the world from the voices of the prophets of all generations. Even when we sin and are reckless, God loves us still. God formed the covenant of grace with humanity, making promises with us over millennia so that we might come to know who God is and to be in loving relationship with God and one another. It is in this covenantal relationship that God calls us to seek justice for the poor, the hungry, the widow, the orphan and the stranger. From the beginning God cares for us as a parent should for a child, and God tends to us still.

I trust in Jesus Christ, the Word Incarnate, fully human, fully Divine. Jesus healed the sick, taught those who had not yet learned, loved the unloved, and crafted justice for the wronged. Jesus suffered and died on the cross, and was resurrected in the most powerful act of God's loving kindness and justice, so that we might be delivered from the chaos of sin into the grace-giftedness of right-relation with God. Christ is the Redeemer, in whose life we find the ultimate example of how to live as disciples in the brokenness of the world, in whose death we are reconciled to God, and in whose resurrection we, too, have the hope of God's realm to come. It is through our identity in Christ we can understand ourselves to be agents of reconciliation as we show forth God's love and grace.

I have faith in God the Holy Spirit, the great Advocate, in whom we live and move and have our being. The mighty rushing of the Holy Spirit shifts the very fabric of who we are just as the Spirit did at the beginning of creation; incites us to cry out with clear voices for justice in the noise of chaos; gives us courage to seek God's redemption through Jesus Christ; and empowers us to live holy and joy-filled lives. This same Spirit binds us as the faithful community, justifies us by grace through faith, illuminates the Word of God written and proclaimed, which is our rule of faith to guide our lives, and claims and feeds us through the sacraments.

The Church is the visible Body of Christ in the world. Filled with pardoned sinners, the church seeks to witness in a sinful world, showing forth God's love, grace, and justice. The sacraments were instituted by Jesus Christ, and are carried out by the church. These sacraments are God's act of sealing the promise of grace within God's covenant community, visible signs of invisible grace. It is through God's initiative that we, who are unworthy and unqualified, receive the promise of God's grace. In baptism we are cleansed from sin. Baptism is also God's summons to respond to God's gift of grace. In the Eucharist we remember and celebrate Christ's sacrifice.

Indeed, Christ is really present as our spiritual nourishment. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we offer ourselves and our lives to Christ as we share in the meal with the faithful of all times and places. As we leave the table, nourished by this grace-filled meal, we are sent by the power of the Holy Spirit in the chaos of the world to proclaim the gospel, to have compassion, and to work for justice and peace in the name of Christ.



I have read this certification and release form and fully understand the information obtained may be used to deny my employment or any other type of position from the employing entity. I also agree that I will hold harmless the employing or judicial authority or any other entity from


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any and all claims, liabilities, and causes of action for the legitimate release of any information related to sexual misconduct.

Raymond Rohrer [email protected] 514 Fairmount Ave., Westfield, NJ 07090

Ecclesiastical Status: Teaching ElderMembership Presbytery: Elizabeth PresbyteryOrdination Date: November 4, 1984Formal Education:

1999-Ph.D. in History and Theology, Union Presbyterian Seminary1984-M.Div. Columbia Theological Seminary1980-B.A. in Economics, Westminster College, Fulton, MO

Continuing Education:Alban Institute, Dealing with Difficult Behavior, 2013Alban Institute, Leading Congregational Change, 2007Alban Institute, Exploring the Larger Church #2, 2006Alban Institute, Exploring the Larger Church #1, 2005Alban Institute, Leading the Corporate-Sized Congregation, 2004Alban Institute, Pastors Leading Multiple Staff Teams, 2003Easum-Bandy, Convergence Conference, 2003

Employment Type: Full TimeMinimum Effective Salary: $95,000Position Types and Experience Level:

Solo Pastor, 9 yearsHead of Staff, (multiple staff pastor), 9 yearsHead of Staff (1 ordained staff member), 7 yearsP/T Parish Associate for Evangelism, 2 yearsP/T Interim Associate Pastor, 2 years.

Geographic Choices: UnlimitedLanguages: EnglishLeadership Competencies: Preaching and Worship Leader, Spiritual MaturityCommunication: Communicator, Public CommunicatorOrganizational Leadership: Organizational Agility, Collaboration, Change Agent, Culturally

Proficient, Entrepreneurial, Strategy and VisionInterpersonal Engagement: InitiativeHousing Type: Manse or Housing AllowanceWork Experience:

Head of Staff-The Presbyterian Church in Westfield; Westfield, NJ; 1300, suburban town, 2005-present.Head of Staff-Grace Presbyterian Church; Jenkintown, PA; 650, suburban town, 1998-2005


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Part-time Interim Associate Pastor—Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, Richmond, VA; 600, urban, 1995-1997.Parish Associate for Evangelism—River Road Presbyterian Church, Richmond, VA; 1000, suburban, 1993-1995.Pastor—Amherst Presbyterian Church, Amherst, VA; 151, college town, 1984-1993.

Service to the ChurchThe Presbyterian Mission Agency of the General Assembly of the PC(USA)—Corresponding Member, 2014-present.Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy for the General Assembly of the PC(USA)—Committee Co-Chair, 2012-present.Presbyterian Historical Society—Board Member, 2009-2014Company of New Pastors, Pastor Mentor, 2010-2014Committee on Ministry—Presbytery of Elizabeth, 2005-2007The Society of Christian Ethics—Member, 1994-present

Describe a moment in our recent ministry that you recognize as one of success and fulfillment.

This past summer, 300 people attended a family movie night on the church’s front lawn. As I walked through the crowd, welcoming families, meeting strangers and greeting prospective members, I reflected on how this was another event that really began in 2010, when I led the church through Unbinding the Gospel.

Unbinding seeks to strengthen three characteristics that a Lilly Foundation Study found were common to all growing mainline congregations: It cultivates spiritual vitality, creates safe space for people to become comfortable talking about God, and directs attention to people outside the church.

Our church’s involvement with Unbinding began when I invited key lay leaders to participate in an 8-week spiritual life group. We gradually scaled up the program to invite the whole congregation to participate in similar short-term, small groups. During these weeks, themes discussed in small groups were reinforced through sermons and daily devotions. 250 people participated.

Unbinding changed the church culture and laid the foundation for new outreach initiatives. We started two new worship services to reach people we weren’t reaching with traditional Sunday offerings. Worship attendance increased. Veterans of Unbinding began other outreach endeavors: a coffee house and small groups for youth, as well as several initiatives to strengthen fellowship in the church. Everyone in the group that developed and worked on the movie night outreach was an Unbinding veteran.

Describe the ministry setting to which you believe God is call you.

We discern God’s call by paying attention to our God-given gifts, passions and opportunities. I seek to serve a congregation where I can employ my skills and experience in preaching, staff leadership, strategic planning, program initiation and change management. This congregation would appreciate a pastor with a Ph.D. in History and Theology and expertise in Christian ethics. It values preaching and wants someone with a pastor’s heart.

I want to serve a congregation that shares my passion for putting Christ at the center of


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everything. They want to grow spiritually. They understand that the church’s vitality is rooted in the experience of “tasting and seeing that the Lord is good.” This experience unifies them despite their differences, fills them with compassion and turns them outward to the world God loves. Having tasted God’s goodness, they want to share it with others. I would hope that this congregation values its traditions, yet is also asking, “God, what’s next?” They want to do great things for God. They think big. The dominate attitude is faith, not fear. They are intentional about making disciples, providing opportunities for people to grow in the context of Christian community and serve God’s world. They care about numbers because they understand that numbers represent people.

