THE PRESBYTERY OF GREATER ATLANTA STATED MEETING...

THE PRESBYTERY OF GREATER ATLANTASTATED MEETING

Radcliffe Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GeorgiaMay 5, 2011

The Presbytery of Grater Atlanta’s Stated Meeting was called to order with prayer by Moderator Romona Lavender at 9:12 AM.

Preliminary Business included:1. Declaration of a quorum by the Acting Stated Clerk, Donna Wells2. Appointment of the Teller Committee: Members of Radcliffe Presbyterian Church3. Appointment of the Presbytery Minutes Reading Committee for the February 19, 2011 minutes:

Jamie Butcher and Nancy Scott. These minutes were approved with typographical corrections.4. The approval of the docket5. The welcome of first time guests and first time commissioners6. The approval of the Omnibus motion. Items in the Omnibus Motion included:

o The admit to record and action items in the Operations Ministry Team Reporto The admit to record items in the Committee on Ministry Reporto The admit to record items in the Committee for Preparation Reporto The admit to record and action items in the Communications Reporto The action item in the Coordinating Council Reporto The action item in the New Church Development Commission Reporto The action items in the Nominating Committee report except the slate for the Stated

Clerk. Nominations were asked from the floor before the vote.

WORSHIP:

• The Preacher for the day was Rev. Dr. Scott Weimer who preached a sermon entitled: Don’t Look Up! He brought a message about the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth

• The focus of the meeting was two-fold: Celebrating the National Day of Prayer and the great end of the church know as the Exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the World.

• Radcliffe choir offered several inspiring musical selections: I was Glad When They Said Unto Me, Almighty God of Our Fathers, and Order My Steps

• The reading of the Necrology took place• The offering was to benefit of the Pastor’s Emergency Support Fund

COMMUNICATIONS:

Admit to Record:

1. An allegation has been received in the office of the Stated Clerk regarding a minister member. An Investigating Committee (#11-01) has been formed according to procedures in the Rules of Discipline.

2. An allegation has been received in the office of the Stated Clerk involving two minister members. An Investigating Committee (#11-02) has been formed according to procedures in the Rules of Discipline.

3. An allegation has been received in the office of the Stated Clerk involving a minister member. An Investigating Committee (#11-03) has been formed according to procedures in the Rules of Discipline.

4. Received communication for the Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program, that Radcliffe Presbyterian Church has paid its loan in full. We congratulate the congregation.

5. The Georgia Supreme Court has granted the Writ of Cert in regards to the Timberridge court case. This means that the Court will hear the case. In previous court rulings, the lowest court found in favor of the Presbytery, the appeals court found in favor of Timberridge. The Court will hear the case sometime in July.

6. The Stated Clerk has received letters from the Korean Presbyterian Church of Georgia and the Korean Presbyterian Church from Lawrenceville requesting transfer to the non-geographic presbytery, The Atlantic Korean American Presbytery. The Atlantic Korean American Presbytery has written concurring with the request. The next steps are the following: both presbyteries need to vote to dismiss and accept, both synods need to vote to dismiss and accept, and the Special Commission on Middle Governing Bodies formed at the last General Assembly may act on behalf of the Assembly. This matter will come before our presbytery at the July meeting.

7. That the following people served on the commission to install Kenneth E. Hughes as the associate pastor of Decatur Presbyterian Church located in Decatur, GA on February 27, 2011:

a. Rev. Dr. Corey Ingold, Buford Presbyterian Churchb. Rev. Dr. Martha Moore-Keish, Columbia Seminaryc. Rev. Dr. Charles Raynal, Honorably Retiredd. Rev. Donna Wells, Presbytery Staffe. Elder Jan Bedol, Decatur Presbyterian Churchf. Elder Reed Owens, Decatur Presbyterian Churchg. Elder Brian Cayce, North Decatur Presbyterian Churchh. Guest of the Commission: Elder Mike McCracken, Grace Presbyterian in Trussville, AL

8. That the minutes of the installation of Kenneth E. Hughes as associate pastor of Decatur Presbyterian Church located in Decatur, GA on February 27, 2011 be admitted to the record.

9. That the following people served on the commission to install Christopher Andrew Henry as pastor of Shallowford Presbyterian Church located in Atlanta, GA on March 6, 2011:

a. Rev. Dr. Joanna M. Adams, Honorably Retiredb. Rev. Sara A. Hayden, New Church Development Commissionc. Rev. Robert L. Carroll, Jr, specialized ministry at Shallowford Presbyterian Churchd. Rev. George Tatro, Memorial Drive Presbyterian Churche. Elder Jessica J. Camp, Shallowford Presbyterian Churchf. Elder Carol A. Payne, Church of the New Covenantg. Elder Michael Perez, Morningside Presbyterian Church

Presbytery of Greater Atlanta

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h. Elder Alan T. Rosselot, Shallowford Presbyterian Churchi. Elder Bridges H. Smith, Shallowford Presbyterian Churchj. Guest of the Commission: Rev. Dr. David L. Henry, Missouri Union Presbyteryk. Guest of the Commission: Rev. Dr. David L. Bartlett, American Baptist

10. That the minutes of the installation of Christopher Andrew Henry as pastor of Shallowford Presbyterian Church located in Atlanta, GA be admitted to the record.

