As of October 1

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COMMISSION OF ASSEMBLY draft Agenda October 3, 2015

Synod Office 14425 Roscoe Blvd. Panorama City, CA 91402 9:00 a.m. Open with Prayer & Welcome – Jo Smith Welcome new Interim Executive from San Diego and designee from Santa Barbara Declaration of quorum present Approve the Agenda Report of Synod Stated Clerk (1-B) – Doska Ross Approval of Commission of Assembly minutes of June 20, 2015 (1-A) Summary of the May 9, 2015 Synod Assembly (1-C)

Report on PJC cases Report on Hanmi church transfer progress

Report of the Moderator – Jo Smith Request from Officers about REPL Coordinator Search Committee (2-A)

Report of Synod Treasurer – Bill Hughes

Receipt of Audited Statements for 2014 (3-A and 3-C) Review 8/31/2015 Financials (3-B)

Report of Finance Committee – Jim Stueck and David Suarez (Finance Director) Review and recommendation of 2016 Budgets (4-A) Casa Blanca update

Request from Restricted Funds Work Group

Grant Application for Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) (5-A) Report from Congregational Partnering Grants Work Group - Linda Culbertson Request to amend CPG protocol (6-A and 6-A revised) Report of DREAM grant applications –Church on Bard and Agafilms (6-B and 6-C) Report of Polity and Records Committee (7-A) Report of review of presbytery minutes Recommendation to Synod Assembly about amended bylaws and

amendment on committee membership Report on Sexual Misconduct and Child Protection policies Report of Representation and Nominations (7-B) Review of Synod Assembly on May 9, 2015 – evaluations (8-A) Plans for November 7, 2015 meeting in San Diego Report of Synod Executive (9) – Doska Ross Future of presbyteries – report after recent visits to presbyteries Report on future of Southern California Ecumenical Council -> Southern CA Christian Forum

Future of synods Other business

As of October 1

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12:30 or before Adjourn with prayer

Members of the Commission of Assembly 5 Synod Officers RE Moderator of Commission of Assembly - Jo Smith (LR)

TE Moderator of Assembly – Kristin Leucht (SF) RE Vice-Moderator of Assembly – Maurice Caskey (SD) RE Synod Treasurer – Bill Hughes (SB) RE Synod Stated Clerk – Doska Ross 4 Elected Synod Commissioners RE Marian Battle (PA) RE Ben Furuta ( SG) RE Jim Shepard (RS) TE Erin Thomas (RS) 3 Elected Representatives RE Hagar Benitez (LR) RE Elizabeth Hicks (PA) RE Janice Takeda (SG) 7 Presbytery Executives + 1 TE Ken Baker (SF)

TE Forrest Claassen (LR) TE Linda Culbertson (PA) TE Marilyn Gamm (RS)

TE (SD) RE Mickey Stueck (SB designee) (SB) TE Wendy Tajima (SG) TE David Won Hanmi Executive Commission (HEC) Assisted by RE Fried Wilson and David Suarez

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Synod of Southern California and Hawaii

COMMISSION OF ASSEMBLY October 3, 2015

REPORT OF THE STATED CLERK

Doska Ross

1. Quorum For Action Recommendation: That a quorum be declared present if a majority of the Commission membership is present (this would mean 11 of the 20 members are present.)

2. Approval of the Agenda For Action

Recommendation: That the agenda be approved as presented.

3. Approval of the Minutes For Action Recommendation: That the minutes of the Commission of Assembly meeting of June 20, 2015 be approved.

4. Seating of Corresponding Members and Visitors For Action

Recommendation: That corresponding members be introduced and be given voice for the duration of the meeting. Includes Jim Stueck, Jane Atkins Vásquez.

5. Nominees for Committee on Representation and Nominations For Action Recommendation: That a group of three members of the Commission of Assembly be appointed to develop a slate of nominees for the class of 2018 for this committee to be presented at the next Synod Assembly.

6. Future meetings of the Commission of Assembly in 2015 For Information

Reminder that the final Commission of Assembly meeting is scheduled for Saturday, December 12 by phone

7. Synod Assembly Meeting For Information

The next Assembly meeting will be November 7, 2015 At First Presbyterian Church in San Diego, home church of the Moderator-Elect Maurice Caskey. It will begin at 10:00 a.m.

8. Report from the Synod Permanent Judicial Commission For Information

There were two remaining complaints (of the original nine) against Presbytery of Los Ranchos protesting the dismissal agreements reached by the Presbytery and the dismissed congregations. One of those complaints was dismissed on April 6, 2015 following approval by the Synod PJC of a settlement agreement agreed to by all the parties. The one complaint remaining against Los Ranchos Presbytery will go to trial if it is not settled. Both disciplinary cases inherited from Hanmi Presbytery have been dismissed.

REPORT 1-B

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9. Hanmi Administrative Commission Report For Information A full report will go to the Synod Assembly in November. Transfer work is progressing.

10. Dates for 2016 Meetings For Information The following Saturday dates are being proposed for 2016. A final decision will be made in December when more information should be available about presbytery meeting dates. Commission of Assembly: February 27, May 21, September 17 and December 10 Synod Assembly: April 30 and October 29

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SYNOD OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND HAWAII COMMISSION OF ASSEMBLY

14225 Roscoe Boulevard, Panorama City, California 91402 Saturday, June 20, 2015 CONVENE The meeting was called to order at 9:06 a.m. by Commission of Assembly

Moderator Jo Smith. ROLL Those present, absent (A), and excused (E) are indicated below: (HM-Hanmi, LR-Los Ranchos, PA-Pacific, RS-Riverside, SB-Santa Barbara,

SD-San Diego, SF-San Fernando, SG-San Gabriel; TE- Teaching Elder, RE-Ruling Elder; SMOD-Synod Moderator, SVMOD-Synod Vice Moderator, CoAC-CoA Chair/President, SC/SE-Stated Clerk/Synod Executive, HEC-Hanmi Executive Commission (V-Vacancy)

Synod Officers Presbytery Executives/Designees

RE Jo Smith – CoAC - LR TE Jan Armstrong - SB TE Kristin Leucht – SMOD - SF TE Ken Baker - SF RE Maurice Caskey –SVMOD-SD E TE Clark Cowden - SD RE Doska Ross – SC/SE - MK E TE Linda Culbertson - PA RE Bill Hughes – Treasurer - HM TE Marilyn Gamm - RS TE Wendy Tajima - SG Elected Assembly Members TE Forrest Claassan - LR E RE Marian Battle - PA TE David Won – HEC SC

RE Jim Shepard - RS RE Ben Furuta - SG Also Present

TE Erin Thomas - RS Mr. Fried Wilson – Synod Staff Mr. David Suarez – Director of Diversity Members Finance RE Elizabeth Hicks - PA RE Jim Stueck –- SB E RE Hagar Benitez - LR RE Mickie Stueck – SB E RE Janice Takeda - SB Opening Prayer Commission Moderator Jo Smith opened the meeting with prayer and

lighted the Christ candle. Introductions The Moderator asked those present to introduce themselves as this

was the first Commission meeting for RE Elizabeth Hicks and TE Marilyn Gamm.

REPORT OF THE STATED CLERK

Stated Clerk Doska Ross presented a written report.

Quorum The Stated Clerk reported that a quorum was present, and the Chair

declared that a quorum was present, a quorum being defined as 51% of the membership of the commission or as 11 of the 20 members.

Agenda It was VOTED to approve the agenda with a minor change in the

order of the business.

Report 1-A

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Approval of the Minutes

It was VOTED to approve the minutes of the Commission of Assembly meeting of December 13, 2014.

Seating of Corresponding Members

It was VOTED to seat RE Jim Stueck, chair of the Synod Finance Committee, and RE Mickie Stueck as corresponding members as well as Synod staff members David Suarez and Fried Wilson.

Meeting of the corporation

It was VOTED that the Commission of Assembly recess as the CoA and go into session as the Corporation of the Synod of Southern California and Hawaii to hold its Annual Meeting and to elect its officers for 2015: It was VOTED to elect the following officers for 2015:

President and Commission of Assembly Chair

Ruling Elder Jo Smith

Stated Clerk and Secretary Ruling Elder Doska Ross Treasurer Ruling Elder Bill Hughes Moderator Teaching Elder Kristin Leucht Vice-Moderator Ruling Elder Maurice Caskey For Information Future meetings of the Commission of Assembly in 2015

Commission of Assembly meetings are scheduled for Saturday, October 3 at the Synod office and Saturday, December 12 by phone. Synod Assembly Meeting The meeting of the Synod Assembly was held on May 9, 2015 at Magnolia Presbyterian Church in Riverside in Riverside Presbytery. Thank you to Kristin Leucht for her excellent moderating. The evaluations of the meeting were quite positive. The next Assembly meeting will be November 7, 2015 at First Presbyterian Church in San Diego, home church of the Moderator-Elect Maurice Caskey.

Lawsuits Naming the Synod

On May 6th the Synod was served with a Summons naming the Synod as a defendant in a lawsuit also naming the Presbytery of Santa Barbara Presbytery and the PC(USA) General Assembly. The documents have been forwarded to the Insurance Board who will handle any defense necessary. On June 12th the Synod received notice that it has been named in Workers Comp Insurance Case that also names the Southern California Woori Presbyterian Church.

Report from the Synod Permanent Judicial Commission

The following cases have been adjudicated since the Assembly met

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last on November 1, 2014: • A remedial complaint, Kuh vs. Han Yang Session, inherited from

Hanmi Presbytery, was dismissed on November 14, 2014. • There were two remaining complaints (of the original nine) against

Presbytery of Los Ranchos protesting the dismissal agreements reached by the Presbytery and the dismissed congregations. One of those complaints was dismissed on April 6, 2015 following approval by the Synod PJC of a settlement agreement agreed to by all the parties. The one complaint remaining against Los Ranchos Presbytery will go to trial if it is not settled.

• Two disciplinary cases were inherited from Hanmi Presbytery. On November 14, 2014 one was dismissed on the grounds that the Investigating Committee’s authority lapsed when the Presbytery of Hanmi was dissolved on June 21, 2014. The other trial has not yet been scheduled.

• Two other disciplinary allegations were filed against Hanmi ministers; the Investigating Committee decided not to file charges. On March 28 the PJC reviewed a request to have another IC appointed; this petition was denied.

Hanmi Executive Commission Report

The report that was presented at the Spring Synod assembly was shared with the commission.

Committee on Representation and Nominations

The Committee on Representation and Nominations presented the name of RE Jim Shepard to replace RE Maurice Caskey as a commissioner member of the Commission Assembly. On January 1, 2015 Mr. Caskey took the seat reserved for the Synod Vice-Moderator leaving a vacancy to be filled by an Assembly Commissioner.

Hearing no nominations from the floor, it was VOTED to elect RE Jim

Shepard to the Commission of Assembly. Polity and Records Committee

A written report was presented which is summarized below. Review of Presbytery Minutes The review of presbytery minutes is scheduled for Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at Korean Hope Presbyterian Church at 19319 Carmenita Road in Cerritos, CA 90703.

Sexual Misconduct Prevention Policy for Synod

The committee members are reviewing the current Synod policy. Child Protection Policy

One of the committee members has agreed to do some research on pre-school protection policies and get back to the group.

Review of Synod Bylaws

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The committee reviewed the actions taken by the May 2015 Synod Assembly. The Spring 2015 Synod Assembly requested that the Polity and Records Committee bring to the Fall 2015 Synod Assembly proposed changes to the Bylaws and Standing Rules that would: • Restructure the Synod similar to the sabbatical season with a

Synod Assembly and a Commission of Assembly with interim authority;

• Empower the Commission of Assembly to create needed committees and working groups to carry out the work of the Synod and that the majority membership of those committees and working groups should be composed of commissioners to the Assembly; and

• That the terms of commissioners to Synod Assembly be specified as two years and renewable once so that the commissioners bring continuity to the meetings of the Synod

The committee then proceeded to review the current bylaws page-by-page to determine the changes that will be needed and developed a draft that was shared with the Commission. The major changes are:

1. The terms of Commissioners will now be two-years and commissioners will be eligible to serve two consecutive terms for a total of four years.

