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MINUTES STATED MEETING OF HOLSTON PRESBYTERY

September 8, 2015 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Call to Order and Opening Worship ....................................................................................................... 2973

Enrollment ....................................................................................................................................................... 2973

Consent Agenda ............................................................................................................................................. 2978

Treasurer's Report ....................................................................................................................................... 2979

Stated Clerk’s Report ................................................................................................................................... 2981

Minutes of the Commission to Ordain the Rev. Patrick Harley ..................................... 2981

General Mission Board Report ................................................................................................................. 2982

Campus Ministry Taskforce Report ......................................................................................... 2982

2014 Financial Review Report .................................................................................................. 2982

2016 General Mission Budget .................................................................................................... 2983

Child Protection Policy ................................................................................................................. 2983

First Presbyterian Church, Morristown, Request to Sell Property .............................. 2984

Committee on Preparation for Ministry Report ................................................................................ 2995

Enrollment of Larry Sharrett as Inquirer .............................................................................. 2995

Enrollment of Michael Thornton as Inquirer ....................................................................... 2995

Committee on Ministry Report ................................................................................................................ 2995

Meadowview Presbyterian Church G-2.0404 Waiver ...................................................... 2998

First Presbyterian Church, Greeneville, G-2.0504c Exception ...................................... 2998

Presbyterian Women ................................................................................................................................... 3004

Discipleship Committee Report ............................................................................................................... 3004

Presbyterian Campus Ministry Report ................................................................................... 3004

Holston Center Report ................................................................................................................................ 3006

Mission and Evangelism Committee Report....................................................................................... 3010

2015 Hunger Grant Requests Be Paid on a Ratio Allocation, as Needed .................. 3010

Administration and Budget Committee Report ................................................................................ 3019

Trustees Report ............................................................................................................................................. 3022

First Presbyterian Church, Bristol, Request to Lease Property .................................... 3022

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Nominating Committee Report................................................................................................................ 3022

Election of the 2016 Presbytery Moderator ......................................................................... 3022

Report on Grandfather Home and Lees-McRae College ................................................................. 3025

Committee on Thanks Report .................................................................................................................. 3025

Closing Prayer and Adjournment ........................................................................................................... 3025

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MINUTES

STATED MEETING OF HOLSTON PRESBYTERY Holston Presbytery Camp and Retreat Center, Banner Elk, NC

September 8, 2015

Holston Presbytery met for its stated meeting at Holston Presbytery Camp and Retreat Center, Banner Elk, North Carolina, at 9:00 AM. Moderator, Ruling Elder Bill Reese, welcomed those gathered for the meeting. The meeting was opened with worship and prayer, including the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. The worship leaders were: Ruling Elders Jim Austin, Paul Burkey, Carter Florence; Teaching Elders Mark Knisley, Lee Clements, Diana Moore, and guest musician Chuck Bell. An offering for Five Cents a Meal was collected in the amount of $419.55. Jim Austin, Interim Camp Director, welcomed everyone on behalf of the Camp. Commissioners and guests were welcomed with first time commissioners and guests recognized.

ENROLLMENT:

TEACHING ELDERS PRESENT/ABSENT: Name Present Absent

Allen, William E. x

Amstutz, Sharon x

Armistead, Robert L. x

Askew, Catherine Clasen x

Austin, Richard C. x

Barron, Earle x

Bement, Gary x

Bier, Tom x

Burkey, Margaret x

Cagle, David x

Campbell, John x

Cartwright, Gregory x

Cave, Payne x

Chamberlain, Mike x

Chapman, Alan x

Christian, H. Martin x

Clark, Dan x

Clements, Lee x

Cobb, Harrell L. x

Crow, Conrad x

Donaldson, Dan x

Dowling, John x

Fifield, Richard L. x

Florence, Kaye x

Gandy, Joan x

Goforth, Bill S. x

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Gray, James L. x

Gunn, Yale x

Hale, David L. x

Hambrick, Jr., David C. x

Helphinstine, Paul x

Hopper, Barron x

Huff, Allen x

Hutchison, Ralph x

Hyers-Prentice, David x

Hyers, William D. x

Im, Seong Cheol x

Imsande, Louis x

Johnson, Deven x

Jordan, Greg x

Kelly, R. Gary x

Kestner, C. Phillip x

Knisley, Mark x

Lancaster, Lewis x

LaPointe, Douglas x

Locke, Patricia x

Martin, James x

Martin, John L. x

Mays, James x

Meredith, Tim W. x

Miller, David x

Moore, Diana x

Murphy, Charles x

Norris, Rodney x

O’Connor, Hayley x

Parsons, Gradye x

Peake, Thomas x

Phillips, J. Thomas X

Ray, Richard x

Rolling, George L. x

Saunders, Raymond x

Schmidt, Kyle x

Scruggs, Glenn X

Shackelford, Edgar P. X

Shaw, Angus X

Sims, David H. X

Smith, Shane X

Spence, Jr., Andrew E. X

Spoon, Eric X

Steinle, Marshall X

Strang, Fred Foy x

Sutherland, Terry X

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Sydnor, Charles S. X

Taylor, Harrison X

Troyer, Elizabeth X

Turnbull, Gordon X

Vogado, Chris X

Wade, Thomas M. L. X

Walker, Fred X

Webster, Stan X

Weed, Sherrolyn G. X

Weisz, Stephen R. X

Welch, David X

White, Katherine X

White, Ray X

Whitesides, Davis X

Willard, Pat X

Wing, III, William T. X

Wyatt, Brian x

Young, William X

MINISTERS OF OTHER DENOMINATIONS PRESENT/ABSENT:

Name Present Absent

Blevins, Daniel X

Dinwiddie, Bill X

Hutton, Mark X

Rainwater, Robert x

Roe, John P. X

COMMISSIONED RULING ELDERS PRESENT/ABSENT:

Name Present Absent

Baird, Carol X

Baird, Gloria X

Ballinger, Calvin X

Barnette, Anthony X

Cagle, Tracy X

Catts, John X

Cobb, Marci X

Culbertson, Mike X

Dalton, David X

Dameron, Cliff X

Doer, Eddie X

Farmer, Mary Jane X

Finley, Harold X

Grimes, Robert X

Herndon, Chip X

Light, David X

Maddox, Anna X

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Meadows, Bobby X

Morelock, Jeff X

Rice, Cheryl X

Riddle, Jackie X

Sauls, Con X

Smith, Gene X

Stevens, Betty X

Stokes, Mark X

Tucker, John X

Wise, Amanda X

Wise, Scott X

Wright, Kathleen X

RULING ELDER COMMISSIONERS:

Congregation Principal Alternate Visitor/Other

Amity

Barton Springs

Bethel, Dandridge

Bethel, Kingsport Steve Arthur

Blountville Charles Mays

Bristol, First Paul Warhurst Con Sauls

Cedar Creek

Cedarview Coy Klepper

Chuckey

Clinton

Cold Spring Mary Jane Pope

Colonial Heights

Cove Creek

Covenant Erma Hyers

Cross Anchor

Elizabethton, First Jean Hall

Erwin Dean Masters

Grays Chapel

Greeneville, First James Hope

Hebron

Hopewell Jane Schule

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Jefferson City, First Shannon Collins

Jennie Moore Helen Edwards

Johnson City, First

Jonesborough Carter Florence

Keystone

Kingsport, First Jennie Benton

Leesburg

Liberty

Magill Memorial

Meadowview Nancy Meaddows

Morristown, First RJ Kopituk

Mountain City Selma Fifer

Mt. Hermon

New Bethel

New Ebenezer

New Market

New Providence

Newport

Oakland

Old Kingsport Nancy Wolfe

Philadelphia

Piney Flats Phyllis Clark Mary Dobrovolc

Preston Hills

Reedy Creek, Bristol

Reedy Creek, Kingsport

Rock Creek

Rogersville Elizabeth Smith

Rosemont

Salem Tod Jablonski

Shady Valley

Shenandoah

St. Paul

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Strawberry Plains

Tabernacle

Timber Ridge Paul Burkey

Tri City Korean

Valley Pike

Watauga Avenue Mike Miyamota

Waverly Road

Weaver Union

West Ridge

Windsor Avenue

Zion

PRESBYTERY MODERATOR: Ruling Elder Bill Reese

PRESBYTERY STAFF: Kim Fifield, Jim Austin, Andrea Sutter

COMMITTEE CHAIRS: Hal Hunter

VISITING/CORRESPONDING TEACHING ELDERS/MINISTERS: Don Steele (Pittsburgh Presbytery), Kathy Hammond (UMC Local Licensed Pastor—Hopewell)

VISITORS: Bruce Lyttle, Patty Lyttle, Nancy Knisley, Delaney Young, Rick Kopituk, Chuck Bell, Luke Imsande, Estelle Armistead, Sherry Tester, Josh Beckett, Aaron Caten, Janis Miyamota

CONSENT AGENDA

The below Consent Agenda was adopted:

Approved enrollment

Declaration of quorum

Approved requests for excused absences

Approved giving visiting ministers voice

Approved Minutes of the June 6, 2015 Stated Meeting

Appointment of Committee on Thanks: Hal Hunter, Carter Florence and Greg Cartwright

Appointment of the Bills & Overture Committee: Gordon Turnbull and Sharon Amstutz

Adoption of the Docket

Treasurer’s Report

INTRODUCTION OF NEW BUSINESS: There was no new business introduced.