11. That the following people served on the commission to ordain Sharon Junn as pastoral resident at Central Presbyterian Church located in Atlanta, GA on March 20, 2011:

a. Rev. Gary Charles, Central Presbyterian Churchb. Rev. Margaret Aymer, Interdenominational Theological Seminaryc. Rev. Timothy Park, specialized ministryd. Elder CJ Drymon, Shallowford Presbyterian Churche. Elder Bettye Russell, Central Presbyterian Churchf. Guest of Commission, Neema Cyrus-Franklin, Pacific Presbyteryg. Guest of Commission, Rev. Anna Carter Florence, Greater Atlantah. Guest of Commission, Rev. Kimberly Long, Greater Atlantai. Guest of Commission, Steve Bacon, Greater Atlantaj. Guest of Commission, Caroline Kelly, Greater Atlantak. Guest of Commission, Jihyun Oh, Greater Atlantal. Guest of Commission, Moon EunBae, East Tennessee Presbyterym. Guest of Commission, Jonghyeon Kim, Cherokee Presbytery

12. That the minutes of the ordination of Sharon Junn as a pastoral resident at Central Presbyterian Church located in Atlanta, GA be admitted to the record.

13. That the following people served on the commission to install Baron Mullis as pastor of Morningside Presbyterian Church located in Atlanta, GA on March 27, 2011:

a. Rev. Joanna M. Adams, Honorably Retiredb. Rev. David Weitnauer, member at largec. Rev. Tom Evans, Presbytery Staffd. Rev. Paul Roberts, Johnson C. Smith Seminarye. Elder Martin Dunlap, Morningside Presbyterian Churchf. Elder Sis Newsome, Trinity Atlanta Presbyterian Churchg. Elder Romona Lavender, New Life Presbyterian Churchh. Guest of Commission, Douglas Oldenburg, Charlotte Presbytery

For Recommendation:

1. That any organization in direct relationship with the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta or a validated minister member of this presbytery be given the permission to administer the sacraments for the year 2011 when administered at a special function or event related to the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta.


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This was approved as part of the omnibus motion

EXAMINATIONS COMMISSION:

The following people have met with the Examinations Commission and have been recommended for reception into the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta. None have declared a scruple.

For Recommendation:

Drew Ditzel (candidate of Greater Atlanta), validated ministry with the NCD Kairos. Date of validation of the ministry: March 30, 2011. Effective date of reception: upon ordination.

Alice Schaap Freeman (Charlotte Presbytery) to be received as a member at large. Effective date: May 5, 2011.

Clay Fouse (Providence Presbytery) validated ministry as staff chaplain at the Atlanta VA Hospital. Date of validation: March 30, 2011. Effective date of reception: May 5, 2011.

Billy Honor (candidate of Greater Atlanta) to be the designated pastor of New Life Presbyterian Church. Effective date of reception: upon ordination.

Myong Kim (Florida Presbytery) validated ministry as a chaplain at Emory University in the CPE Residency Program. Date of validation of ministry: February 1, 2011. Date of reception: upon ordination.

Floyd Rhodes, Jr. (Western Reserve Presbytery) Honorably Retired. Date of reception: May 5, 2011.

The above candidates were approved by voice vote.

COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY:

Admit to Record:

1. The following church received a session orientation: Saint Andrews

2. The following persons were enrolled as Inquirer as of shown date:

Lenora McFarland, Decatur, April 7, 2011Joannah Cook, , North Avenue, April 7, 2011Sunghee Hammersly, Korean Community, April 7, 2011


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3. Annual Consultations were conducted for the following persons:

Duncan Meadows, North Avenue Jae Wok Cho, Korean Community Ashley Hurst, Trinity Atlanta Jane Kagia, North Avenue Yeonkwon Jeong, Korean Community Billy Honor, Peachtree Allison Per-Lee, First Atlanta Hamilton Barnes, Peachtree Mary Ellen Vian, First Atlanta Leigh Campbell-Taylor, Central

Evan Carter, Kairos Irene Wong, Atlanta TaiwaneseJoung Chul Lee, Korean CommunityShelley Donaldson, Carrollton

4. The following persons were certified ready to receive a call:

Jillian Embrey, CentralSoon-ki- Lee, Korean CommunityNeill McKay, OglethorpeJae Wok Cho, Korean CommunityBilly Honor, Peachtree

5. The following Candidates were transferred or removed at their request:

Cheryl Sumlin-Barclay - Transferred Lenora Jackson – Ordained in Baptist Church, Removed from CPM Roster/Call Process

6.The following candidates received a call:

Patrick Jinks, Chaplain, Greenville Hospital, Foothills Presbytery Anthony J. (A.J.) Mealor, Associate Pastor for Youth Ministries, Neshaminy-Warwick, Philadelphia Presbytery

For Recommendation:

The Committee on Preparation for Ministry recommends the following inquirers be enrolled as candidates as of shown dates:

Duncan Meadows, North Avenue March 3, 2011


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Yvonne Thurmond, First Douglasville March 3, 2011 Jonathan West, North Avenue March 3, 2011 Christin Johnson, Roswell April 7, 2011 Kyle Kyzer, Smyrna April 7, 2011

The above inquirers were approved as candidates.