2. The majority of members of subgroups, work groups and committees should be Synod commissioners.

3. The size and composition of the Commission of Assembly are included.

4. The Commission of Assembly will now assume the responsibilities of the Committee on Cross Presbytery Ministries.

The committee is in the process of reviewing this new document.

TREASURERS REPORT

Treasurer Bill Hughes first welcomed back Synod Finance Director David Suarez from his extended medical leave. They then presented the financial statements for the period ending December 31, 2014 and for the period ending May 31, 2015. These reports have been made a part of these minutes as Attachments 1 and 2. David reported that he working with the auditors to schedule the audit for the 2014 financials.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Jim Stueck presented a written report.

Linda Vista Property

The Synod holds title to property used by the Linda Vista Church on Ulric Street in San Diego. The San Diego Presbytery with the agreement of the Synod Finance Committee has been working with

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Verizon Wireless to place a cell tower on the property. The San Diego Presbytery Budget, Property and Finance Committee has reviewed the proposed agreement and approved it. The San Diego Presbytery attorney has reviewed the agreement and has given his approval as has the Synod Finance Committee. It was VOTED to approve the lease agreement and grant authority to Stated Clerk Doska Ross to sign the agreement and to act on the approval of items should they arise that are stated to require a response from the Lessor within 30 calendar days of several items in the lease in consultation with the chair of the Synod Finance Committee and a representative of the San Diego Presbytery.

Casa Blanca House of Neighborly Services

Doska Ross presented a written report that is shown here in its entirety. Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service in Riverside has provided social services to its neighborhood since the 1950’s. The Synod currently owns the property on which CBHNS is located. Last year the CBHNS board and another group approached us about the possible sale of the property to them. At the May 9, 2015 meeting of the Synod Assembly the Finance Committee was authorized to enter into negotiations for the sale of the property and the Commission of Assembly was authorized to approve a final sales agreement. Since then the situation has become more complicated. It has become evident that CBHNS is not in a position to buy the property or perhaps even to continue as a viable provider of services there, and the other party has backed away from the relationship. Because we would eventually like to sell the property, possibly to a different service provider, we have contracted with an appraiser and an attorney and are working with a property broker. This is a complex situation in that the neighborhood has strong support for Casa Blanca and will not willingly see that entity be replaced. Our hope is that we can come to agreement about the future of the property so that neighborhood services will be continued and, ideally, increased. We will continue to keep the Commission of Assembly apprised of activity as it moves forward.

End of Report Doska reported on the latest news. It appears that the CBHNS board

will not move out quietly and may try to fight the eviction. There is concern that this will become a very messy issue. There was some

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discussion about the possibility of taking a different course. This would involve letting them stay and negotiating a lease to allow them to stay until they deplete their reserves. There were some questions raised as to what impact this would have on the eviction process that has begun. Doska will speak to the attorney about this new approach. Discussion continued.

It was VOTED to authorize the officers of the corporation to

proceed with the sale and/or lease of the property. RESTRICTED FUNDS WORK GROUP

The Work Group presented a written report. The Work Group recommended that the Commission of Assembly approve an expenditure of $700 from the Olmsted Fund for enrollment of LAC+USC Chaplain Elizabeth Gibbs-Zehnder for the Fall extended unit of Clinical Pastoral Education offered through St Camillus Center for Spiritual Care on the hospital Campus. She is working toward completion of necessary units of CPE for full accreditation as a chaplain. An additional extended unit in the Fall advances her to full accreditation.

It was VOTED to approve the expenditure of $700 from the Olmsted Fund for training for LAC+USC Chaplain Elizabeth Gibbs-Zehnder.

For Information

The committee reviewed two applications from our presbyteries for Unassigned General Assembly Mission funds from Fund 70047 that were forwarded to the Synod for its approval. This fund is to be used in the Western United States area to train ministers for preaching and teaching the Bible. Both grant applications had been approved by the respective authorized presbytery representative. For this fund, the Synod may forward two applications to Louisville.

1. The Work Group approved the application from Los Ranchos Presbytery for a new initiative to make the powerful and effective training of the SCORRE Conference available to Presbyterian Spanish-speaking pastors. The application has been signed and forwarded to Louisville.

2. The Work Group approved the application from the Church of Peace in the Presbytery of the Pacific with some suggestions for strengthening the application. It has been returned to the church if they wish to make any changes to it. If not, it will be signed as presented and forwarded to Louisville prior to the July 1 deadline.

The applications are included as a part of these minutes in

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Attachment 3. FUTURE OF THE SYNOD

Doska reported on the conversations that member of our Synod have had with members of the Synods of the Pacific and of the Southwest. Her report is presented here.

By now I hope most of you are aware that the General Assembly last summer voted that the PCUSA should go from having 16 synods to 10-12 synods. A plan for that action is to be submitted by the synods at the 2016 GA next summer in Portland, Oregon. The GA mandate requires us to consider new synod boundaries “based on an emerging sense of purpose, partnership, context, and call.” In January a group of us from this synod journeyed to San Jose to meet with a group from the Synod of the Pacific to consult about the possibility and desirability of merging the two synods located in California. It was a friendly-enough conversation that concluded that we have much in common, much not in common, and that we are both open to future conversations. During the first week of June the same SoCal&HI group met with folks from the Synod of the Southwest, this time at our invitation, for a similar consultation. Again, it was a friendly conversation, we found many things in common, many not so much, and a willingness to continue conferring if it seems wise. There is also conversation continuing about the possibility of combining the five most western synods into one, the Synod of the West. This would take care of the mandate to go down to 10-12 synods (resulting in 12), and it is believed the resulting non-programmatic synod would be workable with the use of five or more commissions to handle PJC cases and mission activity in each area. No plan to combine finances is being discussed. This would be a gigantic synod geographically but it would still encompass less than 15% of the PCUSA population in the country and less than 15% of the PCUSA congregations. As I interact with other synod executives, there is talk about the possibility that a presbytery (or a few) may bring a motion to GA to rescind the action to downsize the number of synods. There seems not much energy in the denomination to go through with the decrease. But we synods still have to take a plan to the GA, so you will hear more of this after the synod execs meet at the end of August. Does all this advance the Kingdom? With God all things are possible.

End of Report

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Doska also reported that the Synod Executives will be meeting again

in August to discuss their report to the General Assembly. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was closed in prayer by at 12:15 p.m. _______________________________ ______________________________ Doska Ross, Stated Clerk Fried R. Wilson, Journal Clerk

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Synod of Southern California and Hawaii Summary of the 2015 Spring Assembly

The Synod Assembly met on Saturday, May 9, at Magnolia Presbyterian Church in Riverside. Actions taken by the Assembly include the following.

1. Confirmed the continuing authority of the Hanmi Executive Commission, along with ratification of the actions taken by the Hanmi Executive Commission through the date of this meeting.

2. Approved the recommendation of the Synod Structure Task Force that the Polity and Records Committee bring to the Fall 2015 Synod Assembly proposed changes to the By-Laws and Standing Rules that would:

a. Restructure the Synod similar to the sabbatical season with a Synod Assembly and a Commission of Assembly with interim authority;

b. Empower the Commission of Assembly to create needed committees and working groups to carry out the work of the Synod;

c. That the majority membership of those committees and working groups should be composed of commissioners to the Assembly; and

d. That the terms of commissioners to Synod Assembly be specified as two years and renewable once so that the commissioners bring continuity to the meetings of the Synod

3. Approved the recommendation of the Finance Committee that the committee be authorized to enter into negotiations for the sale of the property in Riverside, California that is currently occupied by the Casa Blanca House of Neighborly Services (CBHNS) and that the Commission of Assembly be authorized to approve a final sales agreement.

4. Approved the recommendations of the Congregational Partnering Grants Work Group to make a $35,000 grant to Presbytery of the Pacific to fund a new worshiping community, Iglesia Presbiteriana Agape (Agape) and to approve an updated application form for the grants program.

5. Approved the recommendation of the Restricted Funds Work Group for a grant of $15,000 for a youth mission trip sponsored by the Presbyteries of San Gabriel and Riverside.

Other highlights of the Assembly included:

1. Commissioners were able to attend three of five small-group sessions held to provide information on the work of five Synod committee/work groups:

a. Finance Committee b. Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation Committee c. Racial Ethnic Pastoral Ministries Committee d. Restricted Funds Work Group e. Congregational Partnering Grants Work Group

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2. Heard a report from Presbyterian Women of the Synod that highlighted its March Spring Gathering and the Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women that is being held June 18-21 in Minneapolis.

3. Heard the report of the Hanmi Executive Commission on their efforts in working with the congregations of the former Hanmi Presbytery to help them in transferring to a geographic presbytery.

a. Los Ranchos has accepted three congregations: New Praise, Korean Hope and Woori. Three more are awaiting transfer: Korean Independent, Antioch, and a portion of Zion Central. The other part of Zion Central is being considered by Los Ranchos as a new church development.

b. Pacific Presbytery is poised to accept four congregations at their July 25 meeting: New (former Sung Lim), West PC of America, Eden and Hanmi (last two in Hawaii). Hosanna might be added to those being transferred in July. Teams are still working with Korean United and Torrance First.

c. Two churches are still considering transfer to San Fernando: Hanwoory and Glendale.

d. Two congregations have been dissolved: Korean Thousand Oaks (Santa Barbara) and Antelope Valley (San Fernando).

e. Teams are working with Korean Palm Springs in Riverside and Young Nak in San Diego.

4. Heard a report from the Stated Clerk/Synod Executive about the conversations that have been held with the presbyteries within the synod, with the Synod of the Pacific, and in June with the Synod of the Southwest. Time was allocated to allow for table conversations and feedback on this topic.

Synod of Southern California and Hawaii

Report of the Synod Officers to the Commission of Assembly October 3, 2015

For Information During the month of September the officers of the Synod have been meeting as the Personnel Committee in response to the Rev. Leon Fanniel’s desire to step down from his position as REPL Coordinator by the end of 2015.

1. The first consideration was to decide whether or no the duties of this position should be folded into the duties of the Synod Executive or should the part-time position be maintained and a search committee formed to review potential candidates and fill the position. After some discussion, it was decided that due to the nature of the program, it would be advisable to maintain the separate position and seek a person who is well-versed in the area of racial ethnic ministries.

2. The second consideration was whether or not the job description needed to be

updated. Some minor changes were made, but the responsibilities and qualifications generally remain the same. See the attached job description.

3. The third consideration was the naming of a search committee. Potential members were identified with the desire to balance the search committee as to gender, ethnicity, presbyteries and ordination status.

For Action

1. Approve filling the position of REPL Coordinator at the current salary.

2. Approve the revised job description.

3. Approve the following persons to serve on the search committee:

Alex Balian, RE, San Fernando Daniel Bahng, TE, San Gabriel Hagar Benitez, RE, Los Ranchos Lois Hines, RE, Pacific Sung Joo, TE, Los Ranchos Kristin Leucht, TE, San Fernando Steve Yamaguchi, TE, San Gabriel

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Synod of Southern California and Hawaii Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Position Description TITLE: Coordinator, Racial Ethnic Pastoral Leadership (REPL) Program (Part Time - an average of 4 hours per week.) PURPOSE: To provide staff support related to the REPL Program and leadership to the REPL Committee. Staff support includes advising the Synod Executive about racial-ethnic pastoral and educational matters. Committee support includes participating with Committee members in administering the scholarship program, interpreting the purpose of the ministry within the Synod, and recruiting eligible seminarians as possible scholarship recipients. ACCOUNTABILITY: Accountable to the Commission of Assembly through the Synod Executive. RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide staff services, including clerical support, for the administration and implementation of the REPL Program. This includes maintaining the files and other records related to the Program.

• Provide active leadership to the REPL Committee in fulfilling its responsibilities for implementing the REPL Program. This includes working with the Committee chair in planning for Committee meetings, preparing appropriate materials for the Committee meetings and its reports to the Synod, and working with Presbyterian-affiliated seminaries regarding potential and current students from within the Synod.