Finally, I am interested in exploring whether there may be an opportunity to serve God in a location closer to family.


Early in my ministry, while leading a congregation in a college town, I developed study habits to deepen my preaching. Some years later, I recognized that I had allowed the busyness of being a pastor to crowd out my spiritual life and rededicated myself to regular prayer and devotion. After being called to serve a larger congregation, I took classes on staff management and immersed myself in leadership literature. More recently, I recognized that my sermons were more dynamic when I preached without notes and modified my approach to sermon preparation.

Today I am learning how to empower the church to live out its mission in a rapidly changing cultural context, where, among other things, the church faces significant competition for Sunday morning, digital technology is changing how people gather information and connect, and 30% of adults under 30 claim no religious affiliation. I have led the congregation in developing new strategies for reaching our community and in employing technology to connect with existing and potential members. We started a Saturday and a contemporary worship service for people we weren’t reaching with our traditional Sunday morning offerings. We began using digital media in our contemporary worship service. We are striving to involve everyone, but especially newcomers, in spiritual life groups where they can grow in their relationship with God and one another. Each of these endeavors is requiring me to learn something new.


Following a recent session dinner and meeting at my home, I reflected on how the session’s ethos had improved over the past 10 years. When I arrived the session had 33 members and was divided by distrust. After our first meeting, the Clerk of Session informed me that the real meeting was starting in the parking lot.

We worked on a number of fronts to change these dynamics. I invited small groups of elders to my home to discuss their experience of serving on the session and their hopes for the church. I learned that they all disliked rubber-stamping decisions. I shared this with the whole session, along with my impression that anxiety rose whenever the session had to work through a decision.

We drew up a behavioral covenant to guide our life together, created email policies to help keep communication direct and efficient, and held each other accountable to these norms. We built time in our meetings for learning, discussion and prayer. We created an annual cookout and an elder retreat to allow us to build relationships and give us time to take in a big picture view of the church. Later, after deciding that part of the problem was that session was too large to engage


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in the sorts of conversations that would allow a shared vision of ministry to emerge, we downsized to 18 elders. The spiritual and relational vitality that has since developed has made it safe to share unpopular opinions, accept inevitable disagreement and helped us make better decisions.

Statement of Faith

I believe in God the Creator, the one Jesus called, “Abba.” This term of endearment is a heartfelt response to God’s care and provision. We know God as Creator when we sense that God is the source of our life in and through the ordering of creation, particularly when life’s goodness, wonder and beauty inspire us to thanksgiving and praise.

We fall short of the glorious goodness God wants for us. We see human sin in the alienation between peoples and in the desecration of nature. We see it in individual misbehavior and in the way that worldly kingdoms have organized themselves in defiance of God’s purposes. The shame we feel when we fail in our obligations to God and others is an aspect of the knowledge of God, the sense that God is the judge who measures our lives.

I believe in God the Redeemer, God’s Word made flesh in Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus called people to repent for God’s kingdom is near. He gathered a community of disciples, calling them to follow him. He lovingly laid down his life on the cross and forgave those who crucified him. He cried, “My God why have you forsaken me?” confirming his solidarity with those who suffer. God raised Jesus from the dead, vindicating his life and defeating the power of sin, evil and death.

Jesus reveals God’s deep love for the world. He discloses that the God who judges us is also our merciful Redeemer. We know Jesus as Savior when our sense of shame is overwhelmed by a sense of God’s love and we are filled with joy because of the new possibilities Jesus opens up for our lives. We know Jesus as Lord when we pick up our crosses and follow him.

I believe in God the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Sustainer and Renewer of life. Wherever the Spirit blows, God’s creation is revived and flourishes. The Holy Spirit creates the church by calling Jesus to mind and enabling us to say, “Jesus is Lord.” The Spirit inspired the writing of scripture and inspires the church to hear the Bible as God’s Word. The Holy Spirit sanctifies us by displacing fear, pride, envy, greed, nationalism and every other spirit that may motivate and diminish us. Although we experience as Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, it is the same one, Triune God.

God calls the church into existence to bear witness to Jesus Christ through word and deed. God gathers the church to worship and to grow together as disciples of Jesus Christ. God sends the church into the world to serve God and neighbor in our worldly callings as teachers, parents, business people, friends, lawyers, spouses, etc. God empowers the church to proclaim the gospel and to seek God’s rule and righteousness. Because the work of discipleship is difficult, the church cultivates the spiritual life of its members and strengthens communal ties in the body of Christ so that we may be formed and encouraged in our vocations.




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Allen Lloyd [email protected] Cradle Hill Court, Midlothian, VA 23112

Ecclesiastical Status: Teaching ElderMembership Presbytery: Lake MichiganOrdination Date: June, 1991Formal Education:

Virginia Teach, BS in Forest Products Utilization, 1983Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, Masters of Divinity, 1990

Continuing Education: Multiple trips back to Gordon-Conwell for personal study – New Hope Church Pastor Mentoring in Hawaii – Billy Graham Evangelism Conference in Lake Louise, Alberta – Many seminars and conferences at Calvin College and Seminary – Perspectives in World Mission course at Western Seminary - Training with Wycliffe Bible Translators - Mental Health Training for Member Care Missionaries in Indiana

Employment Type: Full TimeMinimum Effective Salary: $55,000Position Types and Experience:

Solo Pastor, 5 to 10 yearsAssociate Pastor (Youth) 5 to 10 yearsPastor Interim, 2 years.

Geographic Choices: VirginiaLanguages: EnglishPast Experience:

Independent Contractor 4/2012-Present Assisted in developing the infrastructure for an organic farm and developed a Handyman Business

Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services 12/2011-4/2012 Grand Rapids, MI Chaplain Led spiritual growth groups for a variety of ages, Created and developed a volunteer mentoring program for the residential adolescent program, led weekly groups for Jellema House (a recovery center).

Rain Forest International School (Wycliffe Bible Translators) 2009-2011 Yaounde, Cameroon Bible Teacher/YouthLeader/Pastor/Coach Taught Christian World View and other Bible courses to teens, led a youth ministry to kids in the missionary community, and coached several sports teams.

Knapp Street Reformed Church 2003 – 2009 Grand Rapids, MI Suburban Solo Pastor, 150 members Created a ministry focused on the centrality of God's Word and the outworking of our faith through local, national, and international mission.


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John Knox Presbyterian Church 2000-2003 Associate Pastor Grand Rapids, MI Suburban 400 members Developed a Christ-centered youth ministry and advanced the mission of the church through programs targeted at our own city, country, and refugee resettlement.

Ogburn Construction 1999-2000 Construction Assistant Richmond, VA Between ministry positions, I was fortunate to learn skills in home construction that enabled me to create a personal ministry of home improvement in Grand Rapids.

Third Presbyterian Church 1997-1999 Richmond, VA Associate Pastor for Youth Suburban 800 members Overhauled the Sunday School, Middle School, and Senior High Boys programs and created an effective prayer ministry in connection with the older adults.

