siler presbyterian church - serving christ in the crossroads

Siler Presbyterian Siler Presbyterian Church glorifies God by Church glorifies God by inviting all into a inviting all into a relationship with relationship with Christ, growing in Christ, growing in faith, and serving faith, and serving Christ in the Christ in the Crossroads.Crossroads.

Siler Presbyterian Church - Serving Christ in the Siler Presbyterian Church - Serving Christ in the CrossroadsCrossroads

Why am I not in Why am I not in Sunday Sunday School ?School ?


““Presbytery of Charlotte Presbytery of Charlotte Commitment to Pursuing Commitment to Pursuing Reconciliation with Member Churches Reconciliation with Member Churches Seeking Dismissal from the Seeking Dismissal from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)”Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)”


On November 8On November 8thth, the Session of Siler , the Session of Siler Presbyterian Church voted unanimously Presbyterian Church voted unanimously to enter:to enter:

Monthly Sunday Schools Monthly Sunday Schools

1. Why has Siler chosen to enter the 1. Why has Siler chosen to enter the process?process?

2. What is Presbyterianism?2. What is Presbyterianism?

3. Charlotte Presbytery Process3. Charlotte Presbytery Process

4. How has Siler responded to PCUSA in the 4. How has Siler responded to PCUSA in the past?past?

5. If dismissed, where are we going?5. If dismissed, where are we going?

Pending meetings with the Charlotte PresbyteryPending meetings with the Charlotte PresbyterySiler Presbyterian Church - Serving Christ in the Siler Presbyterian Church - Serving Christ in the CrossroadsCrossroads

What is going to happen ……What is going to happen ……

Process is establishedProcess is established


““Presbytery of Charlotte Commitment to Presbytery of Charlotte Commitment to Pursuing Reconciliation with Member Pursuing Reconciliation with Member Churches Seeking Dismissal from the Churches Seeking Dismissal from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)”Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)”

created by the Presbytery of Charlotte in the created by the Presbytery of Charlotte in the fall fall of 2010of 2010

““Presbytery of Charlotte Presbytery of Charlotte Commitment to Pursuing Commitment to Pursuing Reconciliation with Member Churches Reconciliation with Member Churches Seeking Dismissal from the Seeking Dismissal from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)”Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)”


On November 8On November 8thth, the Session of Siler , the Session of Siler Presbyterian Church Presbyterian Church voted unanimously voted unanimously to enter:to enter:


DiscernmeDiscernment Processnt Process

Dismissal Dismissal ProcessProcess

ReconciliatiReconciliation Processon Process

Appendix AAppendix A Appendix BAppendix B

Remain in Remain in PCUSAPCUSA

VoteVote

TermsTerms

VoteVote

Dismissed to a Presbyterian Reformed Dismissed to a Presbyterian Reformed BodyBody

CRITICACRITICALL

FACT: FACT: Presbytery of Charlotte controls Siler’s Presbytery of Charlotte controls Siler’s property.property.


““All property held by or for a particular All property held by or for a particular church…....is held in trust nevertheless for the church…....is held in trust nevertheless for the use and benefit of the Presbyterian Church use and benefit of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)”(U.S.A.)”

PCUSA Book of Order G-8.0201PCUSA Book of Order G-8.0201

Discernment ProcessDiscernment Process


1.1.Form a Discernment Team (4 Form a Discernment Team (4 from Siler and 4 from from Siler and 4 from Presbytery).Presbytery).

David FirthDavid Firth Jesse HiteJesse HiteAnita HillAnita Hill Marjorie SmithMarjorie SmithTom KoningTom Koning Quay YoungbloodQuay YoungbloodJoyce PlylerJoyce Plyler Edward HenegarEdward Henegar

Moderator: Anne HilbornModerator: Anne Hilborn



1.1. Form a Discernment Team (4 from Siler and 4 from Form a Discernment Team (4 from Siler and 4 from Presbytery).Presbytery).

2.2. Orientation Meeting with the Presbytery. February 26Orientation Meeting with the Presbytery. February 26thth at at 4pm at Siler. 4pm at Siler. YOU COUNT !YOU COUNT !

3.3.Schedule 4 Discernment Schedule 4 Discernment meetings to be held at Siler.meetings to be held at Siler.

YOU COUNT ! BE HEARD !YOU COUNT ! BE HEARD !Thursday March 29Thursday March 29thth

7-9pm @ Siler7-9pm @ Siler

✔✔✔✔




2.2. Orientation Meeting with the Presbytery. February 26Orientation Meeting with the Presbytery. February 26thth at 4pm at 4pm at Siler. at Siler. YOU COUNT !YOU COUNT !