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Treasurer’s Report General Mission Budget

January – June 2015

Jan - Jun 15 Budget

% of Budget

Ordinary Income/Expense

Income

60160 · Unified Mission Designated Fund 6,234.73

60500 · Unified Monies 148,508.61 325,000.00 45.7%

60550 · Designated Reserve 0.00 45,810.93 0.0%

61905 · Interest Income 17,482.59 34,985.00 49.97%

Total Income 172,225.93 405,795.93 42.44%

Gross Profit 172,225.93 405,795.93 42.44%

Expense

70100 · GMB/Ministries w/Councils 47,028.15 88,771.53 52.98%

70200 · Committee on Ministry -45.00 1,500.00 -3.0%

70300 · Committee Prep for Ministry 0.00 1,500.00 0.0%

70400 · Mission & Evangelism 0.00 3,250.00 0.0%

70500 · Discipleship Committee 51,768.23 117,541.47 44.04%

70900 · Administration & Budget 96,831.17 191,232.30 50.64%

71400 · Trustees 42.25

Total Expense 195,624.80 403,795.30 48.45%

Net Ordinary Income -23,398.87 2,000.63

Net Income

-23,398.87 2,000.63

Fund Balances as of June 30, 2015

Jun 30, 15

ASSETS

Current Assets

Checking/Savings

10000 · CHECKING - CITIZENS BANK

10110 · Designated Reserve Unused 30,992.80

10111 · Select Monies 25,146.31

10172 · Bethany PC-Lease Monies 300.00

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10173 · Walkertown PC-Lease Monies 300.00

10211 · Hattie Farthing Fund 1,438.79

10320 · Holston Seminary Student Fund 6,124.30

10410 · Global Mission Fund 1,614.36

10420 · 5 Cents-a-Meal Local 1,158.28

10421 · 5 Cents-a-Meal International 0.02

10530 · Indian Ridge Payment 1,000.00

10531 · Youth Ministry Endowment 750.00

10630 · Presbytery Peacemaking 6,105.43

10640 · EIHN - Restoring Creation 1,425.00

10712 · Ministry - Hawkins County 15,500.00

10714 · Church Hill - Undesignated 6,000.00

11312 · Campus Ministry - Other 3,220.00

11860 · Williams Transition Fund 8.82

11861 · Williams Capital Fund Interest 10,990.72

11862 · Williams Program Fund Interest 15,839.09

11910 · Honoraria - EP 3,236.19

15000 · Charitable Gift Annuity -11,044.84

20000 · Citizens Bank

20210 · Pastoral Care 1,009.86

20531 · Youth Triennium 8.21

20710 · Church Development 309.70

20750 · New Church Development 227.26

20780 · Evangelism 981.30

20911 · Equipment Reserve 691.62

21820 · Grigsby Scholarship 12,246.15

21830 · Braziel Scholarship 5,788.53

21840 · Dixon Scholarship 4,988.79

21881 · Ninth Street Loan Fund - Hold 3,107.59

Total 20000 · Citizens Bank 29,359.01

10000 · CHECKING - CITIZENS BANK - Other 67,994.50

Total 10000 · CHECKING - CITIZENS BANK 217,458.78

30000 · PRESBYTERIAN FOUNDATION

30211 · Hattie Farthing Fund 38,407.51

30710 · Church Development 32,545.05

30730 · Small Church Fund 152,396.28

30750 · New Church Development 75,068.88

31820 · Grigsby Scholarship 84,789.16

31830 · Braziel Scholarship 43,440.23

31840 · Dixon Scholarship 35,660.77

31870 · Pattie Bushong Fund 1,951.68

31880 · Robinson Fund 964.28

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31881 · Ninth Street Loan Fund 15,319.81

31882 · Ninth Street Scholarship 33,426.60

31883 · Tusculum College Endowment 108,360.25

Total 30000 · PRESBYTERIAN FOUNDATION 622,330.50

Total Checking/Savings 839,789.28

Other Current Assets

40000 · The PFSA, Inc Grant-Restricted 627,000.00

Total Other Current Assets 627,000.00

Total Current Assets 1,466,789.28

Other Assets

80000 · Notes Receivable

80100 · Indian Ridge Baptist Church 104,500.00

80200 · Hebron Presbyterian Church 24,993.48

Total 80000 · Notes Receivable 129,493.48

Total Other Assets 129,493.48

TOTAL ASSETS

1,596,282.76

STATED CLERK’S REPORT was given by Rich Fifield.

INFORMATION:

1. Received the Minutes of the Commission to Ordain the Rev. Patrick Harley as Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA) on June 20, 2015. (See below.)

2. Received communication from the Presbytery of East Tennessee expressing their gratitude to Holston Presbytery for volunteers assisting with Big Tent, July 30-August 1, 2015.

Minutes of the Commission of Holston Presbytery to ordain Patrick Harley Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA).

The Commission, according to the appointment of Holston Presbytery met at First Presbyterian Church, Greeneville, on June 20, 2015, at 2:40 PM, with Ministers Dr. Dan Donaldson, Dr. Frank Covington (Salem Presbytery), Rev. Andrew Whaley, Rev. Rachel Winter (Sheppards and Lapsley Presbytery), and Elders Joyce Johnson (First Church, Greeneville), Alan Kobs (First Church, Greeneville), Dr. John Zirkle (First Church, Jefferson City), Betsy Panhorst (First Church, Auburn, Georgia) present.

Dr. Dan Donaldson opened the meeting with prayer. Dr. Dan Donaldson was elected Moderator and Alan Kobs Clerk of the Commission. A quorum was declared. Responsibilities and procedures for the Service of Ordination were reviewed, and the Commission recessed to be reconvened in the presence of the congregation at 3:00 PM.

Dr. Dan Donaldson reconvened the Commission in the presence of the congregation and Rev. Andrew Whaley led the congregation in worship by preaching from Philippians 3:1-14. Dr.

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Frank Covington propounded the Constitutional Questions for ordination. All questions being answered in the affirmative, Patrick Harley was ordained as Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA) agreeably to the Word of God and the constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The prayer was led by Alan Kobs.

Members of the presbytery and others welcomed the newly ordained minister into their fellowship in the ministry of the Word. Rev. Rachel Winter delivered a charge to the Pastor.

At the conclusion of the service, the new minister pronounced the benediction. After the service, officers and member of the church gave the Rev. Patrick Harley an appropriate expression of cordial reception and affectionate regard.

The Minutes of the Commission were read and approved and the Commission and adjourned with prayer by Dr. Dan Donaldson.

Signed by Clerk: Alan Kobs

GENERAL MISSION BOARD REPORT was given by Sharon Amstutz.

Call to Order and Opening Prayer at 3:03 PM by Sharon Amstutz, Moderator.

Present: Bill Reese, Moderator; Sharon Amstutz; Diana Moore; Tom Phillips; Jim Amstutz; Shane Smith; David Light; Pam Pope; Jackie Riddle; Hal Hunter; Marshall Steinle; John Smith; Ed Hutchinson; Kim Fifield; Jim Austin; Andrea Sutter; Rich Fifield; and Paul Helphinstine.

Reports/Recommendations to the General Mission Board:

Stated Clerk’s Report was given by Rich Fifield.

Treasurer’s Report was given by Kim Fifield.

Moderator’s Report was given by Bill Reese.

Vice-Moderator’s Report was given by Diana Moore.

Task Force/Committee Reports:

1. The Campus Ministry Taskforce Report was presented by Paul Helphinstine. (See attached Report.)

It was moved, seconded and approved that the Campus Ministry Taskforce Report recommendation #3 be referred to the Administration and Budget Committee.

It was moved, seconded and approved that the Campus Ministry Taskforce Report recommendations #1 and #2 be accomplished by renewing and enhancing the charter of the existing Campus Ministry Taskforce to come back to the General Mission Board with more specific mission, vision and program recommendations.

2. Administration and Budget Committee Report, David Light

a. The 2014 Financial Review Taskforce (Ruling Elder Pam Pope; Teaching Elders Gary Kelly; Teaching Elder George Rolling) completed a full review of the Holston Presbytery and Presbyterian Campus Ministry financial records on July 24, 2015 and did not discover any material modifications that should be made to improve the accuracy of the 2014 financial statements of Holston Presbytery and Presbyterian Campus Ministry.

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b. RECOMMENDATION TO THE GENERAL MISSION BOARD: That the 2016 Proposed General Mission Budget, including budget balancing options if needed, be approved. (See attached Report.) The motion was approved.

c. RECOMMENDATION TO THE GENERAL MISSION BOARD: That the Proposed Holston Presbytery Child Protection Policy be recommended to the presbytery for adoption, in accordance with Book of Order G-3.0106: “… All councils shall adopt and implement a sexual misconduct policy and a child protection policy. …” (See attached Proposed Policy.) The motion was approved.

RECOMMENDATION TO THE PRESBYTERY: That the Proposed Holston Presbytery Child Protection Policy be adopted and implemented by the presbytery. Approved.

3. Trustees Report, Pam Pope

The Trustees request that the General Mission Board advise the presbytery and Trustees regarding its strategy for mission within the presbytery’s bounds, especially as it pertains to the properties of the Walkertown and Bethany churches. (See Book of Order, G-3.03: The presbytery is responsible for the government of the church throughout its district, and for assisting and supporting the witness of congregations to the sovereign activity of God in the world, so that all congregations become communities of faith, hope, love, and witness. As it leads and guides the witness of its congregations, the presbytery shall keep before it the marks of the Church (F-1.0302), the notes by which Presbyterian and Reformed communities have identified themselves through history (F-1.0303) and the six Great Ends of the Church (F-1.0304).)

It was moved, seconded and approved that the request be referred to the Mission and Evangelism Committee to bring back recommendations to the General Mission Board at their November 17, 2015 meeting.

Other Business

4. Request from the Session of New Bethel Presbyterian Church (See attached.) .... p. 16

The Session of New Bethel Presbyterian Church requests Relief of Conscience (ROC) with the Board of Pensions, allowing churches and other employing organizations, who object as a matter of conscience to the payment of abortion procedures by the Medical Plan, have their dues redirected for the funding of Adoption Assistance Grants to Board of Pensions’ members.