Ross Presbyterian Church 1996-1997 Interim Pastor Pittsburgh, PA Urban 80 members Instigated change in an older and was introduced to the role of solo pastor.

Memorial Park Presbyterian Church 1990-1996 Associate Pastor for Youth Pittsburgh, PA Suburban 1500 members Directed a vital youth ministry through training adult and student volunteers to run all essential functions of the ministry.

Other Services:College Bible Study Grand Rapids, MI 2013-2014 College Bible Study in our homeKid's Hope U.S.A. Grand Rapids, MI, 2005-2009 Mentored a boy weekly from

Kindergarten through 4th grade.West Town Jubilee Housing Ministry Grand Rapids, MI, 2006-2007 Home maintenance for

inner city ministry. Volunteer while serving as Pastor.Healthy Marriages Grand Rapids 2002-2006 Served on the pastoral advisory board.Third Option 2008-2010 Grand Rapids Helped develop a marriage ministry inconjunction with three other churches.


I was meeting with a friend at a coffee shop. We were discovering things we had in common and hoping to help each other in our job search. At one point in the conversation, we were discussing trends in youth ministry. At that point in the conversation, a young man chimed in from a few feet away, "I know exactly what you mean." He proceeded to express his concern that the church as indeed feeding into an American version of Christianity and we were not creating true disciples of Christ. He introduced himself as Matt and we invited him to join us in our conversation. It turns out that he had just gotten out of jail for three D.U.I convictions. During that time he had read a Gideon's Bible and recommitted his life to Christ. Feeling the compulsion of the Holy Spirit, I asked if he would be willing to meet with me on a regular basis to study the

Bible and learn more fully what it means to be a disciple of Christ. Without hesitation he agreed.

It also turned out that he was anticipating getting engaged to a young woman from Brazil. He needed help not only in his relationship with her, but also navigating the cross cultural issues that he would face. So, I agreed to disciple him, and to offer the services of my wife and I in premarital counseling which we will do via the internet. We meet weekly at the same coffee shop for 1 1/2 hours each week.


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There was a time when all I wanted to do was youth ministry. Then God put on my heart the idea of being a solo pastor. This caused my love of preaching to be developed. As I preached, I could not escape the basic idea that God is a missional God, so that led us overseas where I used a variety of the gifts God has given me in teaching, preaching, coaching, discipling and mentoring. So, as I look ahead, I believe the local church is the place where I can use all the gifts I have on a regular basis. The older I get the more rapport I develop with people of all ages. I would like to think that I am in the sweet spot of ministry potential at my age. To lead a church to become fully devoted Disciples of Christ at whatever age is a challenge I would enjoy undertaking. In any one day, I enjoy sermon preparation, discipling an individual, leading a Bible study, participating in a church committee meeting, guiding staff and visitation. I also recognize that leading a local congregation can be full of challenges. Individuals, traditions, social structures, etc. can often get in the way of effective ministry. These things are normal and if addressed in love and maintaining the God-given value of each person, growth and change can happen. No one is hopeless and no congregation is stuck if there are some who are ready to engage the basic principles of discipleship and follow Jesus regardless of culture, bureaucracy or misconceptions of church.


We live in a culture that is rapidly changing. Standard and accepted sexual mores are shifting. We have experienced a polarization of culture and unfortunately attitudes of judgmentalism have erupted rather than creative conversation. We are each made in the image of God, male and female. And second to holiness, God is love. How can I, as one who believes that Scripture supports and affirms marriage as the institution between a man and a woman love someone who

disagrees? How can I look past prejudice and allow a person, who differs from me, to express their pain and their joy? How can I then, in love, express my opinion and allow them to express their opinion, remain friends and pursue Truth together?

I believe directly related to this is coming to terms with God's holiness. I have grown comfortable with my thoughts about God. If I want to discover Truth about culture, myself and others, I need to face God as Isaiah did in Isaiah 6. I pray that the Holy Spirit would take over my preaching and His power would pervade the atmosphere and bring us to our knees. Also, as I think about my past and recognize that there is unresolved pain, resentment, rejection and so much more, I believe I can either engage in psychotherapy or lay prostrate before the holy God. Maybe both would be mutually beneficial, but I'm going to trust that my pursuit of the holiness of God will bring about healing that no amount of therapy could touch.


At the RCA church I served in Grand Rapids I asked our elders how they felt about the amount of money we were giving to missions. They appeared a bit sheepish and struggled to explain that they had a practice of giving whatever they had left rather than offering their 'first fruits'. I asked them what they wanted to do. They boldly stated that giving 10% was their desire but they didn't know how to go about it. I challenged them to commit to giving 10% of this year's


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budget to which they balked. Instead they agreed to give 10% to whatever came in. Reluctantly, I agreed, but at the end of the year, they were able to celebrate God's faithfulness, because 'what came in' was more than they budgeted, so that actually gave away more than if they had done it my way.

Statement of Faith

I believe in the triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. These three have been co-existent forever and represent themselves as one holy and perfect God. God, in his desire to express his love, created a universe in which to display his glory and created men and women who have the choice to worship him in all his glory or go their own way and thus separate themselves forever. The separation began in the garden of Eden when Adam and Eve chose to listen to Satan. The Bible calls this sin and because of what happened in the garden we as humans are born with a tendency toward rebellion. We and creation will not be fully redeemed until Christ returns at the end of time. In between the fall of mankind and our redemption, God has not left us without hope. Through the nation of Israel, he provided our Savior Jesus Christ. Ultimately, salvation came to all people through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. This historical event is the crux of all of history. To accept Christ as Lord and Savior and become His disciple brings with it the eternal reward of life in heaven with Him. To not accept Christ as Lord and Savior is to choose to live in eternal separation from him in a place the Scriptures call Hell. The church is God’s instrument for carrying on the message of salvation to the world. Through worship, service, mission, celebrating the sacraments of the Lord’s supper and baptism we participate in the ministry which is an engagement of the great spiritual battle that Paul tells us about in Ephesians 6. Through regular participation in the Lord's supper we remember the sacrifice of His body and blood through which Jesus defeated death and provided eternal life. The Reformed tradition of baptism, whether of infants or adult believers remindsus that it is God who takes the initiative in our lives. Neither sacrament brings salvation but is practiced by believers as examples of God's grace and the need for the work of the Holy Spirit. The sacraments are shrouded in mystery, thus making us wholly dependent upon Him for its full interpretation and practice. The Bible, Genesis to Revelation, is God’s holy, inspired and authoritative Word which according to Paul is God-breathed. These writings are not merely historic literature, but God's Word to mankind which tell us all we need to know about us and Him. Scripture also reminds us that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), thus salvation only comes through Jesus Christ. This Scripture is to be read, interpreted and followed using good principles of interpretation gained through careful study of the context and intent of the author.

Life on earth will end someday, either with our physical death or with the return of Jesus Christ. All people will appear before the judgment seat as described in Matthew 25. At that time those that have been disciples of Christ will enjoy the new heaven and new earth that God will create after the destruction of the present heaven and earth.