3.3. Schedule 4 Discernment Meetings to be held at Siler. Schedule 4 Discernment Meetings to be held at Siler. YOU YOU COUNT !COUNT !

4.4. Discernment Team writes Discernment Team writes report to the Presbytery to report to the Presbytery to

recommend reconciliation or recommend reconciliation or dismissal.dismissal.

✔✔

✔✔




2.2. Orientation Meeting with the Presbytery. February 26Orientation Meeting with the Presbytery. February 26thth at 4pm at 4pm at Siler. at Siler. YOU COUNT !YOU COUNT !

3.3. Schedule 4 Discernment Meetings to be held at Siler. Schedule 4 Discernment Meetings to be held at Siler. YOU YOU COUNT !COUNT !

4.4. Discernment Team writes report to the Presbytery to Discernment Team writes report to the Presbytery to recommend reconciliation or dismissal.recommend reconciliation or dismissal.

5.5.If Siler is still called to be If Siler is still called to be dismissed from PCUSA, we dismissed from PCUSA, we enter “enter “Process of Seeking Process of Seeking

Dismissal to another Reformed Dismissal to another Reformed Body” Appendix ABody” Appendix AYOU COUNT !YOU COUNT !

✔✔

✔✔



1.1. Form a Discernment Team (4 from Siler and 4 from Presbytery).Form a Discernment Team (4 from Siler and 4 from Presbytery).2.2. Orientation Meeting with the Presbytery. February 26Orientation Meeting with the Presbytery. February 26thth at 4pm at 4pm

at Siler. at Siler. YOU COUNT !YOU COUNT !3.3. Schedule 4 Discernment Meetings to be held at Siler. Schedule 4 Discernment Meetings to be held at Siler. YOU YOU

COUNT !COUNT !4.4. Discernment Team writes report to the Presbytery to Discernment Team writes report to the Presbytery to

recommend reconciliation or dismissal.recommend reconciliation or dismissal.5.5. If Siler is called to be dismissed from PCUSA, we enter “If Siler is called to be dismissed from PCUSA, we enter “Process Process

of Seeking Dismissal to another Reformed Body” Appendix A of Seeking Dismissal to another Reformed Body” Appendix A YOU COUNT !YOU COUNT !

Or if Siler is called to remain in Or if Siler is called to remain in the PCUSA, we enter the PCUSA, we enter

“Restoration of Fellowship and “Restoration of Fellowship and Recommitment” Appendix B Recommitment” Appendix B

YOU COUNT !YOU COUNT !

✔✔

✔✔







of Seeking Dismissal to another Reformed Body” Appendix A of Seeking Dismissal to another Reformed Body” Appendix A YOU COUNT !OrYOU COUNT !Or if Siler is called to remain in the PCUSA, we if Siler is called to remain in the PCUSA, we enter “Restoration of Fellowship and Recommitment” Appendix enter “Restoration of Fellowship and Recommitment” Appendix B B YOU COUNT !YOU COUNT !

Let’s review Let’s review remaining in remaining in PCUSA PCUSA first – Appendix Bfirst – Appendix B

✔✔

✔✔

APPENDIX B – Staying in PCUSAAPPENDIX B – Staying in PCUSA

Guidelines for Restoration of Fellowship and Guidelines for Restoration of Fellowship and Recommitment to Presbytery-Congregational RelationshipRecommitment to Presbytery-Congregational Relationship

In hope that God leads those involved to seek a restored In hope that God leads those involved to seek a restored fellowship and a recommitment to the presbytery-congregational fellowship and a recommitment to the presbytery-congregational relationship, the following are presented as minimal guidelines relationship, the following are presented as minimal guidelines for marking and sealing that recommitment:for marking and sealing that recommitment:

1.1. Conducting a public service of worship and recommitment Conducting a public service of worship and recommitment to shared fellowship and ministry, with participation from to shared fellowship and ministry, with participation from presbytery and congregation.presbytery and congregation.2.2. Sharing of story and testimony from members of the Sharing of story and testimony from members of the discernment team and congregation at the congregational and discernment team and congregation at the congregational and presbytery level (and beyond, if appropriate).presbytery level (and beyond, if appropriate).3.3. Blessing and commissioning of any minority that leaves Blessing and commissioning of any minority that leaves the local congregation (to the extent possible), in the hope of the local congregation (to the extent possible), in the hope of maintaining maintaining bonds of peace.bonds of peace.








of Seeking Dismissal to another Reformed Body” Appendix A of Seeking Dismissal to another Reformed Body” Appendix A YOU COUNT !OrYOU COUNT !Or if Siler is called to remain in the PCUSA, we if Siler is called to remain in the PCUSA, we enter “Restoration of Fellowship and Recommitment” Appendix enter “Restoration of Fellowship and Recommitment” Appendix B B YOU COUNT !YOU COUNT !

