DOCUMENT 16BA

KOMOTHAI PRESBYTERY REPORT TO THE

22ND

GENERAL ASSEMBLY – APRIL 2018OTH

708

A 1.0 PREAMBLE

Komothai Presbytery is one of the 56 Presbyteries making the Presbyterian Church of East Africa. The Presbytery was inaugurated on 14th December 2003. It is in a rural set up in Kiambu County bordering Gatundu South Constituency, Ruiru Constituency and Lari Constituency, with its offices located at Kigumo Church in Githunguri Sub-County. It comprises of four (4) Parishes which are: Kiratina, Komothai, Kibichoi and Gathugu. The four Parishes have a total of nineteen (19) congregations with a total population of 5,853 full members, adherents 1,770 and 2,060 children. Serving the 19 congregations are 139 Church Elders, 4 Parochial Ministers and 5 Evangelists

2.0 VISION

To be a model Presbytery where Christ is known embodying holistic human development in perpetuity. 3.0 MISSION

To team-work with the stake-holders in serving Christ for holistic human development in order to realize God’s blessings.

4.0 CORE VALUES

Komothai Presbytery is guided by the following values in pursuant of the

vision and mission.

a) Teamwork b) Integrity c) Professionalism d) Accountability e) Transparency f) Motivation g) Ownership h) Delegation of duties i) Social Equity j) Individual responsibility

709

5.0 (a) PRESBYTERY OFFICIALS

The Presbytery Officials in 2017 and 2018 are as shown in table 1.

Table 1. List of Presbytery Officials Category of Official

2017 Officials 2018 Officials

Moderator Rev. Dr. Hezekiah Murage Muraya

Rev. Dr. Hezekiah Murage Muraya

Clerk Rev. Duncan Mwangi Kibiru

Rev. Nahashon Gichuru Mwaura

Treasurer Elder Margaret Ngina Kamau

Elder Ann Wanjiku Chege

Finance Chairperson

Elder Robert Mwangi Kanyingi

Elder Robert Mwangi Kanyingi

6.0 PRESBYTERY FUNCTIONS

During the year under review the Presbytery was engaged in both administrative and

pastoral activities which included:

(a) PRESBYTERY MEETINGS

The Presbytery had the following meetings as shown in table 2:

Table 2. List of Presbytery Meetings

Meeting 2017 Remarks

Statutory 5 Handled administrative matters & Group restructuring.

Minister Induction.

Category ‘A’

6

Focused on Pastoral matters. Ordination & retirement of elders,

Student Minister practicals Demise of Past Moderators

Finance 2 Handled financial matters

Presbytery Retreat 1 Team building, training & bonding

sessions Farewell to outgoing group leaders

Total 14

(b) FRATERNAL MEETINGS Table 3. List of Fraternal meetings

Meeting 2017 Comment

Ministers Fraternal 4 Promote unity of Clergy

Elders & Ministers Fraternal 1 Team Building & preparation for restructuring

Elders Fraternal 4 Unity among Elders &

empowerment

Ministers & Spouses Fraternal

5 Forum for Ministers Family social growth & encourage spouse of a

710

deceased Minister

Staff Fellowship 12 For Evangelists, Secretaries & Accountants to improve bonding

and spiritual nourishment

Total 26

(c) INDUCTIONS AND ORDINATIONS Table 4. INDUCTIONS AND ORDINATIONS

Type of

Function

2017 Name Comment

Induction 1 1. Rev. Stephen Ngigi Kariuki

Kibichoi Parish 8th October, 2017

Ordination

13 Elders Kiratina Parish ordained 10

Elders on 26th February, 2017

Gathugu Parish ordained 3

Elders on 12th November, 2017

Total 14

(d) PARTICIPATION IN HEAD OFFICE ACTIVITIES

The Presbytery was actively and well represented in all Committees at National Level i.e. G.A.C, Business,

Ministers’ Spouses Fraternal and other standing Committees.

(e) TRAININGS, SEMINARS AND EVALUATIONS

There was a Seminar on benchmarking for all Church Elders and Presbytery Officials

on 25th February, 2017 at Presbytery Headquarters - Kigumo.

Development Committee meeting for all Kirksession officials was planned to take

place in December.

Presbytery Convention – The Presbytery had a Convention on 25th – 27th August,

2017. Theme 2nd Chronicles 7:14 “ If my people which are called by my name shall

humble themselves pray, seek my face and turn from their wicked ways: then will I

hear from heaven and will forgive their sin, and heal their land”.

In addition all Parishes held their Convention in different times of the year.