• Serve as the primary representative within the Synod for matters related to the REPL Program. This includes meeting with committees of the Synod as needed, representing the REPL Program at Synod events and advising presbyteries when requested.

• Prepare electronic records of the REPL Committee and REPL-related reports for long-term, paperless records retention.

• Attend Synod Assembly and staff meetings when requested. EVALUATION: The work of the REPL Coordinator will be evaluated through the appropriate process of the Synod. QUALIFICATIONS: The person fulfilling this position should possess the following qualities and skills:

• Commitment to Jesus Christ and a love for Christ's church. • Ruling elder or teaching elder of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). • Good leadership skills and some familiarity with theological education institutions and

processes. • Committed to effective racial-ethnic and multi-cultural ministries within the church. • Working knowledge of Presbyterian polity. • Good communications, organization, and administrative skills. • Some clerical and computer skills

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• Able to work well with people, particularly students, presbytery and Synod leaders • Self-confident, self-starter, and able to work without direct supervision.

Draft – updated 9/17/15

Synod of Southern California and Hawaii Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Position Description TITLE: Coordinator, Racial Ethnic Pastoral Leadership Program (REPL) Program (Part Time - an approximate average of 4 hours per week.) PURPOSE: To provide staff support leadershiprelated to the REPL Program and leadership to the REPL Committee. Staff support includes advising the Synod Executive about racial-ethnic pastoral and educational matters. ThisCommittee support includes participating with cCommittee members in administering the scholarship program, interpreting the purpose of the ministry within the Synod, and recruiting eligible seminarians as possible scholarship recipients. ACCOUNTABILITY: Accountable to the Commission of the SynodAssembly through the Synod Executive. RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide staff services, including clerical support, for the administration and implementation of the REPL pProgram. This includes maintaining the files and other records related to the pProgram.

• Provide active leadership to the REPL Committee in implementing fulfilling its responsibilities for implementing the REPL pProgram. This includes working with the cCommittee chair in planning for Committee meetings of the committee, and to preparinge appropriate materials for the cCommittee meetings and its reports to the Synod, and working with Presbyterian-affiliated seminaries regarding potential and current students from within the Synod.

• Serve along with the REPL Committee chair, as the primary representative within the Synod and presbyteries infor matters related to the REPL pProgram. This includes meeting with committees of the Synod as needed, representing the REPL pProgram at Synod events and withinadvising presbyteries aswhen requestedtime permits.

• Prepare electronic records of the REPL Committee and REPL-related reports for long-term, paperless records retention.

• Attend Synod Assembly and staff meetings when requested. EVALUATION: The work of the REPL Coordinator will be evaluated through the appropriate process of the Synod. Person Description QUALIFICATIONS: The person fulfilling this position should possess the following qualities and skills:

• Commitment to Jesus Christ and a love for Christ's church. • Member, Ruling Eelder, or Tteaching Eelder of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) within

the Synod of Southern California and Hawaii. • Good leadership skills and some familiarity with theological education institutions and

processes. • Committed to the preparation of effective leadership for racial -ethnic and multi-cultural

ministries within the church. • Working knowledge of Presbyteriany Ppolity. • Good communications, organization, and administrative skills. • Some clerical and computer skills • Able to work well with people, particularly students, presbytery and Synod leaders • Self-confident, self- starter, and able to work without direct supervision.

Draft -– updated 9/17/151-6-15 LEF

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SYNOD OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND HAWAII Financial Narrative

August 31, 2015 Financial Highlights:

1. Union Bank of California-Restricted Account of $1,023,520 (page 2, line 3) consisted of the following: Undisbursed income from permanent funds $ 189,233 Undisbursed restricted donations, grants & special funds 68,916 Funds held in trust for (Page 3, lines 47 to 448): Korean PC-Thousand Oaks 741,994 Hanmi Presbytery 212 742,206 Loan collection-for Fund 22 21,237 Interest earned 1,928 Total per above $1,023,520

2. Summary of fund performance for the second quarter of 2015:

New Covenant Funds (NCF) Growth Funds (100% stocks) posted a negative .1% for the second quarter but year to date is still up by 1.78%. NCF Balanced Growth Funds (60% stocks, 40% bonds) posted a negative .34% but year to date is still up by 1.31%. NCF Balanced Income Funds (60% bonds, 40% stocks) posted a negative .48% but year to date is still up by 1.03%.

Foundation accounts posted a year to date negative 1.04% after considering income distribution

Recorded net unrealized gain on investment as of 08/31/2015 amounted to $765 (Page 5, line 54).

3. The net change in net asset as of the period ended August 31, 2015 amounted to $193,742 (Page 5, line 44) as against the budgeted net change in net assets for the period of $158,879 (Page 5, line 45) or an unfavorable variance of $34,863 or 22%. The actual per capita collection is only 76% of the budgeted per capita as of the August 31, 2015 (compared to an average collection rate of 77% for the last four years) but it is expected that the collection will pick up towards the end of the year. Likewise, the investment revenue which is only 22% of the budgeted revenue as of August 31, 2015, is anticipated to increase on December 31, 2015 (including short-term capital gain). The operating expenses (Page 5, line 42) registered a favorable variance of $6,629 or 2%. The net change in net asset of $193,742 was covered by the use of Fund 25-Wishire Properties Sale Reserve Fund (Page 5, line 45).

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SYNOD OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND HAWAIIAccounts Receivable - Per Capita

As Of September 30, 2015

A B C D E F

2015 PER CAPITA 2015 2013 ALLOCATION @ COLLECTION FOR COLLECTION A/R BALANCE TOTAL

PRESBYTERY MEMBERSHIP $2.60 / MEMBER TO DATE 2015 2005 to 2014 RECEIVABLE(A X $2.60) (B - C) (D + E)

Los Ranchos 18,490 48,074.00$ 30,295.20$ 17,778.80$ -$ 17,778.80$

Pacific 10,711 27,848.60 20,886.48 6,962.12 3,770.00 10,732.12 -

San Gabriel 7,872 20,467.20 11,333.28 9,133.92 27,329.93 36,463.85 -

San Fernando 6,602 17,165.20 9,084.14 8,081.06 2,288.14 10,369.20 -

Santa Barbara 6,626 17,227.60 1,907.52 15,320.08 43,377.36 58,697.44 -

Riverside 4,707 12,238.20 9,501.27 2,736.93 6,778.42 9,515.35 -

San Diego 13,868 36,056.80 12,411.84 23,644.96 93,343.26 116,988.22 -

Hanmi 2,290 5,954.00 - 5,954.00 40,377.19 46,331.19

Totals 71,166 185,031.60$ 95,419.73$ 89,611.87$ 217,264.30$ 1 306,876.17$

* Mandated per capita income is computed by multiplying the number of members of each presbytery (on statistics submitted to the GA which corresponds to the membership population two years back) by $2.60 (approved per capita rate for 2015). 1 - Balance as of 12/31/2014 with 100% provision for bad debts

Report 4-A

SYNOD OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND HAWAII Synod Commission of Assembly

RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED 2016 BUDGETS That the Synod Commission of Assembly review the proposed 2016 budgets and bring an action to recommend the approval of the budgets to the November 7, 2015 Synod Assembly. BACKGROUND: The proposed 2016 budget consists of two separate budgets: Operating Budget: for 2016 = $435,570, a $5,900 decrease (.0134%) from $441,470 in 2015 For 2016 we have combined two budget streams from previous years: the ecclesiastical budget funded by per capita apportionments, and the mission budget funded by mission giving and other sources. The synod is not collecting mission funding from its presbyteries so that they can use those funds locally. The per capita allocation for budget year 2016 shows a decrease in presbytery membership of 14.33% as compared to the previous year. The per capita rate used in budget year 2016 is still $2.60 per member, the same rate as last year. The per capita allocation for Hanmi Presbytery was maintained in the budget with a recommendation to Hanmi Executive Commission (HEC) that this will be paid through the proceeds of the sale of the Korean Presbyterian Church – Thousand Oaks together with the balance unpaid for previous years. Restricted Funds Budget: for 2016 = $158,300, a $45,800 (22.4%) decrease from $204,100 in 2015 This budget focuses mainly on the interest and/or principle from restricted and permanent funds as well as restricted special funds and donations that fund various program services. These are explained in the Restricted Funds Budget next to each program. The 2016 budget is based upon previously approved grants and may increase as grant requests are received, reviewed, and approved in 2016. USE OF WILSHIRE PROPERTIES SALE RESERVE FUNDS

The proposed 2016 Operating Budget includes the use of Wilshire Properties Sale Reserve funds amounting to $267,770 (see page, line 17) to balance the budget. When these properties were sold in 2008, the intent was to create a fund that would provide the wherewithal into the indefinite future to replace the lost rental income from these properties and the Shared Mission Grant that was being discontinued by the denomination, which together totaled approximately $293,000 at that time. In addition, income from that fund would be needed to cover the cost of leased office space and parking which was estimated at that time to be between $60,000 and $80,000 per year.

Beginning in April of 2014, this fund was invested with the PC(USA) Foundation in a balanced growth portfolio of fixed income and equity securities with a smaller portfolio that remains with Morgan Stanley. As of June 30, 2015, the funds in the Foundation were $4,213,643 and the funds at Morgan Stanley were $494,000 for a total of $4,668,826.

Prepared by: David C. Suarez Date: September 30, 2015 Presented by: Treasurer, Bill Hughes

1

SYNOD OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND HAWAIIOperating BudgetBudget Year 2016

Approved Proposed Budget Budget Actual as of Budget Increase

2015 '/30/2015 2016 (Decrease) Explanation of Budget VarianceREVENUE & OTHER SUPPORT

1 Per Capita Allocation ($2.60 per member) 2 Los Ranchos 48,100 30,295 28,900 (19,200) Reduction in 2014 membership3 Pacific 27,900 13,924 26,700 (1,200) Reduction in 2014 membership4 Riverside 12,200 5,251 11,400 (800) Reduction in 2014 membership5 San Fernando 17,200 - 16,000 (1,200) Reduction in 2014 membership6 San Gabriel 20,500 7,083 20,300 (200) Reduction in 2014 membership7 Santa Barbara 17,200 534 13,200 (4,000) Reduction in 2014 membership8 San Diego 36,100 7,241 31,700 (4,400) Reduction in 2014 membership9 Hanmi - - 5,400 5,400 Presbytery dissolved in 2014, member churches joined the geographic presbytery10 Allowance for uncollected per capita (35,000) - (29,000) 6,000 11 Net-Per Capita Allocation 144,200 64,330 124,600 (19,600) 12 Investment Revenue-Ecclesiastical Reserve 350 - 400 50 13 Investment Revenue- General Operating 31,900 3,539 29,100 (2,800) Unrestricted reserve=$20,700, Alberta Fund=$100, Gregory Family=$6,000

Messick=$300, OikoCredit=$2,00014 Use of Unrestricted Reserve for EP's training program 6,600 - 8,800 2,200 For four new Excecutive Presbyters15 Income from Permanent Funds for General Use 2,100 1,864 2,400 300 McElhaney Fund=$600, Anonymous Fund=$200, Sam Rue Fund=$1,100

Edwards Fund=$100, Speelmon=$40016 Gas & Oil Revenue from Exploration Rights 2,500 301 2,500 - From CA Resources Long Beach and Freeport McMoran-gas & oil revenue17 Use of Wilshire Properties Sale Reserve Fund 253,820 151,553 267,770 13,950 Meant to supplement operating budget since 2008 - see Narrative

18 Total Revenue And Other Support 441,470 221,586 435,570 (5,900) .

EXPENSES19 Personnel Costs 20 Salaries & Wages 226,300 113,135 226,300 - 21 Pension & Medical 76,900 38,572 76,900 - 22 Payroll Taxes 16,800 8,274 16,800 - 23 Workers Compensation 2,100 929 1,900 (200) Based on the current year premium rate24 Study Leave 3,000 - 3,000 - Budget is $1,000 per year per exempt employee for maximum 3 years. 25 Sub-Totals-Personnel Costs 325,100 160,910 324,900 (200) 26 Operating Expenses: 27 Office Supplies 1,400 425 900 (500) Still relying on ample inventory of office supplies28 Postage & Delivery Charges 700 150 400 (300) Based on expenses for six months of 201529 Communication 8,200 4,118 8,200 - Verizon Wireless for 3 cell phones=$2,900, Time Warner internet & office phones