Now let’s review Now let’s review being being dismissed dismissed from PCUSA – from PCUSA –

Appendix AAppendix A

✔✔

✔✔

APPENDIX A APPENDIX A Process of Seeking Dismissal Process of Seeking Dismissal to another Reformed Bodyto another Reformed Body


1.1. Congregational Meeting is Congregational Meeting is called.called.




1.1. Congregational Meeting is called. Congregational Meeting is called. YOU COUNT !YOU COUNT !

2.2.One half of our One half of our “active “active membership” membership” must attend to be must attend to be

a quorum. a quorum. YOU COUNT!YOU COUNT!



1.1. Congregational Meeting is called. Congregational Meeting is called. YOU COUNT !YOU COUNT !2.2. 1/2 of 1/2 of our “active membership” must our “active membership” must attend for a quorum. attend for a quorum. YOU YOU

COUNT!COUNT!

3.3.VOTE - Active members, VOTE - Active members, IN IN ATTENDANCEATTENDANCE, will vote, by , will vote, by written ballot, on motion for written ballot, on motion for dismissal from PCUSA.dismissal from PCUSA.




1.1. Congregational Meeting is called. Congregational Meeting is called. YOU COUNT !YOU COUNT !2.2. 1/2 of our “active membership” must attend for a quorum. 1/2 of our “active membership” must attend for a quorum. YOU YOU

COUNT!COUNT!3.3. VOTE - Active members in attendance will vote, by written VOTE - Active members in attendance will vote, by written

ballot, on motion for dismissal from PCUSA. ballot, on motion for dismissal from PCUSA. YOU COUNT !YOU COUNT !

4.4.RESULTS -There are 2 potential RESULTS -There are 2 potential results of the vote:results of the vote:





ballot, on motion for dismissal from PCUSA. ballot, on motion for dismissal from PCUSA. YOU COUNT !YOU COUNT !4. RESULTS -There are 2 potential results of the vote: 4. RESULTS -There are 2 potential results of the vote:

A.A.Less than 66.7% vote for Less than 66.7% vote for dismissal.dismissal.-Motion for dismissal fails-Motion for dismissal fails-Siler remains in the PCUSA-Siler remains in the PCUSA




COUNT!COUNT!3.3. VOTE- Active members in attendance will vote, by written ballot, VOTE- Active members in attendance will vote, by written ballot,

on motion for dismissal from PCUSA. on motion for dismissal from PCUSA. YOU COUNT !YOU COUNT !4. RESULTS - There are 2 potential results of the vote: 4. RESULTS - There are 2 potential results of the vote:

A.A. Less than 66.7% vote for dismissal.Less than 66.7% vote for dismissal.-Motion for dismissal fails-Motion for dismissal fails-Siler remains in the PCUSA -Siler remains in the PCUSA

B.More than 66.7% vote for B.More than 66.7% vote for dismissal.dismissal.-Motion for dismissal passes-Motion for dismissal passes-Presbytery council will -Presbytery council will negotiate terms for negotiate terms for dismissal(dismissal($$$$))

B. More than 66.7% vote for dismissal.B. More than 66.7% vote for dismissal.-Motion for dismissal passes-Motion for dismissal passes-Presbytery council will negotiate -Presbytery council will negotiate

terms for terms for dismissal ($)dismissal ($)


What does this mean?:What does this mean?:If If more than 90% more than 90% of those present and voting of those present and voting vote for dismissalvote for dismissal, the presbytery shall agree , the presbytery shall agree to the dismissal, permitting the congregation to to the dismissal, permitting the congregation to depart with all of its property intact. depart with all of its property intact. LOVE OFFERINGLOVE OFFERING

If the majority percentage is If the majority percentage is between 66.7% between 66.7% and 90%and 90%, then the congregation and the council , then the congregation and the council shall work to shall work to determine a fair money and/or determine a fair money and/or property amount to be given to presbytery, property amount to be given to presbytery, in order for the congregation to depart in order for the congregation to depart with its property.with its property.