The request for Relief of Conscience (ROC) was approved.

The churches and employing organizations within Holston Presbytery who have been granted Relief of Conscience (ROC) with the Board of Pensions are: Bethel (Kingsport); Cedar Creek; Erwin; New Bethel; Rock Creek; Strawberry Plains; Windsor Avenue and King University.

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5. Communication was received from the Session of Barton Springs Presbyterian Church rescinding their previous action to seek dismissal from the Presbyterian Church (USA) and Holston Presbytery.

6. Request from First Presbyterian Church, Morristown, Tennessee to sell property at 724 West Main Street, Morristown, to Farm Bureau Insurance Company, contingent upon the approval of the congregation.

RECOMMENDATION TO THE PRESBYTERY: That First Presbyterian Church, Morristown, Tennessee be granted permission to sell property at 724 West Main Street, Morristown, to Farm Bureau Insurance Company, contingent upon the approval of the congregation, in accordance with the Book of Order, G-4.0206a.

G-4.0206 Selling, Encumbering, or Leasing Church Property

a. Selling or Encumbering Congregational Property

A congregation shall not sell, mortgage, or otherwise encumber any of its real property and it shall not acquire real property subject to an encumbrance or condition without the written permission of the presbytery transmitted through the session of the congregation.

Approved.

Actions Referred to the General Mission Board by Presbytery – None.

Proposed Agenda for the September 8, 2015 Stated Meeting of Holston Presbytery was reviewed.

Small Group Leaders: Jim Austin; Marshall Steinle; Sharon Amstutz.

Sharing of Concerns and Prayers

Future Dates for the General Mission Board and Presbytery meetings in 2015 and 2016:

General Mission Board Presbytery

September 8, 2015 (Tue) – Holston Camp November 17, 2015 December 1, 2015 (Tue) – Piney Flats February 16, 2016 March 5, 2016 (Sat) — (Covenant Church) May 17, 2016 June 4, 2016 (Sat) — (King College) August 23, 2016 September 6, 2016 (Tue) — Holston Camp November 15, 2016 December 6, 2016 (Tue) — (Jonesborough Church) Adjournment with prayer at 5:19 PM by Bill Reese.

The General Mission Board Minutes Committee approved the minutes. (Marshall Steinle; John Smith; Ed Hutchinson; Sharon Amstutz; Rich Fifield)

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Campus Ministry Task Force Final Report

At the August 19, 2014 General Mission Board stated meeting, the General Mission Board acted to form a task force to study campus ministry within the Holston Presbytery. The following motion, as reprinted below, is found in the minutes from that meeting:

That the General Mission Board appoint a task force to study campus ministry within Holston Presbytery and make a recommendation on the future of campus ministry by August 18, 2015.

Task Force Members: Rev. Paul Helphinstine, Rev. Allen Huff, Dr. Rebecca Nunley, and Ms. Olivia Morenco

Narrative:

Our task force convened for the first time on January 13, 2015 at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Johnson City. Our first meeting was with Rev. Rich Fifield, who helped us understand better the history of campus ministry in the Holston Presbytery and to better clarify the role of the task force.

Very early in our work, the task force recognized the challenges, both organizationally and financially, of maintaining a joint vision as a presbytery in light of decreasing support from many of its congregations. With those realities in mind, the task force proceeded with the study, focusing much of our attention on the need for Holston Presbytery to help provide a faithfully reformed and welcoming PC(USA) ministry presence on the campus of East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Currently, Andrea Sutter serves as the Campus House Director. The Presbyterian Campus House sits adjacent to the campus at 1412 College Heights Rd in Johnson City. Holston Presbytery maintains that property with designated funds.

The second meeting of the task force was held at the Presbyterian Campus House at 1412 College Heights Rd. in Johnson City on January 13, 2014 with Campus House Director, Andrea Sutter, Olivia Morenco, Rebecca Nunley, and Paul Helphinstine in attendance. The purpose of this meeting was to tour the facility, hear about ongoing activities taking place at the Campus House, and efforts by Mrs. Sutter to reach the campus community at ETSU. This was a very informative meeting, and the task force was very thankful for Mrs. Sutter’s efforts to continue making the Campus House a welcoming place on campus.

At present there are no specifically church related activities taking place at the Presbyterian Campus House on the ETSU campus, but the building is open to students needing a) wireless internet for study and work b) to print papers c) a comfortable and safe place to study d) a place to prepare and eat meals e) laundry facilities. There is an apartment located on the lower level, which at that date did not have a long term tenant, but was being used temporarily by a student awaiting semester housing through the university. The Campus House is also used by several university and community groups for regular meetings.

At that meeting, the task force saw firsthand the significant and convenient space for ministry and other activities. The facilities include: a working kitchen, a number of large and small rooms

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for meetings and offices, shower and laundry facilities (lower level), men’s and women’s restrooms (both levels), and a 15-passenger van available for both campus ministry and presbytery youth activities. Particular facility needs include: regular upkeep/repairs, landscaping, cleaning of gutters, repair of small section of the cinder block wall on lower level, new or reupholstered furniture, new flooring, paint throughout, updated signage on the house and on campus.

The third meeting of the task force took place at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Johnson City on January 28, 2015. The task force members were all present. A student from ETSU, Mallory Garrison, who is a member of Jonesborough Presbyterian Church, was also invited to attend. Having Mallory join us that evening allowed us to hear from another student’s perspective (Olivia Morenco, one of the task force members, is also a student at ETSU.) about spiritual life on the ETSU campus and her experience with various ministries.

The remainder of the meeting was spent reviewing the visit to the Campus House and the meeting with Andrea Sutter, better acquainting ourselves with denominational materials, resources, and documents regarding campus ministry and its importance within the PC(USA), and deciding next steps for the task force. It was decided that at our next meeting we would try to meet with Rev. Jason Santos, PC(USA) Associate for Collegiate Ministries, and the current director of UKirk, which is the brand name for Collegiate Ministries within the denomination.

Paul Helphinstine had two phone conversations and exchanged emails with Rev. Santos in preparation for his meeting with the task force. Rev. Helphinstine took pictures of the Campus House and sent them to Rev. Santos via email, and provided some brief background information about the presbytery and campus ministry within the presbytery in a separate email. It was decided that Rev. Santos would attend the task force’s next meeting via FaceTime on June 25, 2015 at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Johnson City.

On June 25, Rebecca Nunley, Allen Huff, and Paul Helphinstine met via FaceTime with Jason Santos of UKirk. Olivia Morenco was unable to attend. The primary reason for this meeting was to hear about the state of collegiate ministry within the denomination, to learn more about models for campus and collegiate ministry, and to get acquainted with UKirk and the support they provide congregations and presbyteries in establishing and maintaining campus and collegiate ministries. Rev. Santos was encouraging and helped the task force to understand that the model or means by which a congregation or presbytery do campus and collegiate ministry is less important than the reason why a congregation or presbytery should carry out such a ministry.

Rev. Santos helped the task force to reframe the conversation from one about a program for “our students” within the presbytery to one of mission to a large population of young, questioning, and often unchurched women and men. He said that too often leaders in the church look at campus and collegiate ministry as an “older version” of youth ministry, when in fact, it is a specialized mission to young people who are experiencing a time of unprecedented freedom in their lives. Many are just discovering the freedom to explore their faith or lack thereof within a highly-charged setting of competing world-views. He spoke of the critical importance for a church, like ours, that values faith and reason and is a welcoming place for all young people, in such a place as a major university.

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After our meeting with Rev. Santos of UKirk, the task force discussed where we were in the process of forming a recommendation for the General Mission Board. We decided to begin drafting a recommendation, commenting on it, editing it, and ultimately submitting it. This is that report and the following are our recommendations.

Recommendations:

The Church is to be a community of witness, pointing beyond itself through word and work to the good news of God’s transforming grace in Christ Jesus its Lord. [F-1.0301]

Ministry to and with college/university students is not a question of “whether,” but a question of “How.” It is part of our calling to remain faithful to our baptismal vows on their behalf - even beyond confirmation. Churches with young people and college-age students under their care may have more immediate involvement in providing ongoing spiritual nurture to this population; however, every church is called to be a witness “pointing beyond itself through word and work to the good news of God’s transforming grace in Christ Jesus its Lord” within its community, throughout its region, and “into all the world.” The PC(USA), Holston Presbytery, and the Church Universal is a Church on mission, and therefore, it is the first recommendation of the Campus Ministry Task Force that ministry to students and college-aged adults be seen and discussed, not as a program of the particular church or presbytery for the benefit of those within the church or presbytery alone, but rather as a critical mission field of the Church as a whole. The Church must go and be a presence within places where young people of all faiths or lack thereof, denominational backgrounds, races, genders, sexual orientations, and all other distinctions may be found. Within the Holston Presbytery there is no greater concentration of college-age adults than on the campus of East Tennessee State University, and at this point there is no organized PC(USA) presence on that campus. This mission field should not only be important to particular congregations within the city of Johnson City, but also needs to be seen as a mission field worthy of resources, leadership, and vision from the presbytery within which it exists.

At present, there is no unifying, presbytery-wide vision or model for ministry to either the students at East Tennessee State University or to college-age students within particular communities and at colleges and universities throughout the Holston Presbytery. Therefore, it is the second recommendation of the Campus Ministry Task Force that a committee or subcommittee be formed within the Holston Presbytery whose sole purpose is to address this critical area of mission within the presbytery. This committee or subcommittee should have the freedom, resources, and focus to help create vision and provide assistance to congregations of the Holston Presbytery effectively ministering to or desiring to minister to college-age students, either within their particular congregation or community, or at a regional college or university.