=$5,30030 Equipment Maintenance 600 370 600 - 31 Equipment Lease 7,300 3,729 7,400 100 Sharp copier lease32 Rental Expense - Storage Facility 1,650 810 1,650 - 33 Dues and Subscriptions 400 109 300 (100) 34 Audit Fee 16,600 - 16,000 (600) Based on 2015 audit which is $15,75035 Legal Fee 12,000 2,565 4,000 (8,000) It is anticipated the there will be fewer property transfers in 2016

=2

SYNOD OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND HAWAIIOperating BudgetBudget Year 2016

Approved Proposed Budget Budget Actual as of Budget Increase

2015 6/30/2015 2016 (Decrease) Explanation of Budget Variance36 Technical Supports:37 Accounting software maintenance contracts 1,500 989 1,500 - 38 Accounting Services - 8,120 - - Bookkeeping during David Suarez's illness early in 201539 Website Maintenance 6,000 3,000 3,000 (3,000) Reduced by supplier by half to $250 for 201640 Computer Maintenace 800 285 800 - 41 Sub-Totals-Technical Supports 8,300 12,394 5,300 (3,000) 42 Payroll Processing Fee 3,600 1,833 3,700 100 43 Bank Service Fees & Miscellaneous Charges 1,100 501 1,000 (100) 44 General Liability and Property Insurance 1,700 1,002 2,000 300 Allowance for possible increase in premium rate45 Taxes, Licenses & Fees 220 124 220 - 46 Utilities 6,000 3,000 6,000 - Paid to San Fernando Presbytery for shared utilities47 Mileage and Travel-Synod Executive 12,000 7,205 12,000 - 48 Synod Assembly Expenses: 49 Accommodations/Hotel/Food 3,500 780 2,500 (1,000) No hotel rooms projected to be needed50 Special Programs-supplies, mileages, car rental 1,200 123 700 (500) For Synod Assembly commissioners51 Sub-totals-Synod Assembly 4,700 903 3,200 (1,500) 52 Meetings: 53 Gen/Adm Meetings 100 4,962 100 - Actual in 2015 includes the charges rellated to the consulation with Synod

of the Pacific and the Synod of the Southwest54 Synod Commission of Assembly 800 431 800 - 55 Work Groups 600 213 600 - 56 Ecclesiastical Committees: 57 Polity & Records 300 35 300 - 58 Committee on Representation & Nominations 300 - 300 - 59 Permanent Judicial Commission 1,500 204 1,000 (500) We anticipate fewer PJC cases in 201660 Hanmi Executive Commission/Hanmi AC 2,000 3,960 4,000 2,000 Includes cost of dinner to honor the members of HEC teams for their work61 General Assembly Attendance - - 5,000 5,000 GA meeting in 2016 in Portland, Oregon62 Synod Moderator's Expenses 1,500 - 1,500 - Moderator's training in the fall63 Sub-Totals-Meetings 7,100 9,805 13,600 6,500 64 Special Programs: 65 Expense Reimbursement for Hawaii Delegates:66 Presbytery of the Pacific 5,000 2,838 5,000 - 67 Allocation-Southern California Ecumenical Council 10,000 5,000 10,000 - 68 Sub-totals-Special Programs 15,000 7,838 15,000 - 69 Miscellaneous Expenses 600 577 100 (500) 70 Training 7,100 2,950 8,800 1,700 See line 1471 Staff Support 100 268 300 200 Birthday celebrations, etc.72 Sub-totals-Operating Expenses 116,370 60,676 110,670 (5,700)

73 Total Expenses 441,470 221,586 435,570 (5,900)

74 Budget Surplus (Shortfall) - - - -

3

SYNOD OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND HAWAIIRestricted Fund Program Services Budget

Budget Year 2016

Approved Proposed Budget Budget Actual as of Budget Increase

2015 6/30/2015 2016 (Decrease) Explanation of Budget Variance

SOURCES OF FUNDS 1 Income received from Permanent Funds: 2 Distributed to various beneficiaries (see lines #13 to 22) as a pass-thro 36,600 19,779 51,500 14,900 Difference is mainly due to income from Dorcas Davis Funds now being

released to Witness For Peace-Southwest. In 2015 budget the funds were withheld because the agency lost its accreditation status with Witness For Peace National; it was re-established in January of 2015 see line #13

3 Used to cover other grants - 16,000 - - 2015=Tapestry Project=$15,000, Chineta Goodjoin=$300, E Zehnder=$7004 Olmstead Trust to fund chaplaincy program 42,000 17,500 42,000 - Funded from $25,600 projected 2016 income from Olmstead Trust and

$16,400 from prior years unused/accumulated interest from Olmstead Funds 5 Restricted Funds:6 JPIC funds 21,000 5,320 21,000 - Funded from Peace & Global Witness offering 2016 projected =$5,000 and

$16,000 from accumulated unspent donations from prior years 7 REPL funds 24,300 5,398 24,300 - Funded from REPL 2016 projected donation=$5,000 and $19,300 from

REPL restricted funds and accumulated/unspent donations of prior years8 Funds 22-Church Development Fund: 9 Bridges - 1,750 3,000 3,000 Approved Fund 22-Church Development Funds - see line #26

10 Congregational partnering grants 80,200 51,458 16,500 (63,700) 2015 = 1st PC Altadena $16,700; Pasadena Vision of Hope $12,000; 1st PC Fontana $10,000; NCD Anchor City $25,000; Mission InSite $16,500 - line #27

11 Total 204,100 117,205 158,300 (45,800)

USE OF FUNDS 12 Income distributed to various beneficiaries (see line 2) 36,600 19,779 51,500 14,900 13 Witness for Peace=$17,200

14 Union Station Foundation-Pasadena = $10,900 15 Presbyterian Camps & Conference Centers, Inc. = $10,80016 Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation (Franciscan Friars) = $6,60017 Monte Vista Grove Homes = $3,90018 Westminster Gardens = $1,00019 La Casa de San Gabriel Community Center = $50020 Presbyterian Women of the Synod of So. CA & HI = $40021 Zephyr Point Conference Center = $16022 Living John Edwards Heirs (5 individuals) = $40 23 Chaplaincy Consortium 42,000 17,500 42,000 - 24 Peace, Justice and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC) 21,000 5,320 21,000 - Expenditures as approved by the Synod JPIC Work Group25 Racial Ethnic Pastoral Leadership (REPL) 24,300 5,398 24,300 - Expenditures as approved by the REPL committee26 Bridges - 1,750 3,000 3,000 see line #927 Synod Congregational Partnering Mission Grants 80,200 51,458 16,500 (63,700) 2016 = MissionInsite=$16,500 annually; see line #1028 Other Grants - 16,000 - - No requests have been received for 2016 nor funds allocated. See line #3

29 Total 204,100 117,205 158,300 (45,800)

4

SYNOD OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND HAWAIIPersonnel Costs

Budget Year 2016

OVERALL COST

2015 Propose 2016 Pension 2016Base 2016 Salary Salary Premium Base & Disad. Medical FICA Sub- WC Study Total

STAFF Salary Increase Base Pension Medical 12.00% 23.00% 7.65% Totals (1) Leave Cost

EXEMPT STAFF Synod Executive/Stated Clerk 91,910.00 0.00 91,910.00 91,910.00 91,910.00 11,029.20 21,139.30 7,031.12 131,109.62 753.66 1,000.00 132,863.28Office Manager/Meeting Coordinator 52,796.59 0.00 52,796.59 52,796.59 52,796.59 6,335.59 12,143.22 4,038.94 75,314.34 432.93 1,000.00 76,747.27Director of Finance 75,070.26 0.00 75,070.26 75,070.26 75,070.26 9,008.43 17,266.16 5,742.87 107,087.73 615.58 1,000.00 108,703.30 Sub-Totals 219,776.85 0.00 219,776.85 219,776.85 219,776.85 26,373.22 50,548.68 16,812.93 313,511.68 1,802.17 3,000.00 318,313.85

NON-EXEMPT STAFF

REPL Coordinator 6,492.68 0.00 6,492.68 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 6,492.68 53.24 0.00 6,545.92

GRAND TOTALS 226,269.53 0.00 226,269.53 219,776.85 219,776.85 26,373.22 50,548.68 16,812.93 320,004.36 1,855.41 3,000.00 324,859.77

[1] WC Comp Rates: Office Clerical 0.008200000

5

Synod of Southern California and Hawaii Restricted Funds Workgroup Report

To The Commission of Assembly The Synod Restricted Funds Work Group met via conference call on Monday, September 21, and reports the following. For Action The Work Group recommends that the Commission of Assembly approve a grant request from the Presbytery of the Pacific of $15,000 for a proposed “Legal Orientation Program” housed at CARECEN (the Central American Resource Center of Los Angeles) and to approve an additional $15,000 after the first seven and half months of operation if they can demonstrate that the program is in operation and there is an on-going plan for the future. Background Information The application was submitted by the Rev. Heidi Worthen Gamble, Mission Catalyst for the Presbytery of the Pacific, and endorsed by the Presbytery and Executive Presbyter, the Rev. Linda Culbertson. The Legal Orientation Program would support Central American refugees with legal service providers, as well as social, mental health, and medical service providers. A detailed description of this project is contained in the attached application. Also included is a description of the Presbytery’s involvement with this group and other interfaith groups.

Report 5-A

Restricted Funds Work Group Synod of Southern California and Hawaii Attention: Elder Jane Atkins Vasquez, Chair September 15, 2015 Dear Jane: This letter is to serve as the Presbytery’s and mine personal endorsement for the proposed project for which we are requesting a grant from the Synod. This project is an additional aspect to the ways Pacific Presbytery is committed to engage with our interfaith partners and citywide community organizations to advocate for the needs of refugees, many of whom are young mothers and children, fleeing from the violence in their homelands. We know that this group of refugees is seeking asylum in the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles Immigration Court and Asylum Office. Refugees have been resettled in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo, all regions within our Synod. For us, we became greatly aware of the enormous needs and challenges of the plight of these women and children back at the beginning of 2013, when Heidi and I were part of an interfaith delegation for a border immersion sponsored by the Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders. Later than same year, I responded to an invitation by the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) gathering in Tucson for representatives from presbyteries along southwestern Border States, which then gave rise to our collaboration with PDA and CLUE-LA in 2014. I have supported and worked alongside Heidi to lead our Presbytery’s efforts for this issue to be a priority for our presbytery’s public engagement. The Pacific Presbytery is happy to carry the PCUSA’s regional engagement in partnership with the interfaith communities around this humanitarian crisis in our region. Those other religious partners are the conferences and diocese of the Episcopalians, United Methodists, United Church of Christ, and the Evangelical Lutherans. I would strongly urge our Synod to gain some recognition as a strategic religious partner by assisting in the funding of the “Legal Orientation Program” and the development of a “Pro Se Clinic” for refugee women and children in order to address current identifiable needs. Sincerely yours in Christ,

Linda L. Culbertson General Presbyter

The Presbytery of the Pacific

Stephen W. Smith

Interim Stated Clerk,

Linda L. Culbertson General Presbyter

6323 W. 80th St. Los Angeles, CA 90045

310-670-5076 Fax: 310-670-2006

www.pacificpresbytery.org

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Proposed Use:

a) Short Description (briefly describe the program/project for which funding is requested):

Background: The United States is currently facing a humanitarian crisis involving an increase of refugees, many of whom are young mothers and children, fleeing from the violence plaguing Central America’s Northern Triangle – Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. These countries have grown especially dangerous in recent years: Honduras imploded following a military coup in 2009 and now has the world's highest murder rate,1 followed by El Salvador, which has struggled with gang violence for years. Guatemala, new territory for the Zetas cartel and dubbed Guatemalastan to describe its “failing state” status,2 has the world’s fifth-highest murder rate.3 Women and children often endure violence in their homeland, an arduous and extremely dangerous journey through Mexico, and additional trauma in detention centers in the U.S.