✔✔

✗✗

Hypothetical votingHypothetical voting


Active Members: Active Members: 454454

Votes needed for a quorum:Votes needed for a quorum: 227227

Votes needed to be dismissed:Votes needed to be dismissed: 152 152 (>67%)(>67%)

Votes needed to take property w/o payments:Votes needed to take property w/o payments: 205 205 (>90%)(>90%)

““YOU COUNT !!!!!!”YOU COUNT !!!!!!”


““I get it, but what could a I get it, but what could a vote of less than 90% cost vote of less than 90% cost

us?”us?”No one knows yet. It is No one knows yet. It is negotiated.negotiated.

One possibility is we get a percentage of the One possibility is we get a percentage of the property equal to our vote percentage.property equal to our vote percentage.

If 80% vote to leave then we must pay If 80% vote to leave then we must pay 20% of the value of our property.20% of the value of our property.

If appraisal is $5,000,000If appraisal is $5,000,000We must pay We must pay $1,000,000$1,000,000





ballot, on motion for dismissal from PCUSA. ballot, on motion for dismissal from PCUSA. YOU COUNT !YOU COUNT !4. RESULTS - There are 2 potential results of the vote: 4. RESULTS - There are 2 potential results of the vote:

A. Less than 66.7% vote for dismissal.A. Less than 66.7% vote for dismissal.-Motion for dismissal fails-Motion for dismissal fails-Siler remains in the PCUSA-Siler remains in the PCUSA

B. More than 66.7% vote for dismissal.B. More than 66.7% vote for dismissal.-Motion for dismissal passes-Motion for dismissal passes-Presbytery will negotiate terms for dismissal ($)-Presbytery will negotiate terms for dismissal ($)

5. Presbytery will bring back 5. Presbytery will bring back terms for dismissal for terms for dismissal for congregational vote.congregational vote.





ballot, on motion for dismissal from PCUSA. ballot, on motion for dismissal from PCUSA. YOU COUNT !YOU COUNT !4. RESULTS - There are 2 potential results of the vote: 4. RESULTS - There are 2 potential results of the vote:

A. Less than 66.7% vote for dismissal.A. Less than 66.7% vote for dismissal.-Motion for dismissal fails-Motion for dismissal fails-Siler remains in the PCUSA-Siler remains in the PCUSA

B. More than 66.7% vote for dismissal.B. More than 66.7% vote for dismissal.-Motion for dismissal passes-Motion for dismissal passes-Presbytery will negotiate terms for dismissal ($)-Presbytery will negotiate terms for dismissal ($)

5. Presbytery will bring back terms for dismissal for congregational 5. Presbytery will bring back terms for dismissal for congregational vote.vote.

6. Congregational vote of >66% 6. Congregational vote of >66% to accept. to accept. YOU COUNT !!YOU COUNT !!


DiscernmeDiscernment Processnt Process

Dismissal Dismissal ProcessProcess

ReconciliatiReconciliation Processon Process

Appendix AAppendix A Appendix BAppendix B

Remain in Remain in PCUSAPCUSA

VoteVote

TermsTerms

VoteVote

Dismissed to a Presbyterian Reformed Dismissed to a Presbyterian Reformed BodyBody

CRITICACRITICALL

Do you have any questions Do you have any questions about the process with the about the process with the Presbytery of Charlotte?Presbytery of Charlotte?


Your turn…….Your turn…….

Become more informed – Become more informed – www.silerchurch.orgwww.silerchurch.org

Ask Questions/Share with your SessionAsk Questions/Share with your Session

Invite the Denominational Committee to your Invite the Denominational Committee to your Sunday School class.Sunday School class.

Attend these monthly sessions & the meetings Attend these monthly sessions & the meetings with the Charlotte Presbytery.with the Charlotte Presbytery.

Pray for guidance Pray for guidance


How can I participate?How can I participate?

ATTEND: ATTEND: Meeting of Discernment Team – Meeting of Discernment Team – March 29March 29thth at 7PM at Siler. at 7PM at Siler.

YOU COUNT !!YOU COUNT !!

ATTEND: ATTEND: Next Joint Sunday SchoolNext Joint Sunday School“How has Siler responded in the past?”“How has Siler responded in the past?”

STRAW VOTE !!STRAW VOTE !!


How can I participate?How can I participate?

siler presbyterian church - serving christ in the crossroads

Documents

presbyterian church

particular church

discernment team

charlotte presbytery

discernment meetings

member churches

orientation meeting

crossroadsall property