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Robert Allen Johnson, [email protected] Shawnee Rd., Richmond, VA 23225

Ecclesiastical Status: Teaching ElderMembership Presbytery: Presbytery of the JamesOrdination Date: September 4, 1988Formal Education:

Ph.D. in History and Theology, Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond, VA, May, 2006. Dissertation title: Full Moon Over Washington: Charles Ferguson and the Religion of American Democracy.M.Div. (spec. in Pastoral Theology) from Princeton Theology Seminary, Princeton, NJ, 1988 B.A. (spec. in Communication Psychology) from Austin College, Sherman, Texas, 1980

Continuing EducationPurposeful Boards, Powerful Fundraising, University of Richmond. Virginia Association of Fund Raising Executives, 2015.Soliciting Major Gifts, Vision Quest Associates, 2011Seminars on Reformed Tradition and the Family (2014), Reformed Social Teaching (2013), Jonathan Edwards (2012), The Patristic Roots of the Reformed Tradition (2011) and The Writings of John Leith, (2010), The Foundation for Reformed Theology. Convener and seminar leader. 500th Anniversary Seminar on CALVIN’S INSTITUTES, The Presbytery of the James, 2009. Convener.Interim Pastor Training, Level I, Union Presbyterian Seminary, 2008The Limits of Electoral Democracy in the Pakistani Context, The Centre for Public Policy and Governance, Forman Christian College, Lahore, Pakistan, 2007. Presenter.Understanding Liberal Arts Education, Forman Christian College, Lahore, Pakistan, 2005. Presenter.Mission Co-worker Training, PC(USA), Louisville and Chicago, 2005Numerous (10 in three years) week-long seminars on ethics, worship, evangelism, preaching and other topics conducted by the Institute for Reformed Theology at Union Theological Seminary. Convener and attendee as the Director of this Institute. 2000-2003.Numerous (5 in two years) seminars for The Company of Pastors, an enrichment program for teaching elders that was one of my responsibilities as a Theologian in the Office of Theology and Worship of the PC(USA). Convener and attendee. 1998-2000.

Certification/Training:Interim/Transitional Ministry Certified Administrator

Employment Type: Full Time


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Minimum Effective Salary: $75,000Housing Type: Manse or Housing AllowancePosition Types and Experience Level:

Solo Pastor, 10 yearsHead of Staff, 1 yearPastor Interim, 3 yearsPastor, 3 yearsGeneral Assembly Staff, 2 yearsExecutive Director, 6 yearsMission Co-Worker, 3 yearsFunds Developer, 4 yearsCollege/Seminary Faculty, 3 yearsSeminary Staff, 2 yearsCampus Ministry, 3 yearsGeneral Presbytery (acting) 1 year

Geographic Choices: USALeadership Competencies:

Preaching and Worship Leadership, Lifelong learner, TeacherCommunication:

Communicator, Public CommunicatorOrganizational Leadership

Advisor, Culturally Proficient, Strategy and VisionInterpersonal Engagement

Motivator, Bridge BuilderLanguages: EnglishPast Experience:

October 1, 2012, December 31, 2012 – Acting General Presbyter, The Presbytery of the James. Acting executive while General Presbyter is on sabbatical. June 1, 2011- present – President and CEO for Friends of Forman Christian College, Atlanta GA.November, 2008 - June 1, 2011 — Interim Pastor, Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, Richmond, Virginia. Engaged to assess the present health of the church, try to find suitable avenues for revitalization. Summer, 2008 — Temporary Head of Staff, First Presbyterian Church of Charlottesville, Virginia. Temporary Head of Staff for a 1500 member church. 2005-2008 — Mission Co-Worker, Presbyterian Church (USA), with these responsibilities

Primary Responsibility: Dean of the Chapel and Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Forman Christian College, Lahore, Pakistan. Part-time Professor of Historical Theology at Gujranwala Theological Seminary, Gujranwala, Pakistan.Structural Consultant to the Presbyterian Church of Pakistan.

2000-2003 — Director, Institute for Reformed Theology, Union Theological Seminary-Presbyterian School of Christian Education, Richmond, VA. Funded by the Lilly Endowment, this venture brought pastors and academics, together to do theological reflection on topics related to Reformed Theology and church life.


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1998-2000 — Associate for Theology, Office of Theology and Worship, Presbyterian Church (USA), in charge of the Pastor - Theologian Program, a Lilly Endowment funded program ―Excellence from the Start, a major program to mentor new pastors.Pre 1998: Pastor, Designated Term Pastor and Stated Supply pastor. Teaching Assistant.


As the Dean of the Chapel at Forman Christian College, I was responsible for beginning a student ministry at this historic Christian college (est. 1864) in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Christians in Pakistan (2.3% of the population) are uniformly marginalized and persecuted. Although I knew little about the culture when moving to Pakistan, I designed and ran, with Pakistani Christian faculty and students, a very large, active program. Weekly services in the 300-seat chapel were packed to the walls and out the doors and Bible studies proliferated among the students who had little contact with the scriptures before. Our special emphasis was to reach out to those most alienated from the church, who were from the poorest Christian areas of the country. This outreach enabled the ministry to include 85% or more of the Christian students each year at a time when the number of Christian students grew from 45 in 2005-6 to 440 in 2007-8.

Most significant was the spirit of mutual support and encouragement that grew between the students. From open warfare between Christians from different villages and neighborhoods, the students grew into a cohesive, positive force for one another in a society that tells Christians they are third class citizens at best. This core of confident Christians transformed the religious dynamics of the campus, from Christians seeing themselves as powerless and worthless to being on equal footing with their Muslim peers on campus.


I believe the gifts I have been given for ministry will be best used in a congregational setting in which, first, there is a high value on the quality and content of preaching. I have the ability to explain the message of the Gospel and its contemporary relevance in a compelling way to listeners of all ages and different cultures. I am also experienced and adept in designing, arranging and leading worship in a variety of styles that engages congregants in vital praise and worship of the Lord.

Second, I believe I am called to a church that values an active, intellectually robust teaching ministry. I have led effective seminars, conferences and programs of study for everyone from school students to college and seminary classes to adults wrestling with shaping their daily walk of discipleship to Jesus Christ.

Third, I believe I am called to a congregation that wants to be led in ministry to one another, and not just ministered to by their staff. I desire to lead a congregation, as a model and enabler, of care for one another in homes, hospitals, extended care facilities, jails and places of need.

Finally, I believe I am called to serve in a church with global concern and empathy. The Christian’s calling is to the entire world, whether next-door or the next continent. I believe that support of God’s mission of spreading the saving message of the Gospel comes in many forms, and learning of them and supporting them can be the strongest and most enlivening action of any congregation.


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I have always been attracted by the study of Reformed theology, and spent years reading, researching and thinking about this subject. However, it has taken me years to understand (and I am still working on this) that the knowledge we have of God is not a matter of static settlement, but of daily growth and discovery. To be sure, the scriptures are our guide of faith and practice, but my understanding of them is never final! I am only learning now how much more immense the love and justice of God is than I understood before. I am growing in humility.

I also confess that, in a world of multi-taskers… I am not that. I can work in the midst of complexity, but too many choices (whether of others’ making or my own) and matters given to me at once can enervate me. I am growing in my ability not to say yes to everything, but to manage the number of commitments I have so that I can do good work in what I take on without harm to myself. I am growing in self-awareness.

One significant area of growth for me needs to be more commitment to physical activity. I spend so much time reading, writing, traveling and researching that more time is spent in a seat than anything else. I’m doing well, but must become more active to be a good steward of my body.