Evangelists training for a Diploma course for two of our Evangelist at Lay Training

Centre.

1) Ev. Jane Njoki Nginga – Kibichoi graduated

2) Ev. Grace Wanja Njoroge - Gathugu graduating on 9th December 2017

711

7.0 PERSONNEL IN THE YEAR 2017

Ministers

Pari

sh

Eva

ngeli

st

Acco

un

tan

t S

ecre

tary

Mess

en

ger

Wa

tch

-ma

n

Acti

ve

Eld

ers

Reti

red

Eld

ers

Decea

sed

Eld

ers

Rev. Stephen Ngigi Kariuki

Kibichoi

1

-

1

1

1

28

11

0

Rev. Dr. Hezekiah Murage

Muraya

Kiratina

1

1

1

1

1

42

21

2

Rev. Duncan Mwangi Kibiru

Komothai

1

-

1

1

1

37

15

1

Rev. Nahashon

Gichuru Mwaura

Gathugu

1

-

1

1

1

32

16

0

Presbytery

Office

-

1

1

1

-

-

-

-

-

4 Ministers

4

5

2

5

4

4

139

63

3

N.B/1. During the year, 10 Elders retired – 5 from Komothai Parish and 5 others from

Kiratina Parish who are included in the retired elders list.

2. We have a Schools Evangelist for Komothai Presbytery, who is in charge of the pastoral programmes for our

sponsored schools. 3. We had a student minister – Mr. Julius Ngari Ndumia attached to Kiratina Parish

from June, 2017

The deceased Elders are:

1) Elder Rachael Wairimu Muchiri - Kiratina Parish – burial 6th April 2017

2) Elder Hannah Njoki Mathina - Kiratina Parish – burial 21st June 2017

3) Elder Ngubia Wanyutu - Komothai Parish – burial 27th June 2017

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8.0 PRESBYTERY POPULATION 2017

Parish

Names

Full Members

(Communicants)

Adherents

Children

Deceased

Infants Adults

Komothai

869

271

330

1

28

Kiratina

2,434

774

776

3

37

Kibichoi

1,294

380

471

-

31

Gathugu

1,256

345

483

3

15

Total

5,853

1,770

2,060

7

111

9.0 CEREMONIES/ORDINANCES

Parish Baptism Confirmation Re-Admission Marriages

Infants Adults Section IV VI

Komothai

43

4

21

23

1

7

Kiratina

72

5

83

14

5

4

Kibichoi

58

41

60

55

2

7

Gathugu

21

56

75

-

-

1

Total

194

55

239

92

8

19

10.0 P.C.E.A SPONSORED LEARNING INSTITUTIONS

Parish/

Institution

Name

Support Staff Total Teachers Total

Students Total Grand

Total

(Figures) Male

(Figures)

Female

(Figures)

Male Female Boys Girls

KOMOTHAI

Komothai Boys High

10 7 17 12 13 25 570 - 570 612

Komothai

Pri.

2 - 2 4 6 10 102 109 211 223

Komothai Special

School

6 9 15 1 7 8 63 52 115 138

Thuita Secondary

3 4 7 6 4 10 96 75 171 188

Thuita Pri. - 1 1 4 6 10 115 117 232 243

713

Nginduri Primary

4 4 8 4 7 11 224 277 501 520

KIBICHOI

Kagema

Primary

8 9 17 14 25 39 673

671

1,34

4

1,400 Kagema Secondary

2 5 7 8 7 15 181 129

310 332

Kibichoi Primary

1 - 1 6 14 20 13 184

397 418

KIRATINA

Kigumo

Primary

1 2 3 7 13 20 231

207

438

461 Gitombo Primary

1 - 1 3 8 11 72 126

198 210

Gathiru- ini Primary

1 - 1 6 12 18 180 185

365 384

Kiawairia

Primary

1

-

1 3 6 9 88

59

147

157 Komothai Girls

18 16 34 21 14 35 - 780

780 849

Gathiru- ini

Boys

17 4 21 17 13 30 650 - 650

701 Kiawairia Sec.

2 3 5 4 5 9 101 96

197 211

GATHUGU

Gathugu Primary

1

1

2

6

7

13

167

183

350

365

Githima Primary

1 - 1 2 8 10 153 132

285 296

Gitare Primary

- - - 2 6 8 80 85 165 173

Gathugu

Secondary

5

5

10

15

10

25

300

127

427

462 Gitare

Secondary

2

3

5

7

3

10

69

101

170

185

714

11.0 PROJECTS

KOMOTHAI PARISH Project (Names)

1. Komothai Church Fencing the church compound with live fence and barbered

wire

Face lifting of the Church building underway.