Moderator Romona Lavender asked the new candidates the Constitutional QuestionsJill Tolbert offered a chargeKate Colussey-Estes offered prayer.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE: For Recommendation:

1. The names below are proposed by the Nominating Committee to fill committee vacancies at this meeting:

Committee on Ministry2013 Lou Reaves Lay woman Memorial Drive

Committee on Preparation for Ministry2011 Matt Fry Clergy man Norcross2011 Greg Wiggins Clergy man Ormewood Park2012 Jamie Butcher Clergy woman Alpharetta2013 Wendy Dewberry Clergy woman Columbia2013 Jeff Vaughn Lay man Decatur

Committee on Representation2013 C.P. Huang Lay man Atlanta Taiwanese

Operations2011 Robert Hay Lay man St. Andrews, Tucker2011 Linda Davis Lay woman Druid Hills2012 Itihari Toure Lay woman New Life 2013 Allison Johnson Lay woman Stockbridge

Personnel2012 Todd Speed Clergy man Decatur2012 Brent Adams Lay man Covenant 2012 Brenda Gales Lay woman Church of the Resurrection2012 Marva Bryan Lay woman Memorial Drive


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Presbytery Worship and Planning2011 Shelvis Smith-Mather Clergy man At-Large 2012 Marthame Sanders Clergy man Oglethorpe 2013 Stephanie Hankins Clergy woman Validated Ministry2013 Bobby Hulme-Lippert Clergy man Clairmont

The above people were approved as part of the omnibus motion.

2. The Nominating Committee will present the following slate to serve on a Stated Clerk Nominating Committee.

Tom Adams Lay man Trinity, AtlantaDolores Bryant Booker Lay woman Hillside Jane Fahey Clergy woman Druid HillsRob Sparks Clergy man Fairview

Nominations were asked from the floor. The above slate was approved by voice vote.

COORDINATING COUNCIL:

Admit to Record:

1. When the Pilgrimage Church was dissolved, a fund was set aside for the use of a missionary from that church, to labor in the field by the year 2012. The interest off that fund was designated to be used for re-development purposes. Council has approved up to $30,000 to be available from the interest, to be used in the next six months by the Congregational Consultants as they begin their work in the churches. After this time, Council will evaluate their future use and distribution.

2. The following Partnerships have been approved:Joining HandsHealth MinistriesPeacemakingSenior Adult MinistryPublic Policy and Advocacy

For Recommendation:

The Council proposes the following names to serve on the Presbytery’ Nominating Committee: 2011 Mark Roberson Layman Roswell 2011 Clark Simmons Laywoman Druid Hills


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2013 Mary Jane Cornell Clergy Woman At large 2013 Sam Young Kim Clergy Man Korean of Georgia 2013 Ann Grier Laywoman Church of the New Covenant

The above names were approved as part of the omnibus motion.

COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY:

Admit to Record:

1. The following church had a triennial visit that had inadvertently not been recorded: Presbyterian Church of the Redeemer on September 21, 2010.

2. Approve Bill Harris as a Commissioned Lay Pastor within Smyrna Church commissioned to the ministries of pastoral care and spiritual growth. Effective date: February 9, 2011.

3. Grant permission to Jap Keith to labor in the bounds of Northeast Georgia Presbytery in order that he may be the interim pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Gainesville, GA. Effective date: March 3, 2011.

4. Approve the Stated Supply Contract between David Chai (Mid-Kentucky) and Hanbit Presbyterian Church. Effective date: February 9, 2011.

5. Dismiss Rindy Trouteau to Northeast Georgia Presbytery to be the interim pastor at Monticello Presbyterian Church. Effective date: February 26, 2011.

6. Approve the honorable retirement of Margaret Turney-Ayer. Effective date: May 31, 2011.

7. Approve the call of A.J. Mealor (candidate of Greater Atlanta) as the associate pastor of Neshaminy-Warwick Presbyterian Church within the bounds of Philadelphia Presbytery and release him to that presbytery upon his ordination.

8. Change the status of Joy Fisher to presbytery staff as a part time congregational consultant. Effective date: March 1, 2011.

9. Add to the status of David Bowie, part time congregational consultant with the presbytery staff. Effective date: March 1, 2011.

10. Change the status of Jihyun Oh to presbytery staff as the part time Technology Consultant. Effective date: March 1, 2011.

11. Change the status of Tim Read to minister member at large. Effective date: March 15, 2011.


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12. Change the status of Kristina Robb-Dover to minister member at large. Effective date: December 31, 2010.

13. Change the status of Katie Givens-Kime to minister member at large. Effective date: March 7, 2011.

14. Renew the stated supply contract between Pine Grove Church and George Dameron for one year. Effective date: January 1, 2011.

15. Dissolve the pastoral relationship between Jay Thomas and College Park Church and place him in the minister member at large category. Effective date: March 15, 2011.

16. Approve the temporary supply contract between Ceceyla Taylor and Trinity Decatur Church. Effective date: November 30, 2011.

17. Approve the Designated Pastor Contract between Jonier Adrian Orozco and College Park Church. This designated period is until March 31, 2013.Salary 24,000

Housing 18,000FICA 3,213Pension 13,230Car allowance 3,600Continuing Education 1,000Dental 982Misc. reimbursables 600

18. Appoint Beverly Friedlander as moderator of College Park until a pastor is in place. Effective date: March 16, 2011.

19. Increase the housing allowance for Donna Wells to $13,000.

20. Approve the parish associate relationship between Jihyun Oh and Memorial Drive Church. Effective date: February 1, 2011

21. Approve the Stated Supply contract between Sylvia Wilson and Church of the Master. Effective date: March 6, 2011. This contract is for 20 hours per week.

22. Approve the student intern contract between Wylie Hughes and Church of the Master. Effective date: March 6, 2011. This contract is for 20 hours per week.

23. Approve the 6 month renewal of the stated supply contract between Bethany Church and David Rogers. Effective date: April 1, 2011.


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24. Validate the ministry of Andrew Ditzel as a pastoral assistant at Kairos NCD working with children and families. Date of validation: March 30, 2011. Effective date: upon ordination.

25. Validate the ministry of Clarence (Clay) Fouse III as the CPE Supervisor and Staff Chaplain at the Atlanta Veterans Hospital. Date of validation: March 30, 2011.