For 7 years, a church struggled with a dysfunctional pastorate. In the first 4 months of the year they had lost 2 pastors (including the senior) to “resignation” and 2 senior staff members to death. I was appointed the temporary Head of Staff to hold the church together until an interim pastor could come 4 months later.

There were 4 essential tasks—bring the conflict down from crisis level; calm the staff so they could do their jobs; listen to and help heal the bruised and resentful congregants; and help them return Jesus Christ, and their common love and loyalty to him, to the center of their congregation. I led a process to help them refocus from their many problems, to an emphasis on worship, mission and joyful cooperation.

I worked at establishing many strong relationships, and listening to people’s stories. I spent hours praying with the people for an increase of love, and things began to change. We made worship an exciting, not-to-be-missed event each week, and I constantly promoted fellowship opportunities that simply brought people together to eat and laugh. I used a sermon series on the Fruit of the Spirit to hold up the Biblical model of what life together in Christ should be (it is still quoted 7 years later!). Studying the same passage with the session, and bringing the staff together to pray for the people worked amazing change. Not everything was done in 4 months, but the congregation was peaceful, healing and rediscovering joy when the interim came.

Statement of Faith

I believe in God, the Creator: the Almighty and Sovereign. I can believe only because of the gift of faith given me through God’s grace.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten child. Jesus was in the beginning with God, and is God (in an incomprehensible mystery). Born of Mary, he came to live on earth as a human. Not sheltered in any way from the problems of existence, Jesus nonetheless lived a life of perfect union with God on earth, preaching the goodness of God and the beauty of God’s coming reign, inviting all people to follow him and find life abundant and eternal.


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I believe in the Holy Spirit, God’s daily presence with us. Whatever we know of God and Jesus has been revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. Whether spiritual enlightenment, sensing God’s presence, the impulse to do what is right and holy, or even saving faith itself: all of these things come from the Holy Spirit. While always at God’s service, the Spirit is God also. The Spirit is the daily face of a tri-unity, or Trinity, with God – called the Father – and Jesus the Son, ever three persons, yet always and only one God.

All humanity is plagued by our inability to live in the fulfillment and perfection God created for us. By willful disobedience we destroyed our relationship with God, and thus rejected the blessings that God gave to us (this disobedience is called sin). The break was so complete, that nothing earthly could repair it.

However, God made the way. Jesus became flesh, lived a human life pleasing to God but experienced human rejection. Betrayed by one and then by many, he was put to death for no fault of his own. In his sinless death, he took on the guilt and fault that was ours in breaking the relationship with God and reconciled us to God. In his resurrection from the dead, Jesus defeated death, and won for us eternal life with God.

Now, those claimed by faith in Jesus Christ, called the Church, are bound together in love and gratitude for all God has done for them. The story of faith – from creation to living life in Christ – is told us in the Scriptures, our authoritative and reliable guide. Our life together is strengthened through the two Sacraments instituted by Christ in his ministry on earth: Baptism is the sign of entry into the household of faith, and in it, Christians signify their dying and rising with Christ, their own death to sin’s dominion, and their rebirth into newness of life. In the Lord’s Supper, we experience Christ’s real presence in the bread and wine, and are called to follow Christ’s example to participate in self-giving love for the world. In this, believers are united with Christ through the power of the Spirit.

Like Christ, the Church is called to live for others. Displayed through acts of reconciliation and compassion, this call is not limited to those we see, but extends to all people everywhere. One day, we will be united with Christ before our God, but for now, we are called to a life of service, worship, joy, and faithful, daily discipleship.





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The Reverend James J. Baker After serving the congregation of Westminster Presbyterian Church Charlottesville for more than 36 years, Jim Baker retired in September of 2014. A native of Indiana, Jim took his undergraduate degree from Wabash College. Following two years in the Peace Corps in Botswana, where he taught history and math to secondary school students, he attended Vanderbilt Divinity School. There he met his wife, Anne Cargill, who was pursuing a degree in theology and ethics. They married in 1973 in Benton Chapel at Vanderbilt. After graduation, Jim accepted a position as assistant pastor of the American Church in Paris, where he served for two years before returning to the states to work with the Department of Human Services in Nashville. In 1978, Jim answered a call to Westminster to be Associate Minister and Minister to Students. He took a year’s sabbatical in 1984 to attend Union Theological Seminary in New York on a Masland Fellowship. After receiving a Master’s of Sacred Theology, Jim returned to Westminster, where he was named Co-pastor in 1988 and Pastor in 1992.

Westminster has always been a congregation committed to mission and outreach, and during Jim’s tenure the church expanded its mission involvement to include active support of IMPACT and PACEM. At the same time, Jim encouraged the congregation to be good stewards of the church buildings for future generations, and under his leadership Westminster improved the sanctuary and the student center, added a beautiful memorial garden, and renovated Fellowship Hall to create a new Gathering Place worthy of the 75th anniversary celebration.

Jim’s time at Westminster saw many social changes, and he helped the church to define its stands on important matters of the day, including same-gender marriage. Dedicated to the harmony and integrity of the broader church and always careful to ensure that everyone had a voice, Jim patiently led the church through years of discernment on this issue, culminating in the fall of 2014 when the Session approved Jim’s officiating at the church’s first same-gender wedding in the Sanctuary.

Two of the great gifts that Jim gave to Westminster were his preaching and his pastoral care. Jim often brought a new look at familiar passages of scripture, and his sermons are known for their humor, relevance, and insights. Perhaps most characteristic of his preaching, however, is humility, for, as one member of the congregation put it, Jim never presumes he knows the mind of God, but rather holds “the sacredness of God in a place of deep respect and awe” as a true minister of word and sacrament. Jim often incorporated stories in his preaching, including those about his life with Anne and their three sons, integrating his role as husband and father with his calling as pastor in a way that added depth and credibility to his words. One member of the congregation remarked on how amazingly well Jim leads a memorial service, capturing the essence of people who have died, and another said it was “almost eerie…how well he read us all.” Jim not only understood the joys and challenges faced by the members of his congregation, he allowed them to see his personal joys and challenges. When his first son, Sam, was born, he wrote a baptismal hymn celebrating the event, “Creator God, to You We Give,” which was added to the Hymnal Supplement in 1980. And when Anne was diagnosed with the brain cancer that eventually took her life, Jim strove to model a faithful response to pain and suffering without denying grief and doubt. His presence always brought courage and comfort during difficult times, one reason the congregation he left has such a deep and enduring affection and respect for


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him, so much so, in fact, that upon his retirement, Westminster broke its own traditions in two ways. First, the Session voted to rename the Manse Endowment Fund after Jim. Second, shortly after his retirement, Jim Baker was named Pastor Emeritus of Westminster Presbyterian Church.