Further, this committee or subcommittee should also be charged with the important work of providing for a PC(USA) presence on or near the campus of East Tennessee State University. Without limiting the freedom of conscience or the creativity of this committee or subcommittee, it is the hope of the Campus Ministry Task Force that this work involve the partnership of individual congregations with a passion for the work and the Holston Presbytery

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as a whole, so that this mission might not only be the work of a few congregations, but an opportunity for greater mission as a presbytery.

While not wanting to hinder in any way the leadership, creativity, and freedom of the recommended committee or subcommittee, it is the recommendation of the Campus Ministry Task Force that the current Presbyterian Campus House at 1412 College Heights Rd. be kept and maintained, making critical and necessary improvements, with current campus ministry resources available and in partnership with congregations within the presbytery, so that this valuable and strategically-located facility will remain usable space. If it is the recommendation of the committee or subcommittee that this facility be used in the near future for PC(USA) campus ministry, it will be ready and available. Until such a time that a vision and plan for ministry to the East Tennessee State University is developed, it is important to maintain all options for future ministry to the campus—the current Campus House being just one.

Conclusion:

Often, as a denomination that has been through a time of considerable change, the question is asked, “What will the future hold?” We believe that the PC(USA) and the Holston Presbytery in particular are uniquely positioned within the Church universal to be an appealing and lasting home for college-age adults seeking less the doctrinal certainty and dogmatic rigidity of many churches and denominations, and more a denomination that will journey with them through the often frightening tumult of growth, change, questioning, and seeking that surround a person’s collegiate and college-age experience. The generation in college now and those that will come after them need a denomination and a presbytery that seriously embraces them as a vital mission field for the church. Their future depends on our willingness to answer the call. Our future depends on it, as well.

Respectfully submitted,

Rev. Paul R. Helphinstine, Rev. Allen Huff, Dr. Rebecca Nunley, Ms. Olivia Morenco

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Financial Review Report

The Financial Review Taskforce met on July 24, 2015 at First Presbyterian Church in Morristown, and reviewed the 2014 financial records of Holston Presbytery, Inc., and Presbyterian Campus Ministry, as required by the Book of Order, G-3.0113:

A full financial review of all financial books and records shall be conducted every year by a public accountant or committee of members versed in accounting procedures. Reviewers should not be related to the treasurer(s). Terminology in this section is meant to provide general guidance and is not intended to require or not require specific audit procedures or practices as understood within the professional accounting community.

The review analyzed the 2014 financial data, which included monthly bank statements, monthly bank reconciliation reports, payment vouchers, contributor statements, payroll reports, all accounts receivable, all accounts payable, all deposits, all disbursements, current financial policies and financial procedures.

The analysis did not discover any material modifications that should be made to improve the accuracy of the 2014 financial statements of Holston Presbytery and Presbyterian Campus Ministry.

The Financial Review Taskforce

Elder Pamela Pope, Jonesborough Presbyterian Church

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General Mission Budget Final 2015 Draft 2016

Income $405,795.93 $405,385.00

Unified Monies $325,000.00 $325,000.00

Unified Mission Designated Funds

Budget Balancing Options $45,810.93 $45,400.00

Interest $34,985.00 $34,985.00

Checking Account $500.00 $500.00

Grant Program Interest $34,485.00 $34,485.00

Expenses $403,795.30 $405,365.24

Ministries within Holston Presbytery Committee on Preparation for Ministry $1,500.00 $1,500.00

Committee on Ministry $1,500.00 $1,500.00

Mission and Evangelism Committee $3,250.00 $3,250.00

Church Development and Evangelism $2,500.00 $2,500.00

Institutions $0.00 $0.00

Ethical Issues and Human Needs $750.00 $750.00

Discipleship Committee $22,810.93 $22,810.93

Congregational Life $2,000.00 $2,000.00

Youth Ministry $3,500.00 $3,500.00

Young Adult Ministry $17,310.93 $17,310.93

Holston Center $94,730.53 $94,730.53

Administration and Budget Committee $191,232.30 $195,802.25

Office $8,352.00 $8,352.00

Staff $182,880.30 $187,450.25

Ministries with Councils $88,771.53 $85,771.53

Holston Presbytery Council $270.00 $270.00

Synod of Living Waters Unified $9,000.00 $6,000.00

Synod of Living Waters Per Capita $26,921.94 $26,921.94

General Assembly Per Capita $52,579.59 $52,579.59

General Assembly Unified Balance $2,000.63 $19.76

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Budget Balancing Options 2016 Amount

1 Designated Reserves Unused #10110 $24,400.00

2 Bill Per Capita to Non/Low Giving Churches $5,000.00

3 Decrease Synod Unified Giving $3,000.00

4 Transfer funds from Youth Ministry Endowment Fund #10531 to GMB Youth Ministry $3,000.00

5 Transfer funds from Campus Ministry Campaign Fund to Young Adult Ministry $10,000.00

Total Budget Balancing Options $45,400.00

Total Budget Deficit to be Addressed $45,380.24

Holston Presbytery Child Protection Policy

Purpose

As people called to convey God’s love to young people and develop trusting nurturing relationships with them, Holston Presbytery recognizes the great responsibility we have to be accountable before God, the church, and the community for the safety and well-being of children and youth. Holston Presbytery also recognizes that by establishing guidelines and maintaining standards for interaction with young people will improve our ministry. Thus, failure to adhere to these guidelines and standards by any employee or volunteer working with young people may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from their position of employment or volunteer service. However, nothing in this policy or in any other document or statement shall limit the Presbytery’s right to terminate any employee or volunteer at will.

The intention of this policy is:

To provide safe and secure environments for children and youth (defined as those less than 18 years of age).

To protect children and youth from any incident or conduct that might cause physical, emotional, spiritual or sexual harm while participating in activities and events of Holston Presbytery. (Such prohibited behavior includes, but is not limited to: sexual abuse or exploitation of children or adults, rape or sexual assault, sexual harassment, verbal, emotional and/or spiritual abuse, abuse of authority and power, breaching Christian ethical principles by misusing a trust relationship to gain advantage over another for personal gratification. The forms of prohibited behavior may include physical contact, gestures, spoken words, and/or written contact.)

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To guide Holston Presbytery in the required conduct of its employees and volunteers in children’s and youth programs with the goal of preventing incidents and allegations of abuse.

To protect adult employees and volunteers from unwarranted allegations of child abuse.

To provide a mechanism to deal with reported concerns and take appropriate subsequent actions.

Components of the Policy

This policy addresses four components of child and youth protection:

1. Screening and selection of applicants for employment and volunteer service to rule out any record of prior abusive behavior.

2. Training and supervising of employees and volunteers.

3. Reporting allegations and concerns regarding child and youth protection issues.

4. Responding to allegations and concerns that have been reported.

Screening and selection of workers

All paid staff and all scheduled volunteers of Holston Presbytery who work with children or youth shall be screened. Each paid position shall have a job description that defines the responsibilities of the position and provides information on supervision and evaluation. Scheduled volunteers are those who supervise or have custody of minors on a scheduled or recurring basis.

1. Paid Employees: Before hiring any paid employees for a position which includes supervision or custody of minors, Holston Presbytery shall:

Personally interview the applicant.

Contact the applicant’s references.

Explain this Child Protection Policy and have the applicant authorize a background screening prior to employment.

Conduct a background screening that shall include the following components: a verification of Social Security number; a criminal records screening in jurisdictions where the applicant has previously lived; a driving records screening (if the position duties involve driving others); and a credit records screening.

Obtain a negative (or negative dilute) result on a pre-employment drug screen, if a drug screen is thought to be advisable.

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Individuals in paid employment may also be subject to reasonable suspicion, post-accident, and random drug and alcohol testing if indicated during their employment.

2. Scheduled Volunteers: Before assigning a volunteer which includes the supervision or custody of minors, Holston Presbytery shall:

Interview the volunteer.

Explain this Child Protection Policy and have the applicant authorize a background screening prior to employment.

Conduct a background screening that shall include the following components: a verification of Social Security number; a criminal records screening in jurisdictions where the applicant has previously lived; and a driving records screening (if the position duties involve driving others).

Obtain a negative (or negative dilute) result on a pre-employment drug screen, if a drug screen is thought to be advisable.

Occasionally volunteers may be needed in an emergency to temporarily fill in for a regularly scheduled volunteer or employee who works with children and/or youth. In this case, Holston Presbytery will make every effort to select volunteers from among those who have been previously screened.

All background screening authorizations and results shall be maintained and kept by the Financial Manager/Treasurer of Holston Presbytery. Adverse actions reported through the background screening shall be conveyed by the Financial Manager/Treasurer of Holston Presbytery to the entity(s) responsible for the position.

It is the responsibility of each employee and volunteer covered by this policy to report to their supervisor, as soon as possible, any subsequent arrest, conviction, treatment or proceeding that would have been disclosed in the background screening process. An employee’s or volunteer’s failure to report any such subsequent development will be considered a violation of this policy.

Information disclosed, or which is discovered before or after employment or volunteer service, begins does not automatically require adverse action against an applicant, employee or volunteer. Rather, a variety of factors such as the nature of the position, the nature of the information disclosed or learned, and the age of the applicant, employee or volunteer when the incident or conduct occurred.

Training and Supervising Workers

These practices shall be followed in an effort to prevent any physical, emotional, spiritual or sexual harm to children or youth from occurring:

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Conduct training: Children and youth workers and volunteers shall regularly review this policy and be encouraged to attend additional training regarding children and youth safety.

Maintain the “two adult” rule: Ordinarily, two adults shall be present during all activities involving one or more minors. Every effort should be made for both adults to remain present during all activities. Any meeting where two adults cannot be present requires parental and/or supervisor notification.