26. Validate the ministry of Jae Wuk Cho as the Children’s Ministry Director at Korean Community Presbyterian Church. Date of validation: March 30, 2011. Effective date: upon ordination.

27. Dissolve the pastoral relationship between David Burns and Trinity Atlanta Presbyterian Church and place him in the minister member at large category. Effective date: March 11, 2011.

28. The following church had their year 2009 session minutes reviewed on March 3, 2011:East Point, with exception

29. The following churches had their year 2010 session minutes reviewed on March 3, 2011:Church of St. Andrew, without exceptionCollege Park, with exceptionFirst Atlanta, without exceptionGood Shepherd, without exceptionHamilton Mill, without exceptionJohns Creek, without exceptionMemorial Drive, without exceptionRice Memorial, with exceptionStockbridge, without exception

30. The following churches had their year 2010 session minutes reviewed on March 4, 2011:Carrollton, without exceptionMount Vernon, without exceptionNorth Decatur, without exceptionShallowford, without exception

31. The following churches had their year 2010 session minutes reviewed on March 6, 2011:First Griffin, with exceptionHemphill Memorial, without exceptionMcDonough, without exceptionPhiladelphia, without exceptionThe Summit, with exception

32. The following churches had their year 2010 session minutes reviewed on March 7, 2011:First Peachtree City, without exception


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Oglethorpe, with exceptionPleasant Hill, with exceptionTrinity Decatur, with exception

33. The following church had their year 2010 session minutes reviewed on March 10, 2010:First Jonesboro, with exception

34. The following churches had their year 2010 session minutes reviewed on March 15, 2011:Covington First, without exceptionGum Creek, with exceptionLuther Hays, without exceptionPine Grove, without exceptionRay Memorial, without exceptionSmyrna, without exceptionTallapoosa, with exception

35. The following churches had their year 2010 session minutes reviewed on March 20, 2011Crossroads, with exceptionDouglasville, with exceptionFellowship, with exceptionPresbyterian Church of the Redeemer, without exceptionSt. Andrews, without exception

36. The following churches had their year 2010 session minutes reviewed on March 27, 2011:Church of the New Covenant, with exceptionConyers, without exceptionCovenant, without exceptionDecatur, without exceptionDruid Hills, without exceptionEmory, without exceptionFirst African, without exceptionHillside, with exceptionKelley, without exceptionMorningside, with exceptionMorrow, without exceptionNorcross, without exceptionNorth Avenue, with exceptionNorthminster, without exceptionNorthwest, without exceptionOakhurst, without exceptionPeachtree, with exceptionPresbyterian Church of the Resurrection, with exceptionSt. Luke’s, without exception


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Trinity Atlanta, without exception

The following church had their year 2010 minutes reviewed on April 15, 2011:Fairview, without exception.

37. The following ministers have submitted their annual reports and housing allowance requests:Amos, Mary 30,000Bronsink, Troy 20,000Castellani, Betty C. 25,000Clinkscales, Martha 0Lee, Connie 24,900Howard, Cader 0Jernigan, Laura 0Kim, Jaehong 0Mann, Stephen 0McKissick, Bill 0McMinn, Greg 0Mendes, Paulo 24,000Moore-Keish, Martha 15,000Newton, Charlie 0Thompson, Yolanda 0Weber, Callie 0Yoo, Hee-dong 12,000Yoon, Young 0

For Recommendation:

On October 22, 2010, the Presbytery approved an amendment from the floor regarding changes to COM Policy #5 regarding validated ministers. The Committee on Ministry did not have prior knowledge of the amendment and therefore was not able to respond either in favor or opposition to the amendment. Due to lack of time for debate, the presbytery also did not have adequate time for conversation. Now that the COM has time to reflect on the approved amendments, they would like to ask the presbytery to once again amend the document in one area, back to the original policy proposed. Currently approved wording (the strikeout indicates where the wording would be deleted if the new motion is approved: SECTION D ACCOUNTABILITY

If an active Minister of the Word and Sacrament of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta fails to attend at least 1 meeting of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta during a given year and fails to report the work of their ministry over the previous year [Form #3: Annual Report and Request for Revalidation or Form #4: Annual Report for Minister Members at Large], then according to G 11.0415 the CVCP & ML shall move that such persons be


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moved to the inactive roll of the PGA if an attempt to counsel with these persons is not successful after at least one year of monthly attempts to contact the member in question or after consultation with the member and a motion by the subcommittee.

Recommended change:

SECTION D ACCOUNTABILITY

If an active Minister of the Word and Sacrament of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta fails to attend at least 1 meeting of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta during a given year and fails to report the work of their ministry over the previous year [Form #3: Annual Report and Request for Revalidation or Form #4: Annual Report for Minister Members at Large], then according to G 11.0415 the CVCP & ML shall move that such persons be moved to the inactive roll of the PGA if an attempt to counsel with these persons is not successful.

The above motion was approved by consent.

NEW CHURCH DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION:

As a joint commission of the Presbyteries of Cherokee, Greater Atlanta, and Northeast Georgia it was recommended for clarity, donor recognition and tax identification purposes, that the Tri-Presbytery New Church Development Commission (TPNCDC) incorporate as a 501c(3) of the State of Georgia with a unique Federal Tax ID. The TPNCDC approved this action at its August 2010 meeting and upon filing with the state, has received status as a non-profit corporation.