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2015 BUDGETPOJ TEAMS & PURPOSE

GROUPS2015

Jan - August Budget $Over Budget

IncomeUndesignated Support (POJ, Synod Per Capita, and G.A.) 391,714.19 779,415.00 -387,700.81POJ Annual Budget 43,091.15 67,661.00 -24,569.85Per Capita ( $.75 for Synod; $7.07 for G.A.) 12,122.01 18,655.00 -6,532.99 13,000.00 Union for CarsonDesignated Giving to Validated Missions thru G.A. 22,869.32 59,155.00 -36,285.68 10,200.00 Rent income from Tenants

General Assembly Extra Commitment Opportunities 21,971.15 0.00 21,971.15 1,000.00McIntire Trust

Other Designated Mission - non G.A. 3,801.00 10,000.00 -6,199.00 1,400.00 Utilities & POJ registrationsChecking Account Interest 14.22 25.00 -10.78 2,000.00 Norman NettletonEndowment-Church Dev/Redev Proj. 50,000.00 133,000.00 -83,000.00 4,000.00 U of R if neededInsurance Dividend Income - Brotherhood 0.00 0.00 ? Union for Summer Interns

Transfer from POJ Undesignated Reserves 20,000.00 -20,000.00 ? VCU transferOther Designated Income 17,748.24 25,600.00 -7,851.76

563,331.28 1,113,511.00 -550,179.72

Camp Hanover Income 429,675.73 537,000.00 -107,324.27

TOTAL POJ/CAMP HANOVER INCOME 993,007.01 1,650,511.00 -657,503.99

SYNOD AND GENERAL ASSEMBLYSynod Support 4,093.88 16,375.50 -12,281.62GA Support Per Capita 66,944.43 154,366.38 -87,421.95

Shared Mission Support 32,584.25 59,155.00 -26,570.75TOTAL SYNOD AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY 103,622.56 229,896.88 -126,274.32

Other Designated Gifts - non G.A. 3,801.00 10,000.00 -6,199.00 (Outreach Fdn., Frontier Fellowship, Union Sem., etc.)

CONSTITUTIONAL COMMITTEES:COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY

5601 · Committee on Ministry Admin. 1,611.37 3,000.00 -1,388.63

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· Student Indebtedness 2,500.00 -2,500.00Total COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY 1,611.37 5,500.00 -3,888.63COMMITTEE ON PREP FOR MINISTRY

5701 · Scholarships 14,025.00 22,000.00 -7,975.005702 · Psychological evaluations 608.00 1,600.00 -992.005703 · Comm on Prep for Min Admin 191.38 700.00 -508.625710 · Travel 158.90 800.00 -641.10

Total COMMITTEE ON PREP FOR MINISTRY 14,983.28 25,100.00 -10,116.72COMMITTEE ON REPRESENTATION 0.00 0.005900 · NOMINATIONS COMM

5901 · Admin. Expenses 21.41 500.00 -478.59 GA Alternate Commissioners Gross Expense 0.00 7,500.00 -7,500.00

Total 5900 · NOMINATIONS COMM 21.41 8,000.00 -7,978.59

5950 · PERMANENT JUDICIAL COMMISION 0.00TOTAL CONSTITUTIONAL COMMITTEES 16,616.06 38,600.00 -21,983.94COMMUNICATION & COORDINATION TEAM

5102 · Communications 13,080.84 25,000.00 -11,919.16POJ Staff

5104 · Salaries 108,054.67 175,623.46 -67,568.795105 · Housing Allowances 29,000.00 43,500.00 -14,500.005106 · Payroll Taxes 9,957.04 15,232.95 -5,275.915107 · Auto expense-Gen Pres 1,558.73 3,000.00 -1,441.275110 · Pension/medical expense 37,646.62 58,365.45 -20,718.835117 · Staff Professional Expenses 0.00 300.00 -300.00 5117-1 - Professional Exp. - Rhyne 960.26 2,000.00 -1,039.745118 · Medical Reimbursement 3,370.53 6,000.00 -2,629.47

Total POJ Staff 190,547.85 304,021.86 -113,474.015120 · Presbytery Meeting Expenses 405.00 750.00 -345.005271 - Land Purchases for New Church Develop. 34,440.13 53,000.00 -18,559.87Presbytery Office Expense

5504 - Utilities 5,672.66 10,900.00 -5,227.345502 · Insurance 7,541.32 6,200.00 1,341.325505 · Office supplies 2,081.23 3,500.00 -1,418.775506 · Postage 362.39 2,500.00 -2,137.615507 · Telephone 2,277.32 2,500.00 -222.685508 - Grounds/Building Maintenance 4,767.51 7,226.00 -2,458.49



5552- Remote Bank Fees 320.00 480.00 -160.005511 · Audit 16,600.00 16,600.00 0.005512 · Payroll expense 391.10 700.00 -308.90

Total Presbytery Office Expense 40,013.53 50,606.00 -10,592.475540 · General Presbyter Expenses 151.06 750.00 -598.945560 · Communication & Coordination Admin. Expenses 220.70 850.00 -629.30

5530 - Capital Replacement Transfer Expense 5,000.00 10,000.00 -5,000.00Total C & C Team 283,859.11 444,977.86 -161,118.75LEADERSHIP CONNECTION TEAM :

Administrative Expenses for Team 300.00 -300.00Black Caucus 0.00 3,500.00 -3,500.00Camp Hanover (POJ Subsidy) 0.00 130,000.00 -130,000.00CAPS 0.00 500.00 -500.00Christian Education Purpose Group 0.00 650.00 -650.00Collegiate Ministries ** 59,573.44 87,000.00 -27,426.56Older Adult 1,195.39 3,600.00 -2,404.61Presbytery Women 2,250.00 3,000.00 -750.00Resource Center 3,450.00 3,825.00 -375.00Small Church 2,444.38 2,600.00 -155.62Small Church Internship -750.00 7,000.00 -7,750.00SPIM 500.00 5,000.00 -4,500.00

Youth Ministry 34.63 6,400.00 -6,365.37TOTAL LEADERSHIP CONNECTION 68,697.84 253,375.00 -184,677.16MISSION AND SERVICE TEAM:

Administrative Expenses for Team 300.00 -300.00Disaster Relief Team** 0.00 0.00Eastminster Presbyterian Church 2,000.00 3,000.00 -1,000.00First Things First 1,000.00 2,000.00 -1,000.00Haiti 8,913.27 15,000.00 -6,086.73Hunger** 0.00 700.00 -700.00Evangelism and Church Growth 50,740.98 80,000.00 -29,259.02Public Policy 6,930.26 9,000.00 -2,069.74World Mission 5,419.98 9,500.00 -4,080.02TOTAL MISSION AND SERVICE 75,004.49 119,500.00 -44,495.51Camp Hanover Expenses (without subsidy) 509,788.68 537,000.00 -27,211.32



TOTAL EXPENSE: 1,061,389.74 1,633,349.74 -571,960.00

TOTAL NET INCOME: -68,382.73 17,161.26 -85,543.99

** Receives funding and/or portion from other sources

INTENTS FROM CONGREGATIONS

July 27, 2015 2013 2014 2015

Church/Location Membership Intent Intent UNDESIGPOJ

Budget PER CAP DES ECO Other TOTAL

Aberdour, Emporia 40 1,320.00 0.00

AFREIM, Richmond 600.00 0.00

All Souls, Richmond 80 100.00 100.00 100.00

Amelia, Amelia 71 750.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00

Ampthill, Richmond 74 5,500.00 5,500.00 5,500.00 5,500.00

Ashland, Ashland 80 3,300.00 3,300.00 3,300.00 3,300.00

Bethany, Charles City 4 300.00 300.00 300.00 300.00

Bethesda, Nottoway 34 250.00 250.00 250.00 250.00

Bethlehem, Mechanicsville, 160 7,800.00 7,800.00 2,000.00 5,000.00 800.00 7,800.00