The numbers of Central American refugees apprehended at the border doubled each year between 2011 and 2014. In FY 2014, 120,000 Central American refugees were apprehended at the border. In 2014, the Office of Refugee Resettlement placed 3,000 children in the greater Los Angeles area in 2014 after passing the “credible fear” test at the border, placing them in sponsor families as they went through court proceedings seeking asylum in the U.S.

Presbytery of the Pacific’s involvement. At the end of 2014, the Presbytery of the Pacific, in collaboration with CLUE-LA and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, created the position of interfaith organizer Guillermo Torres to build an interfaith, interagency coalition to respond to the humanitarian crisis of unaccompanied minors placed in Los Angeles. The Presbytery of the Pacific has collaborated with a number of the interfaith, interagency coalition efforts: co-sponsorship of the Guardian Angels Program in collaboration with the Southwest Synod of the ELCA, which coordinates volunteers to go to court to observe and record court proceedings and connect with sponsor families of unaccompanied minor children; recruitment of volunteer attorneys from its member churches to assist pro bono legal service providers; collection monetary funds and gift cards from its member churches for unaccompanied minors being represented by the legal service providers; resourcing pro bono legal service providers with grant sources for books and backpack supplies; monetary offerings at Pacific Presbytery meetings; and conversations with the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles to develop an “acompanero/a” program to connect Pacific Presbytery church members with unaccompanied minor children and their families.

New crisis that gave rise to proposed project: Up until recently, the Obama administration has enacted a policy of detaining refugee women and children pending the completion of their removal proceedings in detention centers primarily located in Texas. However, in July 2015 a federal judge recently ruled the policy illegal and ordered the government to release the approximately 2,000 women and children currently detained by October 23, 2015. As such, we expect to see a surge of individuals seeking assistance as they are released from detention. Knowing that Los Angeles will be receiving many of 1 http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/VC.IHR.PSRC.P5?order=wbapi_data_value_2011+wbapi_data_value+wbapi_data_value-last&sort=desc 2 http://www.brookings.edu/research/opinions/2009/05/22-guatemala-casaszamora 3 http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/06/child-migrants-surge-unaccompanied-central-america

these new refugees, the interfaith, interagency coalition felt called to be pro-active in our ability to welcome these women and children in Los Angeles. The coalition, already familiar with the unaccompanied minor population, has seen a high incidence of immigration fraud targeting unaccompanied minors and their sponsor families, due to the fact that the children often have to visit several organizations before obtaining information. Many of the children and families became frustrated and turned to unscrupulous attorneys or notaries for their legal defense, which has proved disastrous. Establishing a centralized resource hub for arriving refugees is critical in steering women and children away from predatory “notarios” and toward legitimate legal service providers, as well as a range of other necessary services. This is an unprecedented way of working among faith groups and service providers in Los Angeles! It is only possible because of the relationships that have been established through the interfaith, interagency coalition. It is an initiative, we believe, led by the Holy Spirit.

Description of Project: The proposed project is a “Legal Orientation Program” housed at CARECEN, the Central American Resource Center of Los Angeles. This Legal Orientation Program would support Central American refugees with legal service providers, as well as social, mental health, and medical service providers. CARECEN requests $50,000 to start a Pro Se Clinic for refugee women and children. Clinic participants will view a group presentation that explains the basics of the immigration court process, important deadlines, an overview of available forms of relief, and how to avoid immigration fraud. Clinic participants will be screened individually and have the opportunity to discuss their cases with an attorney. In separate clinics, CARECEN will assist in filing motions to change venue to the Los Angeles court, completing applications for asylum, and filing applications before the 1 year deadline. CARECEN will recruit volunteer attorneys and law students to assist pro se applicants in completing their applications, compiling country conditions, and preparing other evidence for submission to the court. CARECEN will also identify those cases most suitable for low bono/pro bono placement.

The proposed project will serve recently-arrived Central American refugees, mostly mothers and children, who are seeking asylum in the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles Immigration Court and Asylum Office. Refugees have been resettled in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Kern Counties.

Through its pro se clinics, CARECEN can immediately assess the needs of these individuals and steer them toward existing resources in a timely fashion, to assist women in making it through the first few, time-sensitive procedural hurdles in their cases while they and funders amass resources for long-term representation. Women must file asylum within one year of entry, which can be procedurally and substantively complex. Children must obtain certain forms of relief before their 18th birthdays.

This project would not only provide immediate legal assistance to families facing procedurally complex deportation proceedings, but also connect the disparate legal, social service, and medical/mental health service agencies with resources to serve this population. The project will also connect donations and volunteers from the faith community with refugee families in need of support. CLUE LA and CARECEN, with the help of their partners, will seek to identify and convene all indigent refugee families and pool all resources available to them so that Los Angeles may welcome these refugee families with practical and effective assistance.

b) Is this an ongoing program/project or a new initiative (please explain):

This is a new program that has emerged out the interfaith, interagency coalition organized by CLUE-LA Interfaith Organizer Guillermo Torres, which has been meeting on a regular basis to serve unaccompanied minor refugee children placed in the greater Los Angeles area by the Office of Refugee Resettlement. . The interfaith, interagency coalition was given initial funding from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to hire a coordinator, through a collaborative partnership between Pacific Presbytery, CLUE-LA and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

c) Are the funds being received from other sources to support this program/project? If so, what are the sources and how much?

Currently there is no federal, state or foundational money available for any representation for women and children being released from detention centers; however, with initial faith-based funding, CARECEN and other legal service providers of the coalition anticipate funding will be critical leveraging for future governmental support. In response to this, interfaith leaders of the regional governing bodies of the coalition are pursuing funding to contribute initial faith-based funds to this desperately needed collaborative effort. In addition to Pacific Presbytery, the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, the Southwest California Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and the California Pacific Conference of the United Methodist Church are all pursuing funding. Also, Pacific Presbytery is in conversation with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance for further funding for this project. All parties are all in the initial stages of conversation and we do not know how much support will be received by any one entity at this point.

To fund the project beyond the initial Pro Se clinics, CARECEN is pursuing foundation grants and federal and state programs, though the Office of Legal Access Programs at the Department of Justice.

d) Background (more detailed description of program/project, and please indicate partnership with other governing bodies or other entities):

Two of the efforts that Pacific Presbytery has organized through its participation with the interfaith, interagency coalition is a drive for grocery gift cards and metro bus passes. San Fernando Presbytery, through its Mission Advocate Wendy Gist, has also promoted and participated in the drive, as well as recruiting volunteers to be part of the Guardian Angels program that is visiting the courts and connecting with families there. Also, Pacific Presbytery has been in close partnership with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance from the beginning of this effort. In addition to being funder, PDA has also been collaborative partners helping create and develop the interfaith coalition with Pacific Presbytery and CLUE-LA.

Budget for Project/Program (Revenue should Equal Expenses)

Please see attached budget proposal from CARECEN. In addition to pursuing Synod and PDA funds for the project, as well as funding from interfaith partners throughout Los Angeles, Pacific Presbytery has contributed to this effort through the staff time of its Mission Catalyst (approx. $10,000 of staff time), Presbytery meeting offerings ($2,000), leveraging resources through World Vision and the Molina Foundation for backpack supplies and books ($60,000), organizing a grocery store and metro bus pass gift drive through its member churches ($1,000), and countless hours of in-kind volunteer efforts. Pacific Presbytery has offered the use of its facilities for two Guardian Angels training events and anticipates more trainings in the future.

PERSONNEL EXPENSES Project Budget Full-year Budget(7.5 months) (12 months)

SalariesCommunications Director (0.20 F/T) 6,000$ 9,600$ Project Coordinator (1.0 F/T) 23,400$ 37,440$ Managing Attorney (0.10 F/T) 4,500$ 7,200$

Total - Salaries 33,900$ 54,240$

Employee BenefitsCommunications Director (0.20 F/T) 520$ 833$ Project Coordinator (1.0 F/T) 2,716$ 4,346$ Managing Attorney (0.10 F/T) 332$ 531$

Total - Employee Benefits 3,568$ 5,710$

Payroll TaxesFICA 1,620$ 2,593$ State Disability Insurance 80$ 126$ State Unemployment Insurance 933$ 1,492$

Total - Payroll Taxes 2,633$ 4,211$

TOTAL PERSONNEL EXPENSES 40,101$ 64,161$

OPERATING EXPENSES

Phone 1,250.00$ 2,000$ Mileage 500.00$ 800$ Copies 625.00$ 1,000$ Equipment 938.00$ 1,500$ Utilities 750.00$ 1,200$ Supplies 469.00$ 750$ Insurance 625.00$ 1,000$ Maintenance/Janitorial Service 531.00$ 850$ Trash Collection 188.00$ 300$

Sub-total Operating Expenses 5,876.00$ 9,400$

TOTAL DIRECT COST 45,977$ 73,561$

Indirect Cost10% of Direct Cost 4,598$ 7,356$

TOTAL -- Legal Representation Program Expenses 50,575$ 80,917$

Central American Resource Center (CARECEN)Pro Se Asylum Clinic Budget

1

Synod of Southern California and Hawaii Congregational Partnering Grants Workgroup Report

To The Commission of Assembly

The Synod Congregational Partnering Grants Work Group met via conference call during the month of September and reports the following. For Action The Work Group recommends that the Commission of Assembly approve an amended version of the Congregational Partnering Grants Protocols that does not require the presbytery (or other entity) to provide matching funds for the project. Background Information When this program was originally established, there was a requirement that the presbytery (or other entity) match the Synod’s contribution dollar-for-dollar. It was also based upon the older models of new church development and church redevelopment where grants were normally in the range of $50,000 to $250,000 and often over a period of three to five years. With the denomination’s recent emphasis on the New Worshiping Communities initiative, there appeared a need for the Synod to be able to help the presbyteries fund these initiatives with smaller dollar grants. These would be designed to provide some start-up financial assistance to these new groups. The new protocols still requires the applicant to document the specific assistance that will be provided by the presbytery and action authorizing its use by the presbytery or by its executive body. For information The Synod was recently notified that two applications for DREAM grants from our Synod have been recommended to receive grants. They will be forwarded to the Presbyterian Agency Board Executive Committee for final approval at their meeting on November 19, 2015. The two projects are:

1. The Agafilm Initiative (Presbytery of the Pacific) for $6,000; and 2. The New Church on Bard (Santa Barbara Presbytery for $10,000.

Copies of these two applications have been included with the materials for today’s meeting as Reports 6-B and 6-C. The following information is taken directly from the Dream Grant application form to provide information on the program for those who may not be familiar with it. The Developmental, Risky, Experimental, Adaptive Mission (DREAM) Grant is being offered by the Presbyterian Mission Agency in order to encourage dreamers, risk-takers, pioneers and trailblazers. We need such people who are not afraid to fail and church cultures that will encourage people to risk failure in order to find new ways to succeed. We are seeking to find persons and ways to invigorate the Church anew.

This grant is designed to encourage the birth of new ventures through congregations and presbyteries rather than to support the expansion of existing programs within congregations. For

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for two applications

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the purpose of this grant, new is defined as an initiative that was created no earlier than January 1, 2014. This grant will be offered as long as resources are available. This grant will not support the creation of new worshiping communities and congregations. If you need funding for the establishment of new worshiping communities and congregations, please contact Tim McCallister for more information.

The DREAM grants are the result of funds that have been given to support the following historic missions of the PC(USA), particularly among racial ethnic and rural populations:

- Rural, remote, or urban churches that are establishing ministries that will enable them to better accomplish mission in an appropriate context;

- Ministries that are charged with reaching, loving and teaching college age or young adults so that they may be lifelong followers of Jesus Christ;

- Congregations that are effectively becoming more multi-ethnic in character; - Ministries with Racial/Ethnic and New Immigrant populations that are thriving and wish to

accomplish even more; - Emerging leadership models for mid councils that create safe space for innovation.