As our January 2011 approved By-laws recognize, The Board of the Tri-Presbytery New Church Development Commission, Inc. consists of the same members duly nominated and elected by the presbyteries to serve on the TPNCDC and is guided by the identical mission purposes and oversight as the TPNCDC.Each recognized entity (church, commission, presbytery) of the PCUSA can request inclusion in the denomination’s Group Ruling as an incorporated ministry program within our denomination. This is an important legal step for corporations and connects the entity with the non-profit recognition of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

For Recommendation:

That Tri-Presbytery New Church Development Commission, Inc., receives the same oversight for its financial and programmatic integrity as the Tri-Presbytery New Church Development Commission -- from the Presbyteries of Cherokee, Greater Atlanta, and Northeast Georgia;

That the Tri-Presbytery New Church Development Commission, Inc., be allowed to request inclusion in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Group Ruling as an incorporated ministry program of the Presbyteries of Cherokee, Greater Atlanta, and Northeast Georgia.


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The above was approved as part of the omnibus motion.

OPERATIONS MINISTRY TEAM:

Admit to Record:

1. The Operations Ministry Team members acting as the Board of Directors approved, by email vote on February 8, 2011, two recommendations from the Budget& Finance Committee. The first for the Church of the New Covenant as follows:

The Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, Inc. (a “Corporation”) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) having received and reviewed the request of Church of the New Covenant, Doraville, Georgia, a member in good standing of this Presbytery, approves the request to sell a portion of their property to

the Montessori School. The officers of the Corporation are authorized to sign documents stipulating such endorsement as agents of the Corporation.

2. The second request from the Presbyterian Church of the Resurrection as follows:

The Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, Inc. (a “Corporation”) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) having received and reviewed the request of the Presbyterian Church of the Resurrection, Atlanta, Georgia, a member in good standing of this Presbytery, approves the request to refinance the mortgage through a private lender.

3. The Operations Ministry Team members acting as the Board of Directors approved, by email vote on February 16, 2011, the recommendation from the Budget& Finance Committee for the College Park Church as follows:

The Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, Inc. (a “Corporation”) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) having received and reviewed the request of the College Park Church, College Park, Georgia, a member in good standing of this Presbytery, approves the request to use the remainder of the existing balance in the previously established “line of credit” with a total permitted draw of $60,000.

4. The Operations Ministry Team members acting as the Board of Directors approved, by email vote on February 18, 2011, the recommendation from Presbytery’s Administrative Commission of the Riverdale Presbyterian Church as follows:

The Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, Inc. (a “Corporation”) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) having received and reviewed the recommendation from Presbytery’s Administrative Commission of the Riverdale Presbyterian Church, approves the recommendation that Presbytery sell the Riverdale property.

Caroline Kelly and Cheryl Gosa will continue the sale negotiations on Presbytery’s behalf.


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5. The Operations Ministry Team members acting as the Board of Directors approved, by email vote on March 28, 2011, the recommendation from the Budget& Finance Committee for Morningside Church as follows:

The Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, Inc. (a “Corporation”) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) having received and reviewed the request of Morningside Church, Atlanta, Georgia, a member in good standing of this Presbytery, approves the request to modify the loan terms with PILP, changing the term from a five (5) year loan to a twenty (20) year loan.

For Recommendation:

The Operations Ministry Team members acting as the Board of Directors approved, at the April 12, 2011 meeting, the request from the DHPC Session of Druid Hills Church as follows:

The Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, Inc. (a “Corporation”) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) having received and reviewed the request of Druid Hills Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, Georgia, a member in good standing of this Presbytery, approves the request that Presbytery authorize the full withdrawal and closure of the Inman Park Trust, permitting Druid Hills Presbyterian Church to utilize the balance toward the designed efforts of the Trust.

Rationale: Druid Hills Presbyterian Church (DHPC) is the recipient of a trust established when the old Inman Park Church property was sold to the State of Georgia, and its members merged with DHPC. DHPC is currently the beneficiary of the income generated. The purpose of the Trust was assigned to provide spiritual care and help to persons in the area. DHPC requests that Presbytery approve the withdrawal of the remaining balance of the Trust, approximately $48,000 to support DHPC efforts outlined by the Trust. Both the Budget and Finance Committee and the Board of Directors recommend this action.

The above was approved as part of the omnibus motion.


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Upon the conclusion of the closing hymn, the Moderator offered a closing prayer.

The body adjourned at 12:32 PM.


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Respectfully Submitted:

Donna E. WellsActing Stated Clerk

Addendum Item #1:


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RIVERDALE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CELEBRATION

PROCLAMATION

Whereas: Riverdale Presbyterian Church was organized in July 1895 by Atlanta Presbytery with 33 charter members from Philadelphia Presbyterian Church, the Congregational Methodist Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church; and

Whereas: The Baptists and Presbyterians built the first church jointly in 1894 on land deeded to them by a prominent Riverdale family and shared the church on alternate Sundays from 1885 until 1911; and

Whereas: Riverdale became the sole owner of the building as a result of a $400.00 gift but shared a traveling pastor with other churches until 1951; and

Whereas: Neither the fires in 1935 and 1948 nor the tornado in 1961 could destroy the church which kept rebuilding and growing so that it finally consisted of the main building, an annex and Joy Hall (the fellowship hall); and

Whereas: in 1984, under the leadership of the Reverend Cecil Murphy, the church reached its highest membership level of 392 members, but thereafter began to decline with the changing demographics of the city; and

Whereas: Riverdale Church enjoyed a diverse membership including whites, blacks, Africans and Koreans becoming a loving, caring congregation; and

Whereas: Riverdale Church has been pastored from 1958 until 1995 by such persons as: Rev. Bill Satterwhite, Rev. Mark Wilborn, Rev. Cecil Murphey, Rev. Paul Gray (associate pastor), Rev. Malcolm Brownlee and Rev. Julia Simmons (interim Pastor); and

Whereas: These pastors were followed by the Reverend Dr. Steve Austin who served from 1995 until February 1, 2009 both full-time and part-time; and

Whereas: the Reverend Yolanda Thompson served as Fulltime Stated Supply Pastor from February 2009 until the closing of the church in 2010; and

Whereas: The congregation of Riverdale Presbyterian Church on November 7, 2010, voted to close its doors.