Private conversations between an adult and a child or youth, should take place within sight of others (i.e. in the presence of others or in a public place). Counseling sessions with a minor should be held in a place where they are in view of others (i.e. with an open door or a door with a glass window). Parental consent or notification of the program supervisor is advised in any situation where an adult worker will be alone with a minor.

Schedule adequate supervision: In addition to following the two-adult rule, adult supervision shall be maintained before and after events until all children and youth are in the custody of their parents or another person authorized by their parents. In instances where youth may drive or carpool to the activity, adult leaders shall remain at the program event until the last youth leaves.

Approve overnight chaperones: All chaperones for overnight activities must be approved in advance by the responsible staff person and be in compliance with this policy.

Report suspicious behavior: Any inappropriate conduct or relationships between adult workers and children and/or youth shall be reported immediately in accordance with the reporting procedures outlined below.

Reporting Obligations

Pursuant to this policy, any staff member, worker (paid or volunteer), teacher, aid, or other adult participant in a Holston Presbytery sponsored program or event involving children or youth shall report any incident, activity, behavior or evidence noticed that reasonably appears to indicate that child abuse has occurred or may occur. Persons making reports shall not be identified, without their permission, except as necessary in connection with any potential or pending legal action or criminal investigation.

Reports should be made to event coordinator, the program supervisor or the Executive Presbyter/Stated Clerk.

Response to Allegations

The following guiding principles shall apply:

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All allegations shall be taken seriously.

All allegations shall be handled forthrightly with due respect for privacy and confidentiality.

The victim will be cared for and not held responsible in any way.

Full cooperation will be given to church and civil authorities under the guidance of legal counsel and in accordance with the PCUSA Book of Order.

Both the victim and the accused shall be treated fairly and with dignity. The care and safety of minors is of foremost priority. The accused should not be confronted until the child’s safety has been ensured. As soon as a report is made, the accused should be temporarily removed from his or her duties pending resolution of the matter. Paid workers may be suspended with or without pay.

This policy is intended to assure families and those working with children and youth within Holston Presbytery programs and events that abuse shall not be tolerated in any form—physical, emotional, spiritual, or sexual. Effective prevention will reduce the risk of harm to our children and youth, and the threat of legal liability for our church and its leaders. The aim of these guidelines is to assure a safe, loving, and welcoming experience for all children and youth, and will reflect the spirit of the ministry of Jesus Christ.

COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY REPORT – was given by Eric Spoon.

INFORMATION: 1. The Committee enrolled Mr. Larry Sharrett (First Presbyterian Church, Bristol) as an

Inquirer, effective August 18, 2015. The Rev. Eric Spoon is Mr. Sharrett’s CPM Liaison.

2. The Committee enrolled Mr. Michael Thornton (First Presbyterian Church, Bristol) as an

Inquirer, effective August 18, 2015. The Rev. Sherrolyn Weed is Mr. Thornton’s CPM

Liaison.

COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY REPORT was given by Tom Phillips.

INFORMATION:

1. Transferred the Rev. Lee Clements, Honorably Retired, from Mid-South Presbytery to Holston Presbytery. (See attached Faith Journey and Faith Statement.)

2. Approved the pastoral call between the Rev. Pat Locke and Watauga Avenue Presbyterian Church, effective August 23, 2015, with the following terms of call: Cash Salary - $33,850.00; Housing Allowance - $10,155.00; SECA Allowance; Full Board of Pensions; Reimbursed Continuing Education Expenses - $500.00; Reimbursed Travel Expenses - $2,000.00; Annual Vacation – 4 Weeks; Annual Continuing Education – 2 Weeks; Spiritual Direction – 1 Sunday per Quarter; Moving Reimbursement; Sabbatical Policy permitting Sabbatical Leave after six continuous years of service; and transfer

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Rev. Locke from Lake Michigan Presbytery to Holston Presbytery. (See attached Faith Journey and Faith Statement.)

3. Approved the Temporary Supply Contract between Strawberry Plains Presbyterian Church and the Rev. Mike Chamberlain, effective July 14, 2015 through July 13, 2016, with the following terms: Annual Cash Salary - $16,876.00; Full use of manse plus paid utilities up to $4,000.00 annually; Board of Pensions Post-Service Retirement Dues; Annual SECA Allowance - $994.50; Annual Travel Reimbursement up to $1,500.00; Vacation – 1 week quarterly; Continuing Education – ½ week quarterly; and appointed Mr. Chamberlain as Moderator.

4. Approved the Temporary Supply Contract between Salem Presbyterian Church and the Rev. Deven Johnson, effective July 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015, with the following terms: Monthly Cash Salary - $2,083.30; Travel Reimbursement at 50.5₵ per mile; Vacation – 2 weeks; and appointed Mrs. Johnson as Moderator.

5. Dissolved the pastoral relationship between the Rev. Andrew Whaley and First Presbyterian Church, Jefferson City, effective August 6, 2015, and transferred him to the Presbytery of the Peaks. Rev. Whaley has accepted the pastoral call of Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church, Roanoke, Virginia.

6. Appointed Diana Moore as Moderator and COM Liaison of First Presbyterian Church, Jefferson City.

7. Appointed Paul Helphinstine as Moderator of Old Kingsport Presbyterian Church.

8. Appointed Diana Moore as Moderator and COM Liaison of Hopewell Presbyterian Church.

9. Appointed CRE Tony Barnette (Windsor Avenue Presbyterian Church) as Moderator of New Providence Presbyterian Church.

10. Designated the Rev. Mark Knisley as Honorably Retired.

11. Appointed Cheryl Rice as COM Liaison for Waverly Road Presbyterian Church.

12. Approved the Temporary Supply Contract with a Minister of Another Denomination between Barton Springs Presbyterian Church and the Rev. Bill Dinwiddie (ordained Christian Church), effective September 1, 2015 through January 1, 2016, with the following terms: Weekly Housing Allowance - $150; Annual Vacation – 2 weeks. Rev. Dinwiddie was authorized to administer the Lord’s Supper. Appointed the Rev. Greg Cartwright to continue as Moderator.

13. Approved the Temporary Supply Contract (CRE) between New Providence Presbyterian Church and CRE Tony Barnette (Windsor Avenue Presbyterian Church), effective September 1, 2015 through August 31, 2016, with the following terms: Annual Cash Salary - $6,500; Annual Travel Reimbursement - $4,896; Annual Vacation – 2 weeks; Annual Continuing Education – 2 weeks; and appointed Mr. Barnette as Moderator.

14. Approved the Interim Pastor Contract between First Presbyterian Church, Jefferson City and the Rev. Diana Moore, effective October 5, 2015 through October 4, 2016, 30 hours

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per week, with the following terms: Annual Cash Salary - $34,000; Annual Housing Allowance - $10,200; Full SECA Allowance; Full Board of Pensions; Annual Reimbursed Travel Expenses at IRS rate up to - $2,000; Annual Continuing Education Reimbursement - $500; Vacation – 1 week per quarter; Continuing Education – ½ week per quarter; early termination with 30 days’ notice and salary continuation; and appointed Rev. Moore as Moderator.

15. Approved the associate pastoral call between the Rev. Greg Cartwright and First Presbyterian Church, Greeneville, effective October 1, 2015 pending congregational concurrence and presbytery approval, with the following terms of call: Annual Cash Salary - $29,605; Annual Housing Allowance - $14,400; Full SECA Allowance; Full Board of Pensions; Annual Travel Allowance - $3,600; Annual Reimbursed Professional Expenses up to $1,500; Annual Vacation – 4 Weeks; Annual Continuing Education – 2 Weeks; Sabbatical Policy permitting Sabbatical Leave after six continuous years of service.

Because Rev. Cartwright is currently employed in a temporary pastoral relationship with First Presbyterian Church, Greeneville, the associate pastoral call must be approved by three-fourths vote of the presbytery, in accordance with Book of Order, G-2.0504c.

16. Approved the Waverly Road Presbyterian Church Ministry Information Form (MIF).

17. Dissolved the pastoral relationship between the Rev. Gordon Turnbull and First Presbyterian Church, Bristol, effective October 15, 2015, pending the congregation’s concurrence. (Rev. Turnbull has accepted another pastoral call at John Knox Presbyterian Church, Greenville, South Carolina, Foothills Presbytery.)

18. Approved the Temporary Supply Contract (CRE) between Mountain City Presbyterian Church and CRE Con Sauls (First Presbyterian Church, Bristol), effective October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2016, 30 hours per week, with the following terms: Monthly Cash Salary - $2,000; Manse plus paid utilities; Annual Travel Reimbursement at IRS rate up to - $1,000; Vacation – 1 week per quarter; Continuing Education – 2 weeks annually; early termination with 30 days’ notice and salary continuation; and appointed Mr. Sauls as Moderator.

19. Approved the Temporary Supply Contract with a Minister of Another Denomination between Windsor Avenue Presbyterian Church and the Rev. Mark Hutton (ordained Evangelical Presbyterian Church), effective August 19, 2015 through August 18, 2016, with the following terms: Annual Cash Salary - $5,000; Annual Housing Allowance - $31,000; Annual Vacation – 4 weeks; Annual Continuing Education – 2 weeks; early termination with 30 days’ notice and salary continuation; and appointed CRE Scott Wise to continue as Moderator.

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RECOMMENDATIONS:

20. That Meadowview Presbyterian Church be granted a waiver on limitation of terms for ruling elders for up to three years, as provided in G-2.0404, because of their small membership. Approved.

21. That the Associate Pastoral Call between the Rev. Greg Cartwright (currently employed in a temporary pastoral relationship) and First Presbyterian Church, Greeneville, effective October 1, 2015, be approved, in accordance with Book of Order, G-2.0504c.