Beulah, Mechanicsville 41 1,800.00 0.00

Blackstone, Blackstone 157 4,000.00 4,000.00 1,811.73 1,138.27 1,050.00 4,000.00

Blue Ridge, Ruckersville 107 1,200.00 1,200.00 1,200.00 1,200.00

Bon Air, Richmond 351 39,100.00 34,480.00 32,100.00 1,330.00 1,050.00 34,480.00

Bott Memorial, Dewitt 53 2,250.00 0.00

July 27, 2015 2013 2014 2015



Brandermill, Midlothian 544 26,600.00 22,400.00 14,000.00 4,400.00 4,000.00 22,400.00

Brett-Reed, West Point 67 5,000.00 0.00


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Burkeville, Burkeville 53 1,250.00 1,250.00 1,250.00 1,250.00

Byrd, Goochland 83 3,200.00 3,200.00 3,200.00 3,200.00

Campbell Memorial, Weems 154 10,750.00 10,750.00 5,000.00 3,750.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 10,750.00Charlottesville First, Charltsvl. 1079 52,000.00 33,000.00 30,000.00 3,000.00 33,000.00

Chase City First, Chase City 10 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

Chester, Chester 563 35,213.00 35,200.00 30,000.00 5,200.00 35,200.00Colonial Heights, Col. Heights 85 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00

Concord, McKenney 56 3,000.00 3,200.00 2,450.00 550.00 200.00 3,200.00

Cove, Covesville 66 2,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00

Covenant, Petersburg 91 3,750.00 3,750.00 3,750.00 3,750.00

Crestwood, Richmond 723 0.00

Culpepper, Culpepper 411 14,000.00 14,000.00 11,000.00 3,000.00 14,000.00

Eastminster, Richmond 62 6,300.00 6,300.00 6,300.00 6,300.00

Ebenezer, Kenbridge 19 250.00 0.00

Emporia First, Emporia 105 4,775.00 4,825.00 4,000.00 775.00 4,775.00

Fairfield, Richmond 400 8,400.00 8,400.00 8,400.00 8,400.00

Forest Hill, Richmond 48 5,427.00 5,875.00 2,750.00 375.00 2,750.00 5,875.00Fredericksburg, Fredericksburg 993 77,100.00 0.00

Gayton Kirk, Richmond 186 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00

Genito, Powhatan 38 2,400.00 2,400.00 2,400.00 2,400.00

Ginter Park, Richmond 282 17,287.00 17,790.00 12,000.00 5,290.00 500.00 17,790.00

Gordonsville, Gordonsville 51 1,600.00 1,600.00 1,600.00

Grace Covenant, Richmond 259 4,000.00 0.00

Greenwood, Chesterfield 33 1,200.00 1,800.00 1,200.00 600.00 1,800.00

July 27, 2015 2013 2014 2015


Budget PER CAP DES ECO Other TOTALGregory Memorial, Prince George 120 6,200.00 5,200.00 3,400.00 700.00 1,100.00 5,200.00

Hartwood, Hartwood 118 3,600.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00



Hawkins Memorial, Dewitt 64 450.00 450.00 450.00 450.00

Hebron, Manakin-Sabot 137 3,984.07 0.00

Hopewell First, Hopewell 87 500.00 0.00

Kings Chapel, Doswell 38 4,400.00 4,600.00 4,600.00 4,600.00

Kirk O'Cliff, Mineral 56 4,500.00 4,500.00 3,655.88 437.92 406.20 4,500.00

Lakeside, Richmond 156 2,150.00 2,150.00 2,150.00 2,150.00

Laurel, Glen Allen 116 4,800.00 4,800.00 4,800.00 4,800.00

Lawrenceville, Lawrenceville 9 0.00 0.00Lord Jesus Korean, Richmond 432 27,500.00 27,500.00 27,500.00 27,500.00

Louisa, Louisa 75 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00

Madison, Madison 161 6,600.00 6,600.00 6,000.00 600.00 6,600.00

Mattoax, Amelia 29 1,248.64 726.78 500.00 226.78 726.78

Meadows, Charlottesville 285 15,000.00 14,500.00 14,500.00 14,500.00Mechanicsville, Mechanicsville 153 2,500.00 2,500.00 500.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 2,500.00

Milden, Sharps 106 3,956.00 3,800.00 3,800.00 3,800.00

Milford, Milford 43 2,700.00 0.00

Mitchells, Mitchells 145 1,500.00 0.00

New Covenant, Richmond 61 100.00 400.00 400.00 400.00New Hanover, Mechanicsville 180 5,000.00 6,500.00 6,500.00 6,500.00

Oak Grove, Amelia 36 550.00 600.00 200.00 200.00 200.00 600.00

Ogden, Broadnax 23 450.00 0.00

Olivet, Charlottesville 500 13,000.00 12,500.00 8,500.00 4,000.00 12,500.00

Orange, Orange 152 6,325.00 7,375.00 6,575.00 400.00 250.00 150.00 7,375.00

July 27, 2015 2013 2014 2015



Overbrook, Richmond 135 2,500.00 2,500.00 2,500.00 2,500.00Petersburg Second, Petersburg 178 500.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00

Pine Grove, Amelia 7 254.39 240.00 200.00 40.00 240.00



Praise the Lord (Ju-Chan-Yang 63 0.00Providence Forge, Prov. Forge 232 8,000.00 8,000.00 8,000.00 8,000.00

Providence, Gum Spring 60 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00

Providence, Powhatan 54 1,000.00 0.00

Pryor Memorial, Crewe 85 1,350.00 1,500.00 300.00 1,200.00 1,500.00

Rennie Memorial, Amelia 15 300.00 300.00 300.00 300.00Richmond First United, Richmond 112 1,000.00 0.00

Richmond First, Richmond 1415 111,000.00 96,000.00 90,000.00 6,000.00 96,000.00Richmond Second, Richmond 782 51,500.00 0.00

River Road, Richmond 715 15,000.00 18,000.00 18,000.00 18,000.00

Rivermont, Chester 55 100.00 0.00

Rockfish, Nellysford 225 17,212.00 17,212.00 12,902.00 1,760.00 2,550.00 17,212.00

Rosewood, Hopewell 42 300.00 0.00

Salem, Studley 42 1,000.00 500.00 500.00 500.00

Salisbury, Midlothian 1229 48,000.00 46,000.00 40,000.00 6,000.00 46,000.00

Sandston, Sandston 136 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00

Scottsville, Scottsville 33 500.00 500.00 500.00 500.00

South Hill, South Hill 68 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00

South Plains, Keswick 131 8,400.00 6,400.00 3,900.00 2,200.00 300.00 6,400.00

Southminster, Richmond 316 15,000.00 17,000.00 17,000.00 17,000.00

St. Andrews, Kilmarnock 233 17,580.00 17,930.00 7,000.00 1,850.00 1,730.00 7,350.00 17,930.00