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED: That Riverdale Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), a church that, through the years, has served its community well and a church with a rich history of diversity, love and service to God, be officially dissolved.

The Riverdale Administrative Commission


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Dan West, ChairpersonMay 5, 2011Addendum item #2

CELEBRATION OF THE RETIREMENT OF MARGARET TURNEY-AYER

Whereas, on November 13, 1983, Margaret Turney-Ayer was ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament by the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta of the Presbyterian Church (USA); and,

Whereas, Margaret began her collegiate education previous to ordination, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education at the University of South Florida, a Master’s degree in Music Theory at Indiana University; and,

Whereas, Margaret served as a church musician in a number of churches before being called to parish ministry, including a time as a choir member and children’s choir director at the Roswell Presbyterian Church; and,

Whereas, Margaret answered the call to ministry by earning a Master of Divinity degree from the Candler School of Theology of Emory University and later a Doctor of Ministry degree from San Francisco Theological Seminary; and,

Whereas, following ordination Margaret served as a hospital chaplain and later as an Associate Pastor at the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church in Lilburn, GA, the Decatur Presbyterian Church in Decatur, GA, and First Presbyterian Church of Covington, GA; and,

Whereas, on January 6, 1997, Margaret was installed as an Associate Pastor of the Roswell Presbyterian Church; and,

Whereas, in her service at Roswell Margaret has endeared herself to the congregation through her commitment to ministries of care and compassion; and,

Whereas, Margaret has brought to the Roswell Presbyterian Church an appreciation for the important role that prayer and spirituality play in our lives; and,

Whereas, God has used Margaret to deepen our walk with Christ through new forms of prayer and devotion; and,

Whereas, Margaret has helped Roswell Presbyterian Church shape a caring ministry which is second to none, ministering to members of the congregation at times of grief and loss, times of stress and worry, times of change and transition; and,

Whereas, Margaret has served as a faithful and gifted Bible teacher, preacher, designer of special worship services, caring confidant and counselor to many; and,


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Whereas, Margaret has served as a faithful member of our staff team, offering her gifts to help make our congregation and our staff a stronger church for the work of Christ; and,

Whereas, we have all come to know and love Margaret as a wonderful person of faith, a faithful friend, a devoted aunt, and a servant of Jesus Christ,

Now therefore be it resolved, that on the occasion of her retirement, the staff, session, and congregation of the Roswell Presbyterian Church join together with the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta in giving thanks to God for

the gifts God has given to Margaret Turney-Ayer, and we express our gratitude to Margaret for her willingness to answer God’s call; and,

Furthermore, we join together in wishing Margaret many more years of rest, of reading, of relaxation, and most of all, many more years of faithful service to God.

The kingdom is a better place because of Margaret’s service.


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Addendum item #3

Presbytery of Greater Atlanta2010 Necrology

Elders

Alpharetta Presbyterian Church Maxine Rakestraw December 9

Carrollton Presbyterian Church Mary Frances McMillan February 10 Ruth Maret Meeks Griffin March 17

College Park Presbyterian Church Listina Webb

Columbia Presbyterian Church Ned Boring October 18

Decatur Presbyterian Church Virginia B. Weinburgh February 5 James Clinton Roberts August 19

Druid Hills Presbyterian Church William L. Callahan November 15

East Point Presbyterian Church Truman Terry June 3 Lamorah Stephens September 20 Nancy Carwile December 28

Eastminster Presbyterian Church Minnie Oxford December 21

First Presbyterian Church-Atlanta John Dickerson Smith April 19 James Gibson Hull May 7 Katherine Coleman Williams May 11 Albert Y. Badre October 30 G. Arthur Howell, Jr. November 25

First Presbyterian Church-Covington B.C. Crowell July 16

First Presbyterian Church-Peachtree City Hugh Smith February 19

Friendship Presbyterian Church Albert Turner April 7

Hemphill Presbyterian Church Janet Satterwhite December 28

Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church Sam Leonard January 30 Myrtia Mardis October 2

McDonough Presbyterian Church John Frank Ward September 11

Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church Paul V. Jones February 21


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James G. Johnson, Jr. June 1 Wayne D. Kilgore July 30 Mildred R. Head September 5

New Life Presbyterian Church Lloyd Gould July 1

North Avenue Presbyterian Church John T. Winn, III July 24

Northminster Presbyterian Church Laurie Bass December 26

Northwest Presbyterian Church William S. Elias

Oakhurst Presbyterian Church Choquita McGriff July 2

Oglethorpe Presbyterian Church

Iola Patterson June 14

Peachtree Presbyterian Church Le’Nard Hanes January 13 James Lanier February 13 Arthur Baxter March 6 Miles Smith March 20 Howard Carson March 31 Collie Collins April 29 Molly Johnson July 1 Jim Mindrup September 22 Jane Green October 18 Susan Jones December 21 Wilson Payne December 21 Martha Russell December 30

Philadelphia Presbyterian Church Edward Lynn Huie, Jr. May 12 Nella Ree Dunn December 31