We encourage proposals from mid councils that wish to inspire and support new and creative ways for ministry ventures that relate to the historic missions of our church and honor the vision and generosity of past donors.

An initiative will receive a one-time DREAM Grant of up to $10,000. Matching funds or in-kind contributions are encouraged, but not required. These grants may be used to support the DREAM initiative in any way that will enable the initiative to achieve its goals. These grants are limited to ministries that are related to the Presbyterian Church (USA), and are located within the United States and Puerto Rico.

Synod of Southern California and Hawaii

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CONGREGATIONAL PARTNERING GRANTS

PROGRAM PROTOCOL

In 2005, the Congregational Partnering Grants program was developed in the Synod, which allotted an initial $300,000 per presbytery to be used as a grant for funding an outstanding project or projects aimed at new church development or revitalization within the Presbytery. An additional $150,000 per presbytery was allocated in 2013 for the same purpose. The application requirements when used as matching funds for a particular proposal or application seeking funding from General Assembly Mission Grants and/or Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program (PILP) must follow the specific guidelines for the particular program for which application is made. The Synod’s Congregational Partnering Grants program also may receive proposals for projects not funded through the General Assembly Mission Grant Program or Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program (PILP). Requirements 1. Presbyteries and their project(s) being supported must present an action plan outlining full participation in the life of the higher governing bodies on the part of both.

2. The Project(s) being supported is required to participate in Mission Giving to Presbyterian causes annually.

3. Matching Project Funds are not required but their existence will be beneficial to the application decision. must be identified by the presbytery before the project is funded by the Synod. Funds on hand as well as funds firmly committed by another entity will be considered. In-kind contributions will not be considered as “matching funds” but, again, will be helpful when the project is considered. Synod may issue one lump sum grant per project. In the event such a project is discontinued, then all unused Synod Congregational Partnering Grant Funds are to be returned to the Synod for future use in another project within that Presbytery.

4. All grant applications should be sent to the Synod Office and must include a statement about the planned use of the Synod Congregational Partnering Grant, including

• A statement to support why this project is a presbytery priority. • Documentation of the specific source(s) of matching funds assistance being given by the

presbytery (this could be financial, coaching or support of the pastoral leadership, or other means of showing the presbytery’s investment in the project), along with a copy of the action authorizing its use by the executive body of the presbytery or the presbytery at a stated meeting.

• The desired date(s) for the Synod grant to be received. 5. The Commission of Assembly has a Congregational Partnering Grants Work Group that will review all applications. Members of the Work Group are available for consultation with those in a presbytery who are developing the application. The applicant must be in conversation with the presbytery regarding the proposed project. It is expected in this grant program, as well as those from the General Assembly, that the presbytery has oversight and evaluation responsibilities for the ministries

within its boundaries. The funding available in this program are “matching funds” in which the presbytery must participate.

6. In order to facilitate timely action by the Synod to coordinate with the General Assembly deadlines, the Work Group may make its recommendation to the Commission of Assembly, which is authorized to act between meetings of the full Synod Assembly. The Work Group may also take its recommendation directly to the Synod Assembly via the Stated Clerk.

7. Monitoring for Success: The Congregational Partnering Grants Work Group will receive copies of and regularly review all progress reports made by the project to the presbytery, the Synod, and the General Assembly or PILP entities. Grant Application Forms and Resources The General Assembly Mission Grant Program has a detailed listing of the type of grants it funds and the criteria needed to be met in order to qualify for funding. There are application forms for each type of grant and instructions for completing the various types of applications. Other resources are also available, including a manual for grant writing, Please refer to the PC(USA) website for this information and the available resources.

http://www.pcusa.org/search/?criteria=Mission+Grant+Program

To learn about the offerings from the Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program:

https://pilp.pcusa.org/

For other types of proposals, the Work Group can provide some guidelines for preparing an application. Please contact the Synod for referrals to the Work Group for assistance.

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Synod of Southern California and Hawaii

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CONGREGATIONAL PARTNERING GRANTS PROGRAM

PROTOCOL

The Congregational Partnering Grants Program was developed by the Synod in 2005. It allotted an initial $300,000 per presbytery to be used as a matching grant for funding an outstanding project or projects aimed at new church development or revitalization within each presbytery. An additional $150,000 per presbytery was allocated in 2013 for the same purpose. The application requirements, when used as matching funds for a particular proposal or application seeking funding from General Assembly Mission Grants and/or Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program (PILP), must follow the specific guidelines for the particular program for which application is made. The Synod’s Congregational Partnering Grants Program receives proposals for projects that are not funded through the General Assembly Mission Grant Program or Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program (PILP) and evaluates proposals that are submitted for funding through those programs when a Synod endorsement is required. Requirements 1. Presbyteries and their project(s) being supported must present an action plan outlining full

participation in the life of the higher governing bodies on the part of both. 2. The Project(s) being supported is required to participate in Mission Giving to Presbyterian

causes annually. 3. Matching Project Funds are not required but their existence will be beneficial to the application

decision. In-kind contributions will not be considered as “matching funds” but, again, will be helpful when the project is considered. Synod may issue one lump sum grant per project. In the event such a project is discontinued, then all unused Synod Congregational Partnering Grant Funds are to be returned to the Synod for future use in another project within that Presbytery.

4. All grant applications should be sent to the Synod Office and must include a one-page summary

by the presbytery about the planned use of the Synod Congregational Partnering Grant, including:

• A brief narrative description of the presbytery’s involvement in and/or support to the mission

of this project, including a statement to support why this project is a presbytery priority.

• Identify the plan for sustaining leadership, pastoral development and resources, such as finances and talent. Is there a plan for continued support to help ensure sustainability?

• A project timeline including the desired date(s) for the Synod grant to be received.

• Other anticipated sources of funding for the project.

5. The plan should also provide the following:

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• Documentation of the specific assistance being given by the presbytery (this could be

financial, coaching or support of the pastoral leadership, or other means of showing the presbytery’s investment in the project).

• How the project will be evaluated by the presbytery. • A copy of the presbytery action authorizing the application and any use of presbytery

resources by the executive body of the presbytery or the presbytery at a stated meeting. Evaluation The Commission of Assembly has a Congregational Partnering Grants Work Group that reviews all applications. Members of the Work Group are available for consultation with those in a presbytery who are developing an application. The applicant must be in conversation with the presbytery regarding the proposed project. It is expected in this grant program, as well as those from the General Assembly, that the presbytery has oversight and evaluation responsibilities for the ministries within its boundaries. This includes follow-up oversight to ensure grant funds are being expended for the purpose(s) granted as well as meeting project goals and objectives. 1. The Congregational Partnering Grant Work Group may require a conversation that includes presbytery leadership, as part of the application process to discuss longer-term plans and project sustainability.

2. In order to facilitate timely action by the Synod to coordinate with the General Assembly deadlines, the Work Group may make its recommendation to the Commission of Assembly, which is authorized to act between meetings of the full Synod Assembly. The Work Group may also take its recommendation directly to the Synod Assembly via the Stated Clerk. 3. Monitoring for Success: The Congregational Partnering Grants Work Group will receive copies of and regularly review all progress reports made by the project to the presbytery, the Synod, and the General Assembly or PILP entities. Grant Application Forms and Resources The General Assembly Mission Grant Program has a detailed listing of the types of grants it funds and the criteria needed to be met in order to qualify for funding. There are application forms for each type of grant and instructions for completing the various types of applications. Other resources are also available, including a manual for grant writing. Please refer to the PC(USA) website for this information and the available resources.

http://www.pcusa.org/search/?criteria=Mission+Grant+Program

To learn about the offerings from the Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program: https://pilp.pcusa.org/

For other types of proposals, the Congregational Partnering Grants Work Group can provide guidelines for preparing an application. Please contact the Synod for referrals to the Work Group for assistance.

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Dream Grant Application Summary

Church Partners: Word of Life Presbyterian Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church Dream Initiative Name: The New Church on Bard/La Nueva Iglesia En La Calle Bard.

1. The dream initiative “La Nueva Iglesia En La Calle Bard” or “The New Church on Bard” is the result of the collaboration of Westminster Church and Word of Life Church which both share a church campus at 755 Bard Road in Port Hueneme, California. Previous to Easter Sunday, 2015 the two churches had been worshipping separately on two different church campuses. However, since Easter 2015 the two congregations have been worshipping together every Sunday morning and have been conducting joint mid week Christian Education nights. The two churches have been worshipping together under a hybrid name “The New Church on Bard” and “La Nueva Iglesia En La Calle Bard”.

The New Church on Bard holds an English Service at 11 a.m. which has an average attendance of 80 worshippers. This service is a blend of young Latino American adults/families and older Anglo American worshippers. The Latino and Anglo attendance is very even, almost 50/50. The New Church on Bard also holds a Spanish worship service at 10 a.m. and has an average attendance of 35 Adults and 10 children. The Spanish service has been meeting for worship since February of 2015.

The New Church on Bard has partnered with the Local young life director to form a youth group designed to reach non churched teens from the local community. The new youth group has been averaging 40 teens a week since May of 2015. Previously to the New Church on Bard project the youth group consisted of 6-8 church kids.

The New Church on Bard (Westminster Presbyterian and Word of Life Presbyterian) are located in the Region of Oxnard which consists of El Rio, CA., Oxnard, CA., and Port Hueneme, CA. The region has a combined population of 225,951 people. Latinos make up 73.5 % of the population. The surrounding neighborhood in which the Westminster Church campus is located (where the New Church on Bard/La Nueva Iglesia En La Calle Bard worships) is approximately 85% Latino.

The Nueva Iglesia En La Calle Bard has been led and driven by the sessions of both Word of Life Presbyterian Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Ron Urzua (Word of Life Pres), Rev. Dan Birchfield (Westminster Pres), and Pastor Daniel Ortiz (Intern from Fuller Seminary) have been providing pastoral care and leadership to the new fellowship project. The Presbytery of Santa Barbara formed an Administrative Committee to guide and supervise the joint venture.

The Rev. Dan Birchfield resigned as the pastor head of staff at Westminster in July and has taken a call in Michigan. Currently the Rev. Ron Urzua preaches at the English service and Pastor Daniel Ortiz preaches at the Spanish service. The presbytery of Santa Barbara plans to approve a formal merger of Westminster Presbyterian Church into Word of Life Presbyterian Church in the fall of 2015 with the Rev. Ron Urzua being called as the designated pastor.

2. The Dream “La Nueva Iglesia En La Calle Bard/ New Church on Bard was initiated and designed by Westminster elders and Word of Life elders after an entire year of planning meetings and prayer meetings to…

• Develop a blended English worship service of Mexican Americans and Anglo Americans in order to draw young Mexican American and Anglo families to church and to serve as a witness of Christ’s unity between the two communities.

• Develop the first successful Presbyterian Spanish speaking service in the presbytery of Santa Barbara. Previously to “La Nueva Iglesia En La Calle Bard’ no Spanish service start up had every grown beyond 8 persons within the presbytery. Prior to the new initiative predominantly older Anglos attended the church campus for worship. Now there are worship services and Bible studies in both Spanish and English. The ethnic makeup of the congregation now represents and reflects the demographics of the local community.

• Develop a church wide ethos and culture that embraces the idea that the local church must serve the local community in tangible ways as well as share the gospel in order to bare credible witness to Jesus Christ in the local region.

• Transition to a church that welcomes “community based organizations” and “non profits” who have been effectively serving the community onto the church campus in order to connect our church volunteers with them and develop genuine ministry partnerships to serve our diverse community.

3. This initiative “The New Church on Bard/La Nueva Iglesia En La Calle Bard is developmental, risky, experimental, and adaptive mission because two churches dared to lose their respective identities in order to offer the local community a different kind of worship experience and spiritual culture. It is experimental because young Mexican Americans are worshipping in English with older Anglos. It is risky because Spanish speaking services have never succeeded in the presbytery before. The initiative is adaptive because it is endeavoring to partner with existing organizations to effectively serve the needs of the local community. The two churches previously did not match the community and did not have the spiritual gifts or resources to reach the community on their own. In coming together in partnership both churches adapted to the community and thereby became effective in the local context.