G-2.0504 Pastoral Relationships

c. Exceptions

A presbytery may determine that its mission strategy permits a teaching elder currently called as an Associate Pastor to be eligible to serve as the next installed pastor or co-pastor, or a teaching elder employed in a temporary pastoral relationship to be eligible to serve as the next installed pastor, co-pastor, or associate pastor. Presbyteries that permit this eligibility shall establish such relationships only by a three-fourths vote of the members of presbytery present and voting.

Approved.

Rev. Lee Clements - Faith Journey

My faith journey formally began when my parents presented me for baptism when I was four months old. They fulfilled their vows, and I was raised in the Presbyterian Church. My father was primarily responsible for my religious foundation. He was a traveling salesman, who was gone during the week and many weekends. Every Sunday when he was in town, he took me to church with him. One of my favorite childhood memories is that of sitting next to him during worship. My faith was caught from him as well as taught by the large church in Louisville we attended.

As a senior in high school, I had a disturbing experience with church. When Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, people from Louisville were traveling by bus to the funeral. Our pastor asked our congregation to support them by donating sack lunches to help defray expenses. I made a lunch and dropped it off on my way to school. Several months later, when I was home during a college break, I learned the pastor had left. When I asked my parents what happened, they said that his request to support the people going to King’s funeral was the last straw. His active support for the civil rights movement was not appreciated. In my youthful, idealistic eyes, this was the height of hypocrisy. The pastor was practicing what the Bible taught and was penalized for it. I stopped going to church. I distanced myself from God and religion.

Several years later, while going through a divorce, I returned to God in prayer. I sought strength and comfort during a very lonely and difficult time. My prayer life deepened. While stationed in Germany with the Navy, my prayer for the healing of a friend and co-worker with Legionnaire’s disease was answered. Filled with gratitude, I went to the Protestant service at the Army post chapel. I was inspired when I noticed that the people I knew there were people I worked with and respected. They lived their faith. At that moment, my conscious faith journey

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resumed. My worship life was rekindled and the chapel’s Protestant services fostered my love for small churches and ecumenism.

When my husband and I completed our Navy careers, we moved to Harrodsburg, Kentucky. I worked at Centre College as the Coordinator of Convocations and Public Events. One Sunday in the winter of 1999, my pastor gave me a brochure about a theologian who was speaking in Lexington. When I pulled it out at home to read, I found another brochure for the Explorer Weekend at the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (LPTS). I wondered if my pastor had given it to me by accident or on purpose. Two days later, while talking to a friend in Tennessee, I mentioned that I was getting restless. She asked me if I had ever considered going into the ministry. Several years earlier, I had thought about it. Her comment, just days after receiving the LPTS brochure, sparked my interest again.

My husband and I discussed the Explorer Weekend. He encouraged me to attend. I did, and with my husband’s support, applied, and was accepted to LPTS. When I notified my employer and work colleagues that I was going to seminary, I was pleasantly surprised when everyone offered a positive comment about my decision.

After graduation, my first call was as Interim Associate Pastor at a large church in Lexington, KY. The Head of Staff also was an interim. We served together for two years. She was an outstanding mentor and colleague. Under her leadership, I learned the practical elements of ministry that only come through on-the-job experience.

When it was time to seek another call, I struggled with the decision of whether to search for an associate or solo pastor position. After a dedicated day of discernment with a spiritual director, I realized how much I value personal relationships and the love I have for small congregations. I accepted a call as pastor of Trinity Presbyterian, a small church in Martin, TN. For nine and a half years we ministered together. When I reflect on the abundant life that we shared, I know that the Holy Spirit was working in our lives from the first Pastor Nominating Committee phone call. From my viewpoint, it was a match made in heaven.

Now, as the Holy Spirit is on the move again at Trinity, I also am listening to what the Spirit is saying and calling me to do in retirement. I do not know what that ministry will be. But I do know that no matter where I am or what I do, I always will have the opportunity to share God’s love and grace. I look forward to discovering what that will look like here in Holston Presbytery.

Rev. Lee Clements - Statement of Faith

This is what I believe.

God created the universe and all living beings. God created humans, male and female as equals, both in God’s image. God, who is mysterious, loving, and just, is active in creation and desires to be in relationship with us.

God created humans as good. However, due to our nature as creatures, we are anxious about our mortality, and we sin. We sin when we deny our dependence on God. We sin when

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we are estranged from ourselves, others, and God. We sin when we disobey God’s commands. As individuals and social institutions, our sin adversely affects all of creation and is manifested in evil.

Yet God loves humanity so much that God sent Jesus Christ to reconcile the world. Jesus was both human and divine. He was tempted as any other person, but he did not sin. Through Jesus, we learn about God’s nature and God’s realm. Jesus’ life exemplifies the two great commandments; to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. As Jesus lived out that love in his ministry, he directly challenged the values of his world. As a result, he was crucified. God vindicated Jesus’ life by resurrecting him from the dead giving us the hope of eternal life. I believe that through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection God is saying to us, “Look! I am here. I love you. I know what you are going through. I am for you. I forgive you. Love my creation and creatures as I love you. Love as Jesus loves. Live as Jesus lived and help make my creation a better place.”

The living God works through the Holy Spirit calling people to work together for God’s realm. The Holy Spirit is active in the world and history, unifying people to God. Through God’s unconditional love and grace, the Holy Spirit works in our hearts, giving us faith. Our salvation and faith are unearned gifts from God. Through faith, we recognize God’s grace, forgiveness, and love revealed in Jesus Christ. In faith, we repent of our sins and experience God’s forgiveness. With faith and gratitude for God’s graciousness, we respond in obedience, and we follow God’s call to live as Christ lived. Faith enables us to trust God instead of ourselves, empowering us to live more and more each day by Christ’s example of selfless love.

The sacraments are outward signs of God’s promises. Baptism signifies our cleansing, the forgiveness of our sins. It is a sign of dying to what alienates us from God and having new life in Christ. Baptism also marks our initiation into the church family. In the Lord’s Supper, we participate in a spiritual meal of communion with the risen Christ. As bread nourishes our bodies, the Lord’s Supper strengthens our faith. It continually assures us of the promise of eternal life. When we receive the sacraments we publicly affirm our devotion to Christ and service in his name.

The church is the fellowship of believers in Jesus Christ. Although diverse in doctrine and organization, the church reflects and represents the single lordship of Jesus Christ. The church is universal, encompassing Christians of all times and places. In the church community, we experience the power of the Holy Spirit at work, transforming and renewing us. The Holy Spirit is at work within the church to build unity. The Spirit enables us to remain united in our congregations and denominations as we do God’s work. Through the Holy Spirit, the church is empowered to reject the other powers in the world. The community of faith lives out Jesus’ values by accepting all persons as our brothers and sisters and treating them with respect and dignity. The church shows solidarity with all who are oppressed and actively works for justice in the world. The Holy Spirit is not confined to the church. The Spirit blows where it will, witnessing to God’s love throughout the world, continually bringing people to God.

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Rev. Patricia Locke - Faith Journey

I had the great, good blessing of being raised in a family who considered our church home to somehow be an extension of our personal home. Although matters of faith were seldom discussed, my parents showed by example the Christian life as it is lived in community.

As is often the case, I fell away from the church during my college years, but returned when I married and had children. Although I was raised as United Methodist and my husband as Catholic, we found a warm and faithful Presbyterian church in which to raise our two children. When my husband died at age thirty-six, I was left alone with a six year-old daughter and a four year-old son. Our church enclosed us in loving arms, grieving with us; nurturing the children and encouraging me.

I have been blessed with wonderful pastoral role-models, and was encouraged by Dr. Douglas Brouwer, then Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton, Illinois, to pursue ministry. My – how I resisted! Then, Doug led a congregational group following in the footsteps of Paul through Greece and Turkey. Near ancient Philippi, we renewed our baptisms in the stream where the apostle baptized Lydia. I experienced an overwhelming sense of God’s love, peace, and radical acceptance. I had no idea what to do with this.

I was working as a profession writer, and it became increasingly difficult to use the gifts God gave me to sell the idea one’s life could be complete through consumerism. I entered into intense spiritual direction and decided (a mere seven years later) to enroll at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. I graduated in 2007.

I was ordained into a call at First Presbyterian Church of Grand Haven, Michigan as Associate Minister for Pastoral Care and Christian Education. I enjoyed pastoring this lovely congregation for almost five years. The congregation began to experience serious issues with the senior minister, and the atmosphere became contentious. I felt this might be a good time to seek a solo pastorate. I took a month-long sabbatical to England, exploring the call I have always felt there.

I returned with a renewed sense of calling, and I have also found this period between churches to be a rich time of spiritual growth and closeness to God. I’m enthusiastically looking forward to my new church call.

Rev. Patricia Locke - Statement of Faith

I am a child of God: humbled, flawed, and forgiven in God’s eyes, not through any attribute of my own, but through the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Through Christ’s sacrifice I am called to a life of joyful and obedient service.

I worship the Sovereign God: Almighty Creator of the world and everything in it, who is also firmly and tenderly an active and personal presence is my life and in the life of all creation. I believe in the Triune God: one God in three persons – Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer.

I believe through God’s overwhelming love, God became human and walked among us in the person of Jesus Christ, who entered our messy and sinful lives as fully human and fully

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divine. I believe Christ, through word and deed, showed us the depth of our sin, the glories of God’s Kingdom, and calls us to love and serve others in his name. Jesus died for the forgiveness of our sins, and rose again to reign with God as our savior and mediator. Christ, as the head of the church universal, calls the church to demonstrate the Kingdom of God to the world until he comes again.