Presbyterian Church of the Resurrection Jan Johnson June 17

Rock Spring Presbyterian Church Robert K. Sims August 28

Roswell Presbyterian Church Russell W. Dickinson January 21 Eugene Anderson Wilkinson April 16 E. Lorraine Ekstrom July 1 Christine K. Evans August 6 June Jones December 26

Shallowford Presbyterian Church Albert S. Maner May 17

St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Douglas W. Robertson February 17

St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church John Wilson Callaway May 11 Myron Johnson August 22 Duncan Cutler December 22

Stockbridge Presbyterian Church Gordon Hazlett October 19 Rosemary Beebe December 10

Tallapoosa Presbyterian Church William (Bill) Brown July 22 Ralph Key September 5

Westminster Presbyterian Church Jerry Lee Malcom November 20 Thomas Lee Starnes December 2

Ministers


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John Sprole Lyons February 23James L. Dodd March 8Buddy Hughes April 14Shirley Adams October 16

Harold Prince December 30Rich Stanford March 25, 2011

Addendum Item #4

PRESBYTERY MANUAL FIRST READINGS

The Presbytery of Greater Atlanta suspended much of the manual when it adopted its new strategic plan on October 22, 2011. For the next several presbytery meetings, new portions of the manual will be presented to the presbytery first as a “first reading” and then at the next meeting for discussion and approval.

Today’s meeting contains the first reading for the portion on COUNCIL. This first reading discusses the composition and duties of the council for your consideration. Along with this first reading, an overture was submitted by Oakhurst Presbyterian Church which has implications for the composition of the Council. Per the old manual, any such revisions need a first reading as well…thus, today is the:

1. Proposal of the manual portion on the Council2. The overture from Oakhurst Presbyterian Church3. The Council’s recommendation to the presbytery regarding the overture from Oakhurst Presbyterian

Church.

At the July 16, 2011 meeting of Presbytery, both the portion on the Council and the overture from Oakhurst will be presented for discussion and vote. At this meeting, what follows is a first reading:

First reading presented on May 5, 2011:

1. The manual portion of “Council”


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PRESBYTERY’S COUNCIL

General

For the implementation of its principles and programs, Presbytery shall have a Council with the responsibilities delineated by this Manual.

Membership

The membership of Council shall be representative taking into consideration gender, church size, church location, racial ethnic, disability, minister, laity.

The ex officio (by virtue of their office) members of Council shall be:The immediate pastor Moderator of Presbytery The Moderator of the PresbyteryThe Moderator Elect of the PresbyteryThe Moderator of Presbyterian WomenThe Moderator or designee of Committee on MinistryThe Moderator or designee of Committee For PreparationThe Moderator or designee of OperationsThe Moderator or designee of PersonnelThe Moderator or designee of the Nominating CommitteeThe Moderator or designee of the Camp Calvin CommitteeThe Moderator or designee of the Presbytery and Worship Planning Committee

Presbytery shall elect 15 members of Council in three classes of five. Ordinarily, these elected members shall be ordained teaching or ruling elders. Elected members of Council shall be elected at the last Stated Meeting of Presbytery annually for terms of three years, and shall take office on the first of January succeeding their election. Elected members shall be eligible for re-election to a second three-year term. A person who has served a total of six consecutive years shall be ineligible for re-election to Council for a period of at least one year.

Nominations for elected Council members shall be made by the Nominating Committee, but the floor shall be open for nominations of any other minister, elder or layperson. Such nominations from the floor must be made with due regard to preserving representation.

All members of Council shall be members of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta.

Responsibilities of Council

1. Facilitate the meetings of Presbytery2. Facilitate the preparation of a budget for Presbytery approval3. Facilitate oversight of the Presbytery staff and matters regarding personnel4. Direct evaluation of the Executive Presbyter and Stated Clerk5. Receive and review reports of all Presbytery Committees


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6. Provide an annual report to the Presbytery that shall be presented at the first Stated meeting of Presbytery in a calendar year.

7. Nominate candidates to the Nominating Committee8. Consult with the synod concerning the overall mission needs of Synod9. Review proposals for changes to the Manual of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta and make

recommendation to Presbytery regarding any changes10. Direct the Board of Directors of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, Inc. to acquire and hold

property11. To encourage ministries of justice, mercy and compassion

Committees of Council

Committees of Council are defined as committees needed to do the work of the Council. Standing Committees of Council shall be: Calvin Center Operations Partnerships Personnel Presbytery Worship and Planning

Standing Committees of Council need approval of Council for access to the floor of Presbytery.

The Permanent Committees of Presbytery that have direct access to the floor of Presbytery shall be: Bills and Overtures Committee for the Preparation of Ministry Committee on Ministry Nominations

Other Committees shall be formed or transformed as needed in order to carry out the work of the Council.

Commissions of the Presbytery shall have direct access to the floor of Presbytery after consultation with Council regarding the Presbytery docket: Examinations Georgia Campus Ministry Commission New Church Development Commission Permanent Judicial Commission

Officers

Officers of the Council shall be as follows:


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Moderator…the previous year’s Presbytery ModeratorVice Moderator…shall serve whenever the Moderator is unavailableSecretary…shall coordinate all meetings, take the minutes of Council and provide for an annual report to Presbytery.

The Council shall elect the Vice Moderator and Secretary.

Schedule and Quorum

The Council shall fix a schedule which provides for its meetings at least five (5) times a year. Additional meetings may be held upon the call of the Chair with sufficient notice having been given to all members to be able to attend, and if needed, participate via electronic means.

The quorum of Presbytery’s Council shall be a majority of members.