St. James, King William 25 250.00 300.00 300.00 300.00

July 27, 2015 2013 2014 2015



Summit, Stafford 284 13,500.00 9,600.00 1,800.00 2,400.00 5,400.00 9,600.00

Swift Creek, Richmond 437 13,500.00 14,000.00 9,500.00 4,500.00 14,000.00

Tabor, Crozet 90 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00

Tappahannock, 46 21,813.00 0.00



TapphannockThree Chopt, Richmond 539 23,875.00 22,950.00 22,950.00 22,950.00

Thyne Memorial, Chase City 19 400.00 50.00 50.00 50.00

Trinity, Richmond 64 0.00 0.00

Tuckahoe, Richmond 471 29,000.00 29,000.00 20,300.00 3,195.00 5,505.00 29,000.00

Village, Richmond 38 195.00 2,340.00 2,340.00 2,340.00

Waddell Memorial, Rapidan 24 800.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00

Wesley, Weems 73 1,700.00 0.00

Westminster, Charlottesville 605 76,500.00 76,500.00 76,500.00 76,500.00

Westminster, Petersburg 60 750.00 750.00 500.00 250.00 750.00

Westminster, Richmond 179 8,500.00 8,500.00 8,500.00 8,500.00

Woodlawn, Hopewell 100 2,700.00 2,700.00 2,700.00 2,700.00

Woodville, Richmond 66 0.00

Wyliesburg, Wyliesburg 34 500.00 0.00

Zion Hill, Amelia 27 200.00 200.00 53.00 147.00 200.00

TOTALS 20539 984,865.10 767,443.78 598,577.00 70,260.6118,694.9

7 62,455.00 2,100.00 15,306.20 767,393.78


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Presbytery of the James2016 Working Budget

Proposed2015 Budget 2016 Budget

Income:Undesignated Support (POJ,Synod per Capita, and GA) 779,415.00 779,415.00POJ Annual Budget 67,661.00 67,661.00Per Capita ($.80 for Synod; $7.12 for GA) 18,655.00 18,655.00Designated Giving to Validated Missions thru GA 59,155.00 59,155.00General Assembly Extra Commitment Opportunities 0.00 0.00Other Designated Mission - non GA 10,000.00 10,000.00Checking Account Interest 25.00 25.00Endowment -Church Dev/Redev Proj. 133,000.00 168,000.00Transfer from POJ Reserves 20,000.00 15,000.00Other Designated Income 25,600.00 68,500.00Camp Hanover Income 537,000.00 537,000.00

TOTAL INCOME: 1,650,511.00 1,723,411.00Synod and General Assembly Synod Support 16,375.50 16,431.20 GA Support and Per Capita 213,521.38 205,392.68Other Designated Gifts - non GA 10,000.00 10,000.00 (Outreach Fdn.,Frontier Fellowship, Union Sem.etc.)Communication & Coordination Team

5102 · Communications 25,000.00 25,000.00POJ Staff

5104 · Salaries 175,623.46 280,623.46salary increases for 2016 includes tax5105 · Housing Allowances 43,500.00 43,500.005106 · Payroll Taxes 15,232.95 15,232.955107 · Auto expense-Gen Pres 3,000.00 3,000.005110 · Pension/medical expense 58,365.45 58,365.455117 · Staff Professional Expenses 300.00 300.00 5117-1 - Professional Exp. - Rhyne 2,000.00 2,000.005118 · Medical Reimbursement 6,000.00 6,000.00

Total POJ Staff 304,021.86 409,021.865120 · Presbytery Meeting Expenses 750.00 750.005271 - Land Purchases for New Church Develop. 53,000.00 53,000.00Presbytery Office Expense

5504 - Utilities 10,900.00 10,900.005502 · Insurance 6,200.00 6,200.005505 · Office supplies 3,500.00 3,500.005506 · Postage 2,500.00 2,500.005507 · Telephone 2,500.00 3,800.005508 - Grounds/Building Maintenance 7,226.00 7,600.005552 - Remote Bank Fees 480.00 480.005511 · Audit 16,600.00 9,900.005512 · Payroll expense 700.00 700.00

Total Presbytery Office Expense 50,606.00 45,580.00



5540 · General Presbyter Expenses 750.00 500.005560 · Communication & Coordination Admin. Expenses 850.00 500.00

5530 - Capital Replacement Transfer Expense 10,000.00 10,000.00Total C & C Team 444,977.86 544,351.86Committee on Ministry 5,500.00 4,000.00

Committee on Preparation for Ministry 25,100.00 26,228.00

Nominations Committee 8,000.00 5,500.00

Total Constitutional Committees 483,577.86 580,079.86

PURPOSE GROUPS:Leadership Team Administrative Expenses for Team 300.00 300.00

Black Caucus 3,500.00 3,500.00

Camp Hanover subsidy 130,000.00 156,500.00

Christian Education 650.00 2,650.00

Collegiate Ministries 87,000.00 87,000.00

Older Adult 3,600.00 4,000.00

Presbyterian Women 3,000.00 3,000.00

Resource Center 3,825.00 3,825.00

Small Church 2,600.00 2,380.00

Small Church Summer Intern 7,000.00 12,250.00

SPIM 5,000.00 5,000.00

Stewardship 0.00 2,000.00

Total Leadership Team 246,475.00 282,405.00

Mission and Service Team Administrative Expenses for Team 300.00 300.00

First Things First 2,000.00 2,000.00

Haiti 15,000.00 16,000.00

Evangelism and Church Growth 80,000.00 115,000.00

Public Policy 9,000.00 11,000.00

World Mission 9,500.00 9,500.00

Hunger 700.00 700.00

Total Mssion and Service Team 116,500.00 154,500.00Camp Hanover Expenses net of subsidy 537,000.00 537,000.00

TOTAL EXPENSES 1,623,449.74 1,785,808.74

TOTAL NET INCOME: 27,061.26 -62,397.74


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A P P L I C A T I O NHaiti Partnership Trip of Presbytery of the James

February 18-25, 2016

Name____________________________________________________________________________________

Phone___________________ Email___________________________________________________________

Age___________ Church____________________________________________________________________

1. Do you have a current passport? Yes_____ No______

2. Describe your current and past leadership in your local church (and in Presbytery of the James.)___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Have you ever traveled to Haiti or similar countries? _______ When?_____________________________Under what circumstances? (e.g. church mission, tourist, government assignment)__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Describe your experience with mission in partnership within your community or within the larger church._______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Describe your health and health limitations. How do you see yourself with the challenges of heat, humidity, long days of travel, hiking, walking, listening, and outdoor latrines?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. Describe your faith and how you understand God’s mission.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. What motivates you to go on this particular trip?_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


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8. How do you expect to share what you have learned and experienced upon your return?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9. Can you commit to attending the 3 orientation sessions?______________

10. Can you commit to the pre-trip required reading ahead of time? This includes Toxic Charity (Robert_____________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Lupton), and a choice of Haiti after the Earthquake (Paul Famer) or Haiti: The Aftershocks of History(Laurent Dubois).______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11. Can you or your church commit to providing a portion of the trip costs, up to $750.

12. Can you commit to speaking to others beyond your local church? _________

13. Does your church support Presbyterian Church (USA) mission personnel?_________ Would your church’s session be to supporting Cindy Corell?

14. Name and phone number of someone in your church who could be a reference._____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


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nominations - presbyteryofthejamespresbyteryofthejames.org/packet/sec ii oct 15.docx · web viewi...

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