I believe in the Holy Spirit as One who calls us to faith and community. Through the stirrings of God’s Spirit we love God and desire to know God better. The Holy Spirit calls us to a life of discipleship that works for the reconciliation of the world to God and one another. Individually and within the church, the Spirit opens our hearts to bring all into community.

In baptism we are claimed by God as God’s beloved children and sealed as God’s own. Baptism dedicates our lives as disciples of Jesus Christ and members of his church. As the church, we are also called to recognize one other’s baptisms as we live together as brothers and sisters in Christ. I believe the Holy Spirit calls us into communion with God and one another through the Lord’s Supper. As we break bread and share the cup at Christ’s table and in remembrance of him, all divisions cease to be important. Through an open table of love and forgiveness we experience God’s grace and renew our commitment. I believe all should be welcomed to come to the table if they love God, or if they long to know God better.

God reveals God’s self through the Bible, teaching us how to live in right relationship with God and others. Through Scripture we learn of God’s historical work and of the person and work of Jesus Christ. I believe the Bible holds a unique and authoritative place in the Christian life, divinely inspired by God to faithful men and women, and through the Holy Spirit is active and powerful in our lives today, and through the Holy Spirit is made new to us every day and in every generation.

Celebration of the Retirement of the Rev. Mark Knisley

Mark Knisley has served in ministry since his admittance to seminary almost 40 years ago. He attended Lees McRae College, the United States Marine Corps, East Tennessee State University, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and Columbia Theological Seminary. Ordained in 1980 by Holston Presbytery, he was pastor of: Bethany, Kingsport 1980-1990, Graystone, Knoxville 1990-2004, and Hopewell, Dandridge 2005-2014.

He has taught on the faculties of Lees McRae and Tusculum Colleges as adjunct professor of Bible, World Religions, and Christian Ethics courses; and experienced a pulpit exchange in Scotland where he also studied at New College in Edinburg. Knisley has been a hospital and Knoxville Police Department chaplain from 1996-2004. He earned basic and senior certifications through the International Conference of Police Chaplains and served the Knoxville Police Department Chaplain Academy as an instructor. He has also been Chaplain of the Day in the State of Tennessee's House and Senate and was commissioned as a Tennessee Colonel.

As an active presbyter in Holston and East Tennessee Presbyteries, Knisley was also a Commissioner to Synod and General Assemblies and was on the Board of Advisors for Lees McRae

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College 1981-1985, Council on Church Relations for Tusculum College 1992-1995 and Board of Directors for Maryville College as Presbytery and Synod representative 1998-2006.

His career has been graced with a tremendous helpmate in ministry, his wife, Nancy. They are the parents of two lovely daughters and six wonderful grandchildren.

Forced to retire last year prior to receiving a liver transplant on Christmas day, Mark knows he is providentially fortunate to even be here today. He has strived to be faithful to his Lord, his family, his friends and his congregations and other endeavors.

Congratulations upon the Retirement of the Rev. Mark Knisley

Congratulations to my friend Mark Knisley upon his Honorable Retirement. Mark and I have known each other since we entered Louisville Seminary in the fall of 1976. Mark is not only one of my closest friends; he has been a pastor and confidant to me and my family. Aside from having a sense of humor that is several degrees off center (which, by the way, has served him well in his ministry); Mark is a normal human being. As classmates, we endured the rigors of balancing an education and student pastoral assignments with the responsibilities of being husbands and fathers. Over the span of four decades, we have shared the highs and lows of everyday life, the accomplishments and disappointments of ministry, the thrills of riding motorcycles and the pleasures of watching sports. Ask Mark about the time that we attended a Big Red Machine baseball game and had to return to our homes after the game on a Saturday so that we could be in the pulpit on Sunday Morning, riding through pouring rain on our motorcycles. The moral is: God watches over preachers and dummies.

During his ministry, Mark has served the church with enthusiasm and determination, with creative insight in the Scriptures, adherence to orthodoxy, and a love of the history of Christianity and reformed theology. He has been a loyal member of Holston Presbytery and East Tennessee Presbytery. For a decade, Mark served as a Voluntary Chaplain for the City of Knoxville Police Department and has been active in many shared ecumenical ministries.

I love my brother Mark and his family. I congratulate him and his gracious and lovely wife, Nancy, upon his retirement. On this occasion for Mark, the words of the Apostle Paul apply: “Well done good and faithful servant.”

During this past year, along with his many friends and family members, we have supported Mark during his illness, surgery, and recovery. We were shocked to hear of Mark’s illness and gladly supported him with our prayers. Then we were amazed at his determination to overcome his illness with the help of his doctors, nurses, and the blessings of God to bring healing.

When I think of my friendship with Mark the words of Henri Nouwen come to mind: “When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement,

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who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing, and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.”

Mark, you have been a blessing and friend who cares, not only to me, but also to countless others in your life and ministry. I congratulate you on your retirement and wish you every happiness and the blessings of Almighty God.

Your Friend, The Rev. Jim Gray, Honorably Retired

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN REPORT was given by Mary Dobrovolc.

Upcoming events and activities of the Presbyterian Women were shared.

DISCIPLESHIP COMMITTEE REPORT

This school year the youth ministry of Holston Presbytery will have a new focus—retreat ministry. We have two retreats to make note of for the coming school year. The first is the Middle School Retreat, November 13th-15th, at Holston Presbytery Camp. Please use the flyer around the church and read the letter for more information. Russ Pearson will contact leaders when the registration form goes live on September 1st. Contact Russ if you have any questions. The second retreat is our High School Retreat, April 8th-10th, at Holston Presbytery Camp. If you are interested in helping plan this retreat please contact Russ Pearson at rpearson@firstpreskingsport.org.

Presbyterian Campus Ministry/Youth Ministry Program Budget January – June 2015

Jan - Jun 15

Budget

% of Budget

Income

60000 · Holston Presbytery (Holston Presbytery) 3,250.02

6,500.00

50.0%

60001 · Holston Presbytery Triennium (Holston Presbytery Triennium) 0.00

0.00

0.0%

60002 · Restricted Funds (Restricted Funds) 0.00

3,500.00

0.0%

60003 · Synod of Living Waters (Synod of Living Waters) 4,185.00

8,370.00

50.0%

60004 · The PFSA, Inc (The PFSA, Inc) 1,515.24

3,030.00

50.01%

60005 · Facility Use Income (Facility Use Income) 0.00

200.00

0.0%

60006 · Interest Income (Interest Income) 98.21

100.00

98.21%

60009 · Retreat & Event Fees (Retreat & Event Fees) 0.00

4,000.00

0.0%

Total Income 9,048.47

25,700.00

35.21%

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Gross Profit 9,048.47

25,700.00

35.21%

Expense

70100 · Expenses Campus House

70101 · Cable TV, Internet, Telephone (Cable TV, Internet, Telephone) 714.54

1,500.00

47.64%

70102 · Campus Labor (Campus Labor) 0.00

400.00

0.0%

70103 · Cleaning (Cleaning) 0.00

1,000.00

0.0%

70104 · Electricity (Electricity) 2,202.18

5,500.00

40.04%

70105 · Cleaning Supplies (Cleaning Supplies) 0.00

400.00

0.0%

70107 · Propane (Propane) 0.00

1,000.00

0.0%

70108 · Miscellaneous (Miscellaneous) 30.34

70109 · Office Supplies (Office Supplies) 0.00

3,000.00

0.0%

70110 · Printing/Postage/Promotion (Printing/Postage/Promotion) 0.00

600.00

0.0%

70111 · Repairs/Maintenance (Repairs/Maintenance) 562.32

70112 · Van Expense (Van Expense) 1,569.00

1,500.00

104.6%

70113 · Water (Water) 1,021.45

1,200.00

85.12%

Total 70100 · Expenses Campus House 6,099.83

16,100.00

37.89%

70200 · Expenses/Youth

70202 · YM Retreats (YM Retreats) 2,400.00

4,500.00

53.33%

70203 · Montreat (Montreat) 2,604.00

3,500.00

74.4%

70204 · Youth Council (Youth Council) 0.00

750.00

0.0%

70205 · Youth Rally (Youth Rally) 0.00

600.00

0.0%

70206 · Regional Events (Regional Events) 0.00

2,000.00

0.0%

70208 · Misc (Misc) 25.50

750.00

3.4%

Total 70200 · Expenses/Youth 5,029.50

12,100.00

41.57%

Total Expense 11,129.33

28,200.00

Net Income

-2,080.86

-2,500.00

Presbyterian Campus Ministry/Youth Ministry

Fund Balances as of June 30, 2015

Jun 30, 15

ASSETS

Current Assets

Checking/Savings

10000 · Citizens Bank (Citizens Bank) 108,973.95

Total Checking/Savings 108,973.95

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Other Current Assets

33000 · The PFSA, Inc. (The PFSA, Inc.) 56,220.74

Total Other Current Assets 56,220.74

Total Current Assets 165,194.69

TOTAL ASSETS 165,194.69

HOLSTON CENTER REPORT was given by Hal Hunter.

INFORMATION:

From Jim Austin, Interim Director

I am standing in the cool shade of the Appalachian Mountains where laurel thickets embrace the banks of Wildcat Lake at Holston Camp. Children are swimming in the lake, one is being launched in the air by a counselor. The laughter and shouts of youthful voices echoes across the shimmering water and off the Rock of Ages. A girl with yellow braids protruding from her red helmet is climbing the rock. Her face is tight but determined as her small hand reaches upward for the next hold. When she reaches the top of the rock, she will look out and see a magnificent view-something awesome and beautiful. She may not realize it immediately, but one day this experience will be a memory she will never forget. She is transformed by her trip to the mountaintop, as am I.