2. Nginduri Church

Completion of modern vestry.

Refurbished 3 new classes for Church School.

Renovation of rooms and furnishing for anticipated

dispensary

Installation of display screens.

3. Thuita Church Completion of perimeter wall.

Started construction of 3 Church School classes

4. Kiaigi Church Renovation of the Church Hall.

KIRATINA PARISH Project (Names)

1. Kigumo Church

Hall is still under construction and water system and storage

installed

2. Gathiru- ini Church Ongoing project of Hall and dispensary

3. Kiamworia Church Bought a 1 acre piece of land and looking forward to

developing it.

4. Karanu Gathogo Church

Looking forward to fencing the church compound.

5. Laban Kimungu

Church

Kitchen and completion of offices in place.

KIBICHOI PARISH Project (Names)

1. Kibichoi Church Enlargement of Sanctuary

2. Huriangu Church Maintenance and painting of the perimeter wall

3. Kigaa Church Construction of modern toilets and kitchen

4. David Muhia Church Still going on

GATHUGU PARISH Project (Names)

1. Gathugu Church Construction of church dispensary up to roofing

2. Githima Church Has come up with a parking

3. Gitare Church Has a face lifting of toilets

4. Gichogocho Church Construction of permanent Sanctuary

5. Gichuka Church Laid foundation for their permanent church

715

12.0 PARISHES AND PRESBYTERIAL GROUPS FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

Parishes and Presbyterial groups financial performance in year 2016/2017

Parish/ Presbyterial

Groups

Presbytery Cess

Assigned

Paid

Balance

Over

payment

Head Office

Cess

Assigned

Paid

Balance

Over payment

Komothai 3,856,060 3,937,082 - (81,022) 550,000 600,000 - (50,000)

Kiratina 3,856,060 3,979,903 - (123,843) 550,000 460,300 89,700

Kibichoi 3,559,440 3,276,293 283,147 - 500,000 450,000 50,000

Gathugu 3,559,440 2,761,344 798,096 - 500,000 450,000 50,000 -

PRESBYTERIAL GROUPS

W/Guild 150,000 150,000 -

C/School 90,000 90,000 -

Youth 95,000 - 95,000

Brigade 90,000 - 90,000

Christian

Edu.

85,000 85,000 -

P.C.M.F 150,000 150,000 -

J.P.R.C 55,000 55,000 -

Health

Board

80,000 80,000 -

Evangelism 150,000 150,000 -

TOTAL 15,776,000 14,714,622 1,266,243 (204,865) 2,100,000 1,960,300 189,700 (50,000)

13.0 PRESBYTERIAL GROUPS HIGHLIGHTS

All the groups have been actively involved in their mission. The results have been encouraging, as shown in the Summary below:-

N.B: The group report captures activities before restructuring in July.

The transition was smooth and successful.

14.1 WOMAN’S GUILD

Has a total membership of 1,426 members.

Had a successful World Day of Prayer on 3rd March, 2017

Attended National prayers and fasting at Kasarani on 8th April, 2017

Observed their week successfully from 29th May – 3rd June, 2017

Hold monthly fellowship every month in the Parish and every Thursday in their

respective congregations.

Continued to support needy cases e.g. in education and buying basic needs (personal effects), also gave education bursary to needy worthy kshs. 100,000/= to the 4

Parishes. Held 3 Presbyterial services in the three (3) Parishes

Attended 3 burial ceremonies for 3 elders.

716

A continued visitation to the needy, sick and bereaved upto July.

Had 3 successful Presbyterial meetings upto July.

Had 4 successful executive meetings upto July.

14. 2 YOUTH FELLOWSHIP

Held seminars and participated in inter-Presbyterial rallies.

Observed their week in May 2017.

Organizing Bible study programs where they met and challenged each other on

spiritual matters.

14.3 EVANGELSIM COMMITTEE

In conjunction with the Presbytery and all Parishes, they held the annual Presbytery

convention at Kiratina Parish in August 2017. Held door to door evangelism. Organized road show in preparation to Presbytery convention through the support

accorded by the Presbytery. Held evening films in the Kigumo shopping centre after convention. They observed Nendeni week in September 2017

14.4 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Held seminars in different Parishes for their leaders on the role of Christian Education and Pastoral Program.

Conducted prayers for class 8 and form four candidates.

Organized Teen’s mentorship program. Observed their Week in March 2017.