4. This is an ongoing initiative. The presbytery of Santa Barbara is planning to approve the merger of Westminster Presbyterian Church into Word of Life Presbyterian Church so that the two congregations can formally become one and commit long term and whole heartedly to the tremendous work which they have been doing together since Easter Sunday, 2015. The combined giving of the two churches will continue to fund the initiative as well as the merged church long term and beyond the grant.

5. The initiative has and will continue to bless the congregation, presbytery, and synod as it challenges and inspires us to try new innovative ways to reach all people in our diverse region of Southern California. It will also continue to broaden and deepen our love and focus as we continue to contemplate ministry to all people in risky and innovative ways in our community, presbytery, and synod.

6. Three of our primary goals are: 1. To be a multi cultural-ethnic worshipping community of at least 200 people by the end of 2016. 2. To have at least 4 effective ministries that serve the local community and serve as natural bridges of mission into our local region by the end of 2016. 3. To become a congregation of unity and love which does not draw distinctions amongst ourselves but affirms people of all ages, sexes, ethnicities, and backgrounds as important and loved by Christ? These three goals will be a few of the bench marks which will inform us of our effectiveness and to whether or not we are accomplishing our desired outcomes.

Prepared by the Rev. Ron Urzua (Word of Life Presbyterian Church).

The New Church on Bard La Nueva Iglesia en la Calle Bard In the Classroom Working with Teachers

The New Church on Bard La Nueva Iglesia en la Calle Bard

Group Picture Snack Time

The New Church on Bard La Nueva Iglesia en la Calle Bard

Joint Worship Breaking Bread Together

The New Church on Bard La Nueva Iglesia en la Calle Bard

Easter Egg Hunt New Church Children

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Synod of Southern California and Hawaii Polity and Records Committee

Report to Synod Commission of Assembly

October 3, 2015 Review of Records The Committee met with the Presbytery Stated Clerks on September 1, 2015 at Korean Hope Presbyterian Church in Cerritos. All seven presbyteries had their records available at that meeting. Their report to the fall Synod Assembly will recommend the following:

Approve without exceptions: Presbytery of San Fernando Approve with exceptions: Presbytery of the Pacific Presbytery of Riverside Presbytery of San Gabriel Presbytery of Los Ranchos Presbytery of Santa Barbara Presbytery of San Diego

Amendments to the Synod Bylaws The 2015 Synod Assembly had directed the Committee to bring to the next Synod Assembly revised bylaws that would:

• Restructure the Synod similar to the sabbatical season with a Synod Assembly and a Commission of Assembly with interim authority;

• Empower the Commission of Assembly to create needed committees and working groups to carry out the work of the Synod and that the majority membership of those committees and working groups should be composed of commissioners to the Assembly; and

• Specify that the terms of commissioners to Synod Assembly be two years and renewable once so that the commissioners bring continuity to the meetings of the Synod.

The Committee drafted and approved the attached bylaws that meet the requirements set forth above. In addition, to accommodate the two-year terms for commissioners, the length of term for Synod committee members was changed from three years to two years with a maximum of two consecutive terms. Report on Sexual Misconduct and Child Protection Policies The committee reviewed a number of Sexual Misconduct and Child Protection Policies from churches, presbyteries and synods as well as the current Synod policy. After some discussion it was agreed that the best way to proceed would be to work with the current Synod policy. The goal would be to keep it streamlined and succinct, but to make sure it covered the important points. Doska offered to work on a draft with input from Synod legal counsel Kay Gustafson and from the committee. A draft will be sent to the committee for their review and comments. The

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committee agreed that a final draft could be approved with a vote by email. If further discussion proves to be necessary, a meeting via conference call could be scheduled for discussion and approval of the draft.

As proposed as of 09/28/15

ECCLESIASTICAL AND CORPORATE BYLAWS OF

THE SYNOD OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND HAWAII PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (U.S.A.)

ARTICLE I. NAME AND DESCRIPTION The name of this organization shall be the Synod of Southern California and Hawaii. It is a middle council of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and encompasses the following Presbyteries:

Los Ranchos Pacific Riverside San Diego San Fernando San Gabriel Santa Barbara

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE As disciples of Jesus Christ, instructed by the Scripture and empowered by the Holy Spirit, the Synod is called by God to be a community of faith to carry out the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) within its bounds, and specifically to perform the function of synods as set forth in G-3.04 of the Form of Government in the Book of Order. The purpose and vision of the Synod is set forth in a Vision Statement included, along with the Mission Design, in the Manual of Administrative Operations.

ARTICLE III. CIVIL CORPORATION A. The Synod of Southern California and Hawaii exists under the California Non-Profit

Public Benefit Corporation Law for the religious and charitable purposes noted above. B. The principal office for the transaction of the business of the Corporation will be located in

Los Angeles County, California. C. The general powers of the corporation shall be those normally ascribed to such

corporations, and shall be subject to the provisions of the California Non-Profit Corporation Law and any limitation noted in these bylaws.

D. The Directors (Trustees) of the Corporation shall be the Commission of Assembly of the

Synod.

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E. The officers of the Civil Corporation shall be (1) a President, who is the Chair of the Commission of Assembly, (2) a Secretary, who is the Stated Clerk of the Synod, and (3) a Treasurer. The Synod Assembly shall also elect a Moderator and a Vice-Moderator. These five officers collectively shall be called the ecclesiastical and corporate officers.

F. The Annual Meeting of the Corporation shall be held in connection with the first meeting

of the Commission of Assembly held in each calendar year. G. The corporation may indemnify any agent of the corporation against any liability asserted

against or incurred by the agent in such capacity and arising out of the agent’s status as such, as may be allowed by the California Non-Profit Corporation Law and any future amendments to it.

ARTICLE IV. STRUCTURE

The Synod shall maintain appropriate structure to carry out its purpose and mission. A. SYNOD ASSEMBLY The Synod ordinarily will meet twice a year as an Assembly to conduct the necessary business; at least one of these meetings shall include the observance of the Lord’s Supper. 1. Authority and responsibility. The Synod Assembly has the primary responsibility for, but

may delegate to commissions or the Commission of Assembly the following:

a. The Vision Statement, Mission Design, and the Ecclesiastical and Corporate Bylaws. b. Election of the officers of the Synod; members of the Permanent Judicial

Commission, the Ecclesiastical Committees, and the Commission of Assembly; and trustees of related corporations.

c. Synod Budgets, with authority granted to the Commission of Assembly to amend such budgets.

d. Overtures to the General Assembly and to the Synod. 2. Time of meeting. The stated meetings of the Synod Assembly will be held at a time and

place designated by the Commission of Assembly to conduct any business appropriate to it. Additional meetings may be called according to the provisions of G-3.0405.

3. Membership. The Synod Assembly shall be composed of an equal number of teaching

elder and ruling elder commissioners elected by and from each of the presbyteries, so as to provide a ruling elder and a teaching elder commissioner for each 4,000 church members or major fraction thereof, provided that no presbytery has fewer than two teaching elder and two ruling elder commissioners, with the number to be determined by the Stated Clerk of the Synod. Each presbytery should also elect alternates, or provide by rule for the naming of alternates, in the event that elected commissioners are unable to attend. The Stated Clerk of each presbytery shall certify in writing to the Stated Clerk of the Synod the

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names of those who will serve as commissioners, not less than thirty (30) days prior to the convening of the Synod Assembly. Commissioners to the Synod Assembly will be expected to serve as members of the Synod’s various committees or the Commission of Assembly.

4. Term. The term of each commissioner will be two calendar years beginning on January 1.

Any teaching elder or ruling elder within a presbytery is eligible for election as a commissioner. Commissioners may be elected to one additional term of two years, and shall be ineligible for re-election to any additional term after a total of four years, until one year has elapsed.

5. Officers. The Synod shall have a Moderator and a Stated Clerk as required by G-3.0104.

In addition to the two required officers, the Synod shall elect a Vice-Moderator who will serve as the Moderator-elect. The Moderator shall serve the following year as Chair of the Commission of Assembly. The Synod shall elect a Treasurer. These five officers collectively shall be called the ecclesiastical and corporate officers.

6. Terms of Officers. The term of the Moderator, Vice-Moderator and Chair of the

Commission of Assembly is one (1) year. The term of the Treasurer is three (3) years. The term of the Stated Clerk is determined by the Synod Assembly.

7. Ex Officio Members. Members of the Commission of Assembly and members of the

Synod staff will be named ex officio members, without vote, of the Synod Assembly. 8. Corresponding Members. Corresponding members may be seated with voice but without

vote. Former Moderators of the Synod of Southern California and Hawaii shall be enrolled as corresponding members at their request. Official guests of the Synod Assembly may be seated as corresponding members, upon approval of the Assembly.

9. Quorum. A quorum of the Synod Assembly shall be fourteen (14) commissioners, at least

seven (7) of whom shall be ruling elders and at least seven (7) of whom shall be teaching elders, representing at least five (5) presbyteries.

B. PERMANENT JUDICIAL COMMISSION & ECCLESIASTICAL COMMITTEES Permanent Judicial Commission 1. Responsibilities. The Permanent Judicial Commission shall have the responsibilities

outlined in the Book of Order D-5.0000. 2. Membership. There shall be eleven (11) members of the Permanent Judicial Commission,

all of whom shall be either teaching elders or ruling elders, in numbers as nearly equal as possible, with at least one member from each of the constituent presbyteries as provided in D-5.0101.

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3. Term. The term of each member of the commission shall be six years, and members shall

be elected in three classes as provided in D-5.0102 and D-5.0103. Ecclesiastical Committees are committees that are accountable directly to the Synod Assembly, and whose responsibilities are required by the Book of Order. 1. Committee on Representation and Nominations.

a. Responsibilities. The Committee on Representation and Nominations shall have the responsibilities outlined in the Book of Order at G-3.0103 and G-3.0111. It shall have the responsibility to identify and recruit individuals to serve in elected positions in the Synod and shall work to assure fair representation.

b. Membership. There shall be twelve (12) members on the committee, with at least one

from each presbytery within the Synod. The majority of members shall be commissioners to the Synod Assembly. The Synod Executive, if any, shall serve as an ex officio member of the committee, without vote. To serve on the Committee on Representation and Nominations, individuals are nominated by a Nominations Work Group of the Commission of Assembly.

c. Term. The term is two years. Members may serve no more than two consecutive

terms. 2. Polity and Records Committee.

a. Responsibilities. The Polity and Records Committee shall have the responsibility to review presbytery records, process overtures, train/resource ecclesiastical functions and relate to other ecclesiastical bodies.

b. Membership. There shall be nine (9) teaching elder/ruling elder members of the

committee, with at least one from each presbytery within the synod. The majority of members shall be commissioners to the Synod Assembly.

c. Term. The term is two years. Members may serve no more than two consecutive

terms. C. COMMISSION OF ASSEMBLY

1. Responsibilities. a. The Commission of Assembly shall serve as the Board of Trustees for the

corporation, and will have the power to act in the name of the Synod between meetings of the Synod Assembly reporting such actions to the succeeding Synod

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Assembly. The Commission of Assembly has primary responsibility for trustees, interim authority, financial oversight, budget development, personnel and property.

b. The Commission of Assembly has responsibility to develop and support a broad strategy for mission and ministry across the Synod of Southern California and Hawaii. The Commission of Assembly shall coordinate and provide oversight of ministries that cross presbytery boundaries. This will include making recommendations for the use of church development funds and restricted and designated funds for mission and ministry. The Committee has initial responsibility for church development/redevelopment funds, restricted/designated funds for mission and ministry, Racial Ethnic Pastoral Leadership (REPL), racial ethnic and justice ministries including Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation (JPIC), emerging mission and ministry issues, and Related Mission Partners.

2. Meetings. There shall normally be four stated meetings of the Commission of Assembly

each year. Additional meetings may be held upon the call of the Chair or any five (5) voting members of the Commission of Assembly, representing at least three (3) presbyteries.