Relationships

The Executive Presbytery and Stated Clerk shall be advisory members of the Council. The Exempt staff of the Presbytery may attend meetings of Council in an advisory role. No presbytery staff shall have the right of vote.

* * * *

Comments regarding proposal on THE COUNCIL

1. We have taken out the word “coordinating” since the Council is no longer a Coordinating body but a decision making body.

2. The task force is proposing a much higher number of at large members. Even though this may seem too many at first, the reasoning for adding more is as follows: more task force and working groups of Council will be needed in this transition; because of the transition to a governing body rather than a coordinating body…more people means broader representation considering all the factors that need to be taken into consideration; power will not seem so concentrated if more than the number of ex-officio members are elected by the body

3. The task force is proposing adding the office of vice moderator so it is clear who can act when the moderator is unable to be present.

4. The task force is proposing that ordinarily those at large folks will be elders or ministers because of the added responsibility of being a more hands on governing board. The ordinarily language however does provide for flexibility.

5. The task force is proposing that members of council must be members of the presbytery.

* * * * *

First reading on the Overture from the Oakhurst Presbyterian Church


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OVERTURE TO THE PRESBYTERY OF GREATER ATLANTA FROM OAKHURST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, JANUARY 27, 2011

Whereas Presbyterians, as part of the Reformed Tradition, are called to be in connection with one another in all things, for as the Psalmist says “How good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!”; (Psalms 133:1)

Whereas “all governing bodies of the church are united by the nature of the church and share with one another responsibilities, rights and powers as provided in the Constitution;” (Book of Order G-9.0103) Whereas the Sessions of the Churches in the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are connected to each other and to the Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly by this foundational principle of Presbyterian government;

Whereas this connection brings the churches of the presbytery into unity and mission, which is a gift of Christ to his Church; (Book of Order G-1.0100c)

Whereas the presbytery shall have a general mission budget to support the church’s mission within its area . . . ; (from Book of Order G-11.0304)

Whereas the presbytery shall raise and expend its funds in the light of the priorities of the whole church; (Book of Order G-11.0304) Whereas, although we have our differences, we are called on to “forebear one another in love” and “be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace;” (Ephesians 4:2-3) Whereas the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta calls upon all churches within its bounds to assume responsible financial support of the unity and mission of the presbytery by funding its mission through a per capita apportionment;

Whereas a presbytery has the right and discretion “to consider a congregation’s financial participation in the life of the larger church as one of many factors as it crafts policies and exercises pastoral care”; (Johnston v. Heartland Presbytery, 2006) Therefore, be it resolved that beginning in 2012, all members of the Coordinating Council must be members of or affiliated with a church within the Presbytery that has paid its assessed per capita apportionment for the mission of this presbytery and the wider church in the previous fiscal year. Members of the Presbytery who are not affiliated with a church within the Presbytery also are eligible to serve on the Coordinating Council. Churches that are unable to pay any or all of their per capita apportionment due to financial hardship can appeal for an exemption to the above rule on the floor of Presbytery and can be granted such an exemption by majority vote of voting members present.

At this time, we also call on Presbytery to facilitate meaningful dialogue among all member churches within the Presbytery on issues that are related to the non-payment of per capita apportionment by some member churches so that we can continue to work together to form a beloved community.


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Rationale: Although we recognize that some Sessions withhold financial support of the mission of the presbytery for reasons of disagreement with the priorities of the whole church, this resolution is not intended to be punitive in nature. Rather, recognizing that the Presbyterian form of church government is connectional in nature, the purpose of this resolution is to assure that the power to make decisions about the whole mission of the presbytery rests in the hands of those who give financial support to the whole mission of the body they govern.

Background, Council’s response and Council’s recommendation to the presbytery regarding the above overture to be present for action on July 16, 2011:

Council first received a preliminary version of this overture in October 2010. To better discern the intentions of the session of Oakhurst and to receive further information, a team of three people from Council met with the session: Ann Grier, Kathleen Allen and Donna Wells. After that meeting, the session decided to revise and clarify their overture and resubmit it to the Council. That revision is printed above.

Council invited Jane Fahey at its meeting on April 4, 2011 to discuss with the Council the “judicial” implications for the presbytery if this overture were adopted in order to get further information before making its recommendation to the presbytery.

The Council’s recommendation is printed below. This recommendation will come with the Oakhurst overture at the July 16, 2011 meeting for a vote.

The Council wishes to first express its understanding of the emotions behind the overture proposed by Oakhurst Presbyterian Church.

The Council also wishes to affirm the overture’s call “to facilitate meaningful dialogue among all member churches within the Presbytery on issues that are related to the non-payment of per capita apportionment by some member churches so that we can continue to work together to form a beloved community.”

We understand the concern that elected members of Council should have a true concern for the mission of the Presbytery and PCUSA and show that support through the per capita payments. There is a sense of fairness and justice that those having a part in making decisions for the Presbytery should be part of the financial support of the Presbytery.

However, after much discussion, the Council has decided NOT to recommend the passage of Oakhurst’s overture to the Presbytery. The following reasons informed our decision:

• It is not an individual’s decision not to pay per capita, and therefore an individual should not be held accountable for the decision of a session, and not allowed to serve

• This is an issue of working as a community of faith and we should not try to resolve it with rules and regulations


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• If passed, this would give extra privilege to specialized clergy who do not serve a particular congregation

• This would exclude members from becoming active in Presbytery and learning and sharing with their congregation more about the mission and work of the Presbytery

• Members of Council are not delegates to vote for their congregation, but are elected to discern how the Spirit is moving and vote according to their conscience.


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THE PRESBYTERY OF GREATER ATLANTA STATED MEETING...

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