14.5 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MEN’S FELLOWSHIP (P.C.M.F)

Recruited and commissioned new members.

Have been holding prayer breakfast in all Parishes that help to enhance bonding among members as wll as evangelizing and recruitment of more members to the

fellowship. Participated and supported one another during weddings and burials. Held monthly fellowship within Parishes.

14.6 CHURCH SCHOOL

Held Presbyterial leaders meetings. Participated in teachers fellowships. Visitations to the sick and needy.

Held Presbyterial retreat 2nd – 6th July, 2017.

14.7 BOY’S AND GIRLS BRIGADE

Attended full council meetings as scheduled.

Mounted parade in Presbytery functions.

Participated in weddings and funerals of their members.

Attended Basic trainings and refresher courses for officers and N.C.Os.

14.8 HEALTH BOARD COMMITTEE

Held their regular meetings.

717

Conducted health talks, check-ups for blood sugar and blood pressures in congregations in all Parishes.

Visited needy cases as necessary.

14.9 J.P.R.C

o Attended Presbytery functions and full committee meetings. o Observed their week from 26th June – 2nd July as mandated by the Presbytery.

o Sensitized people on electoral matters.

15.0 SECURITY

µ Attended Presbytery functions and ensured security. µ Continued sensitizing and community policing on security issues.

µ Campaigned for peace and protection.

16.0 ACHIEVEMENTS

Successful Presbytery retreat and Seminar for members 19th – 21st January, 2017 at

Naivasha.

Worship and Evangelism

Home church services led by all Congregations in their Districts.

Young mothers’ ministries in all Parishes.

Breakfast prayers once in every month for men.

Rite of passage in all Parishes organized by P.C.M.F.

Seminars on prayers and fasting by woman’s guild

Cooperate social responsibility well received in the four (4) Parishes.

Successful alternative rite of passage for girls in the four Parishes by the Woman’s

Guild.

Door to door evangelism in all Parishes and successful convention on 25th – 27th

August, 2017,

at Presbytery level

Discipleship program conducted in the Presbytery Headquarters for members of all

Parishes.

The Presbytery has engaged a special evangelist for our sponsored institutions.

The Presbytery has successfully trained one Theological student minister stationed at

Kiratina Parish -

Mr. Julius Ngari Ndumia.

The Presbytery has vigorously started on benchmarking.

17.0 CHALLENGES

Low income by many members.

Continued poor weather conditions leading to poor harvest hence affecting member’s

contributions.

Increased insecurity leading to rural urban migration.

718

Fast growing trend going back to outdated cultural practice such as traditional

religion.

Lack of commitment both in service and giving in God’s work.

Lack of enthusiasm among a number of leaders thus hindering rapid implementation

of development agenda.

Rural urban migration: This is occurring at astounding rates depriving us of energetic

and informed leadership.

Too many competing sects have drained our population.

Family conflicts/strained family relationships.

Bereavements and many sickly members at home due to lifestyle diseases.

Generation gap: Youth worship style and way of life is different from the older

Drug and substance abuse resulting in marital breakdowns or delay in marriage.

Poor performance (financial) in some of our Parishes.

18.0 FUTURE PLANS

i) Have more extensive training to members

ii) Plant more churches

iii) All Parishes to pay M.M.F in full by end of July of every year.

iv) Presbytery to have an income generating project.

v) Ensure all Parishes have embarked on benchmarking.

vi) Insure all church properties.

vii) Sub-division of the larger Parishes.

viii) Increase membership through evangelization

ix) All congregations to improve ICT for better services.

x) Licensing and ordination of student minister.

xi) To have all Parishes undertake development project.

19.0 CONCLUSION

We give all the glory to God who enabled us as a Presbytery to make the milestone to

come this far with the considerable achievement. We acknowledge the effort done by every stakeholder and especially the support and co-operation by the groups during transition.

As a Presbytery we will continue to pursue the larger Mission of the church. Our hope

is that, our Lord Jesus who is Ebenezer will take us through and we shall achieve even greater gains.

We aim at maintaining diligence and harmonious inter-relation to bring glory to God in all we do. May

the Lord Emmanuel be our guide, light and strength.

719

20.0 ADOPTION OF THE REPORT

The 1st draft of the report was discussed and adopted during the Presbytery meeting

held on 8th December, 2017under Min. No. 64/017

Signed by: - Rev. Duncan Mwangi Kibiru, Rev. Dr. Hezekiah Murage Muraya PRESBYTERY CLERK PRESBYTERY MODERATOR

Date 17/1/2018