3. Membership. There shall be voting members of the Commission of Assembly as follows:

• five (5) ecclesiastical and corporate officers, • seven (7) members who serve ex officio as the executives of the seven

presbyteries within the synod, or the designee of that presbytery; • four (4) commissioners to the Synod Assembly chosen to balance the diversity

of the Commission of Assembly, • three (3) members, one from each major non-white racial group (African

American, Latino/a, Asian/Asian American) and the chairs of the two (2) ecclesiastical committees shall serve ex officio.

4. Term. Those who serve ex officio serve for the term of that office. The term of the

members from the seven presbyteries is two years. Members are eligible to serve no more than two consecutive terms. The classes shall be established by the Stated Clerk.

5. Officers. The Officers of the Commission of Assembly shall be a Chair, who normally

shall be the immediate past Moderator of the Synod Assembly, and a Secretary, who is the Stated Clerk of the Synod. The Commission of Assembly may choose to elect a Vice-Chair upon the recommendation of the Chair.

6. Terms of Officers. The terms of the Commission of Assembly Chair and Vice-Chair, if

any, shall normally be one year. The term of the Secretary is concurrent with the term of the Stated Clerk.

7. Quorum. A quorum for a meeting of the Commission of Assembly shall be eleven (11)

voting members, so long as five (5) presbyteries are represented, and there are at least four (4) ruling elders and four (4) teaching elders present.

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8. Approval of Sub-groups. The Commission of Assembly has the authority to create

committees, work groups, and task forces to assist in carrying out its responsibilities. Each of these sub-groups should have at least one member of the Commission of Assembly serving on it. The majority of each sub-group shall consist of Assembly Commissioners. The names of those serving on such groups should be recorded in the minutes of the Commission of Assembly and also recorded in the minutes of the Synod Assembly.

D. RELATED ENTITIES The Synod of Southern California and Hawaii has a direct relationship with others that engage in mission and ministry on behalf of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The following corporations have accountability to the synod through (1) election of their trustees by the synod, (2) an ex officio member of their boards designated by the synod, (3) concurrence of the synod in changes to the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, and (4) an annual report, including a copy of the audit, made to the synod annually.

Monte Vista Grove Homes, Inc.

Presbyterian Camp and Conference Centers, Inc. Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Commission, Inc.

The Synod of Southern California and Hawaii of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Synod of the Nile, Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Egypt have established a sister synod relationship.

ARTICLE V. OFFICE OF THE SYNOD EXECUTIVE

The Synod may authorize the staff services of a Synod Executive. (G-3.0110) The Executive shall be elected by the Synod Assembly, according to procedures set out in the Manual of Administrative Operations, and is responsible to perform the functions detailed in the Position Description for the Synod Executive as adopted by the Synod Assembly.

ARTICLE VI. OFFICE OF THE STATED CLERK The Synod shall elect a Stated Clerk (G-3.0104). The Stated Clerk is the chief ecclesiastical officer of the Synod. The Stated Clerk shall be elected by the Synod Assembly according to procedures set out in the Manual of Administrative Operations, and is responsible to perform the functions detailed in the Position Description for the Stated Clerk as adopted by the Synod Assembly.

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ARTICLE VII. ELECTIONS A. Principles governing those elected to serve in the Synod of Southern California and

Hawaii include:

1. The Synod is committed to ensure that the principles of diversity and inclusiveness are upheld in the variety of those elected to serve the Synod.

2. Wherever possible, and wherever specified in these Bylaws, all elected bodies shall

include at least one member from each of the presbyteries within the synod.

3. It is important to assure a balance of experienced and new leadership. Thus there are, within these bylaws, limits on the number of terms an individual can serve. Only those who serve ex-officio may be elected to the same body for more than two consecutive two-year terms. a. Commissioners to the Synod Assembly may serve no more than two consecutive

two-year terms, and there must be at least one year intervening before an individual can be again elected.

b. Elected members of Ecclesiastical Committees and the Commission of Assembly

shall normally serve a two-year term, with a total limit of no more than four consecutive years on any body. Election to more than four consecutive years can be accomplished only by setting aside these Bylaws.

c. Terms for chairs of Ecclesiastical Committees shall be two years, with the

possibility of two consecutive terms.

d. The term of office for the Moderator and Vice-Moderator of the Synod, and of the Chair of the Commission of Assembly is one year. The Vice-Moderator of Synod shall serve as the Moderator-elect of the Synod. The Moderator of the Synod shall serve the succeeding year as Chair of the Commission of Assembly. If it is not possible for the Vice-Moderator to serve the succeeding year as Moderator, or for the Moderator to serve the succeeding year as Chair of the Commission of Assembly, the Committee on Representation and Nominations shall make suitable nominations.

4. Term of office for those elected to serve Synod entities shall normally begin January 1

of the year following election at the Synod Assembly.

5. In order to encourage broad participation, individuals who are elected to serve on a committee of synod or the Commission of Assembly are ineligible to serve on a second committee of the synod or Commission of Assembly, except as provided in these bylaws.

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6. In order to encourage the best possible leadership, wherever a member has been

absent from an elected responsibility for three consecutive meetings, the Stated Clerk shall report that fact to the appropriate body, and the position may be declared vacant.

B. Nominations for election are made as follows:

1. Moderator, Vice-Moderator/Moderator-elect of the Synod, Chair of the Commission of Assembly, and Treasurer by the Committee on Representation and Nominations, in compliance with Article VII.A.3.d above.

2. Stated Clerk by a Search Committee elected by the Synod in accordance with the

Manual of Administrative Operations.

3. Synod Executive, if any, by a Search Committee elected by the Synod in accordance with the Manual of Administrative Operations.

4. Members of the Commission of Assembly, the Permanent Judicial Commission, the

Polity and Records Committee by the Committee on Representation and Nominations.

5. Members of, and Chair of, the Committee on Representation and Nominations by the Commission of Assembly.

6. Chair of the Polity and Records Committee by the Committee on Representation and

Nominations. 7. The Moderator and Clerk of the Permanent Judicial Commission by the Synod PJC.

(D-5.0201).

8. Trustees of the Related Entities by the Committee on Representation and Nominations, normally upon recommendation of those corporations.

9. All others as provided in the Manual of Administrative Operations.

C. Any vacancy in an elected position within the Synod may be filled by the Commission of

Assembly until the next Synod Assembly.

ARTICLE VIII. SUSPENSION OR AMENDMENT A. Any portion of these Bylaws may be suspended by a two-thirds vote of the commissioners

present at any Synod Assembly. B. These bylaws may be amended or revised by a two-thirds vote of the commissioners

present at any meeting of the Synod Assembly, provided that the proposed amendment or

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revision has been previously submitted to the Assembly in writing.

ARTICLE IX. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY Parliamentary Authority for all meetings of the Synod Assembly and Commission of Assembly, and other entities of the Synod, shall be the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, except in those cases where the Constitution of the denomination, or these Bylaws otherwise provide. Note: All Book of Order References in these Bylaws are taken from the 2013-2015-2017 edition. Adopted 10/24/1997 Amended 10/23/1998 Amended 12/05/1998 Amended 10/28/2004 Amended 10/21/2005 Amended 12/08/2007 Amended 10/25/2008 Amended 10/30/2010 Amended 04/21/2012 Amended 11/03/2012 Amended 11/07/2015

Synod of Southern California and Hawaii Report of the Committee on Representation and Nominations

Report to the Commission of Assembly

October 3, 2015 The Committee on Representation and Nominations met on September 25, 2015. They reviewed the open positions for 2016 and the implications for their work if the revised Synod Bylaws were to be approved at the Fall 2015 Synod Assembly. For Information Nominations The committee focused their attention on the position of Vice-Moderator and the three positions on the Permanent Judicial Commission in the class of 2021. A list of potential nominees was developed and ranked for these positions. Calling assignments were made and members are to report back as to those who would be willing to serve. Proposed Bylaws The committee reviewed the proposed Bylaws. There was discussion of the potential problems which may arise from the proposed changes. In 2015 48 commissioners were elected by the presbyteries, but in 2016 only 34 commissioners will be elected. This is due to the loss of members over the last few years due to churches leaving and natural attrition. If Assembly Commissioners are to form the majority of members on all of the committees and subgroups, they would need to fill 41 slots. The committee VOTED to propose two changes in the proposed Bylaws: 1. Article 4,C,8 which reads:

Approval of Sub-groups. The Commission of Assembly has the authority to create committees, work groups, and task forces to assist in carrying out its responsibilities. Each of these sub-groups should have at least one member of the Commission of Assembly serving on it. The majority of each sub-group shall consist of Assembly Commissioners. The names of those serving on such groups should be recorded in the minutes of the Commission of Assembly and also recorded in the minutes of the Synod Assembly.

Should be amended as follows in the third sentence to read: The majority of e Each sub-group shall consist of include at least two Assembly Commissioners.

2. The terms of members of the Ecclesiastical Committees (Representation and Nominations and Polity and Records) should not be changed to two years, but remain at three years.

REPORT 7-B

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EVALUATION FORM SYNOD ASSEMBLY MAY 9, 2015

Magnolia Presbyterian Church – Riverside, California

Organization of the agenda Poor: 0 Average: 3 Good: 7 Excellent: 10 Comments:

• Difficult to find items – an index • It would have helped to go in numerical order • Having documents miscellaneously distributed between two packets made it quite

difficult for those using electronic documents to follow. Reports Poor: 1 Average: 5 Good: 9 Excellent: 6 Comments:

• Missed having current financial reports • Hard to find • Very disorganized, distribution in large PDF files should stop. If required, distribute in

one large hot-wire navigable file or as individual files. • Clear, brief and understandable • Do not password protect documents. Use something other than paper color to

distinguish documents (footnotes). Paginate the entire package. Publish the last-minute documents. Index the package.

Plenary Sessions Poor : 0 Average: 1 Good: 8 Excellent: 8 Comments:

• Not as effective as would be if commissioners served on committees. Also, how to work in time for connecting.

• Would have liked more time for table discussion. Did you feel you had enough information to make decisions? Yes: 17 No: 0 Please note what you most appreciated about the Assembly:

• The plenary sessions provided useful information on the financial status and planning of Synod.

• Interaction with other commissioners. • Wonderful lunch. • Becoming more informed about the workings of the Synod • Seeing old friends and making new friends. • Breakout sessions were informative. • A chance to meet with leaders from several other presbyteries and the leaders of the

Synod. • Moderator did a good job and controlled the meeting. • Being new it was informative.

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• Opportunity to hear what the different Work Groups and Committees do (three comments).

• Engaging in God’s work with my brothers and sisters. • Opportunity to interact with people from other presbyteries, learn what other

presbyteries are doing and the issues that they have. • Meeting and connecting - participating and making decisions for the Synod and being a

part of it. • Good meeting rooms. • The breakout sessions. • Discussion on future of the Synod. • Interactive table discussion regarding verses from Samuel I. A change from Synod

meeting ten years ago. Please note what you least appreciated about the Assembly:

• Everything was great – appreciated all that transpired. • Tables crowded together and very hard to get to. • Locating the assembly in a venue with poor electrical and technological (internet)

infrastructure. Moderator’s name was not listed anywhere I could find. • Can’t think of anything. • Reports were more about stuff that nobody seemed to care about. • Not long enough. • Room too cold. (three comments) • Coffee with caffeine should be available throughout the day. • Difficult to locate individual reports – would it be possible to index report with page

numbers? • Reports kept short (?) • Synod meets seldom so meetings should be longer – Friday/Saturday. • Include more time to interact and connect. • Have committees meet and make decisions at assemblies – no caucuses. • Length

Other Comments

• Make it special – T-shirts/sweatshirts to purchase. Have papers in folders, in order of need/access for each commissioner. Include pen/note paper. A presentation – Native American or local culture.

• Cold, seats hard, but loved church. Please provide any suggestions for the location of future Synod Assemblies:

• Closer to Los Angeles • Closer to Los Angeles or the Valley. • Hawaii

Do you like this one-day format? Yes: 15 No: 1