I love what I do and I love this place. It didn’t take long. I was dropped into the thick of Summer Camp with 14 eager counselors and 4 dependable regular staff. We opened our gates and our hearts to a total of 218 day campers and 247 overnight campers (an increase of 51 and 80 last year). We host overnight camp for five weeks and day camp for two additional weeks. I am proud to report that I climbed Rock of Ages and played Capture the Flag until sore and lame. In the meantime, we put smiles on faces, made new friends, and transformed lives.

But Holston is more than just a summer camp. Our facilities host other events throughout the year: family reunions, church and school groups, ski trips, and business retreats. These events provide support for the camp but fail to offset major maintenance needs.

Our goal is to become self-supporting. As I review the finances of the camp, I see we rely heavily on benefactors and donations to maintain our facilities. We have good facilities in a beautiful location. We must do a better job promoting and advertising the camp. This includes a website redo, visiting the Holston family of churches and making ourselves known in the immediate area of western North Carolina. We must also begin to explore how we can move the camp forward to serve and supply the needs of a changing audience that requires contemporary housing, programming and events.

I am looking to the future with much optimism and enthusiasm. We will continue and enhance our traditions of providing youth with training in leadership, outdoor skills, and Christian values while we explore new ways to bring pilgrims into our camp for spiritual refreshment. I

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encourage each of you to continue to support our camp with your prayers and donations. Please come to visit us. Everyone is welcome.

Holston Presbytery Camp and Retreat Center

Profit-Loss Statement

Jan - Jul 15

Ordinary Income/Expense

Income

Miscellaneous 123.05

Sale of Assets 1,000.00

40000 · Operating Income

406000 · Holston Support 5,000.00

406200 · Camp Store & Drinks 4,173.50

406300 · NC Tax Rebate 5,228.02

Total 40000 · Operating Income 14,401.52

406400 · Retreat Income

Special Event Income 2,029.10

Holston Retreat Sleep 7,693.00

Holston Retreat Food 4,256.00

Other Retreat Sleep 76,248.00

Other Retreat Food 35,223.50

406400 · Retreat Income - Other 2,501.00

Total 406400 · Retreat Income 127,950.60

407000 · Summer Camp Income

407155 · Camper T-Shirts 260.00

407110 · Day Camp Fees 21,504.00

407100 · Camper Fees 95,465.37

Total 407000 · Summer Camp Income 117,229.37

407200d · Camper Scholarships 1,839.00

407300d · Camper Program Restricted Gifts 600.00

Total Income 263,143.54

Gross Profit 263,143.54

Expense

60000 · Overhead Expenses

6300 · Camp Store/Drink Machines 2,058.86

6700 · Compen for Program Dir (Tim) 2,787.83

Utilities 34,875.16

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Repair/Maintenance 8,364.39

Vehicle Upkeep 1,182.31

Administration 15,458.06

Board of Pensions 19,457.37

Total 60000 · Overhead Expenses 84,183.98

6560 · Payroll Expenses 67,222.01

64000 · Retreat Expenses

GIC/Rock Climb Session 200.00

Zipline Instructor Pay 260.00

Special Event Expenses 1,227.87

64000 · Retreat Expenses - Other 47,371.38

Total 64000 · Retreat Expenses 49,059.25

70000 · Summer Camp Expenses

7700 · Programming-Summer 2,610.31

70000 · Summer Camp Expenses - Other 43,242.09

Total 70000 · Summer Camp Expenses 45,852.40

Total Expense 246,317.64

Net Ordinary Income 16,825.90

Other Income/Expense

Other Income

408000 · Unrestricted Income

Annual Fund Drive Income 427.56

408000 · Unrestricted Income - Other 13,227.10

Total 408000 · Unrestricted Income 13,654.66

408500d · Restricted - Directed Gifts 12,327.00

Total Other Income 25,981.66

Other Expense

80000 · Unrestricted Expense 663.14

85510d · Restricted - Directed Expenses 7,693.73

Total Other Expense 8,356.87

Net Other Income 17,624.79

Net Income

34,450.69

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Holston Presbytery Camp and Retreat Center Fund Balances

Jul 31, 15

ASSETS

Current Assets

Checking/Savings

300000 · BB&T

307000d · Summer Camp Gifts (Designated) 30.00

307000 · Summer Camp 358.00

306000 · Operations 6,247.65

Total 300000 · BB&T 6,635.65

200000 · First Citizens Bank

209000 · Restricted Funds (Designated) -17,789.28

208000 · Unrestricted Gifts

208001 · Annual Fund Drive (TEAM 316) 809.72

208000 · Unrestricted Gifts - Other 41,573.26

Total 208000 · Unrestricted Gifts 42,382.98

207000 · Summer Camp

207000d · Sum Camp Gifts (Designated) 3,177.00

207000 · Summer Camp - Other 35,925.08

Total 207000 · Summer Camp 39,102.08

206000 · Operations Checking -137,115.95

200000 · First Citizens Bank - Other 128,619.70

Total 200000 · First Citizens Bank 55,199.53

Total Checking/Savings 61,835.18

Accounts Receivable

101200 · Accounts Receivable Deposits -31,196.40

Total Accounts Receivable -31,196.40

Other Current Assets

1601 · Other Receivables - Sales Tax 2,650.84

Total Other Current Assets 2,650.84

Total Current Assets 33,289.62

TOTAL ASSETS

33,289.62

LIABILITIES & EQUITY 0.00

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MISSION AND EVANGELISM COMMITTEE REPORT was given by Kaye Florence.

INFORMATION:

1. The Committee approved a $2,600 grant from the Virginia Williams Program Fund (#11862) to Tabernacle Presbyterian Church.

2. The 2015 5¢-a-Meal Local Hunger Grant Applications totaled $72,000. The 2015 5¢-a-Meal International Hunger Grant Applications totaled $17,000. (See Hunger Grant Application Summary below.)

Thank you for your continued 5₵-a-Meal Special Offerings which support these important hunger-relief ministries of Holston Presbytery congregations!

RECOMMENDATION:

3. That the 2015 5¢-a-Meal Local and International Grants be paid on a ratio allocation, as needed or required, relative to the total 5₵-a-Meal Special Offerings received in 2015. Approved.

This space left blank intentionally.

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Local Hunger Relief Total $72,000.00

Date Received

Church Project Name Program Use Requested

Amount 2015

Allocation

4/10/15 Mt. City MCPC "Feed my Lambs" The MCPC uses the monies received to reach out with food vouchers to our community, especially the elderly or families with young children and in emergency situations.

$2,000.00

5/4/15 Blountville PC Blountville Area Ministerial Association Food Bank

The BAMA Food Bank provides food for needy people in the Blountville area. The food bank is located in the First Baptist Church building and is open each Monday afternoon. Four local churches are in BAMA and it is always a struggled provide enough food for the number of people in in need.

$2,000.00

6/15/15 Waverly Road WRPC Food Pantry

A standard box of non-perishable groceries with supplemental food (based o household size and availability) is distributed to clients once per calendar month, upon request.

$2,000.00

6/29/15 Zion Greeneville/Greene County Ministries

One third of the residents of Greeneville/Greene County need help in meeting their basic food needs. This ministry is instrumental in helping to meet these needs.

$2,000.00

6/29/15 Rogersville

Rogersville Church/Community Aid Services Food for the Hungry Program

Rogersville PC works with the community aid services agency (an agency of the United Way of Hawkins Co) to provide food boxes for the poor people with acute conditions of hunger. Some of the funds will be used to provide a food check for milk, bread and fruit in addition to the food box the person/family will receive. Only the very neediest will received the food check.

$2,000.00

6/29/15 First Bristol Abuse Alternatives, Inc. Abuse Alternatives provides all necessary groceries for 3 meals a day for those who are given temporary emergency shelter in times of crisis.

$2,000.00

6/29/15 First Bristol Bristol Emergency Food Pantry

BEFP is Bristol's hub for integrated food poverty assistance. The pantry provided food to almost 14,000 local people in 2014. Referrals come through other local agencies, with which BEFP coordinates information and services

$2,000.00

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6/29/15 First Bristol Fairmount Elementary School in Bristol TN

The students of Fairmount Elementary School face hunger when they are out of school on extended breaks. More than 80% of the school's students receive free or reduced lunch during the school year, but during summer and other breaks, many to hungry. Fairmount Elementary would use funds to purchase nonperishable items and clean drinking water, box these items, and distribute them to families when school is not in session, often providing the only food the students will receive. Fairmount will provide the food to 10 families selected for great need. Cost would be $50 per family, times 4 distributions, for a total of $2000.00 for the year.

$2,000.00

6/29/15 First Bristol Haven of Rest Rescue Mission, Bristol

Haven of Rest has a homeless shelter, a rehab program, and a shelter for women and children. All three programs provide 3 meals a day, 7 days a week. Food boxes for the poor are also provided.

$2,000.00

7/1/15 Preston Hills Hunger First Local Kingsport food needs $2,000.00

7/7/15 First Johnson City

The River Snack & Holiday Meals

The River serves women and children in need in the Tri-Cities area. Many are currently homeless or on the verge of homelessness and low income families. The River provides healthy snacks for guests each day and hosts a luncheon for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Requested funds will go towards providing snacks and food for these important life celebrations which for any may be the only holiday meal they may eat.

$2,000.00

7/7/15 Hopewell Safe Space

Safe Space provides at no cost to the victims of domestic violence and their children, essential services and a place of sanctuary. The necessary resources provide emergency shelter and assistance as well as it empowers the victims to seek safety, peace and independence from lives of abuse.

$2,000.00

7/7/15 Hopewell Blue's Backpacks Food for Kids Program

Blue's Backpacks delivers kid-friendly food from the four basic food groups to area school children to help meet their nutritional needs over the weekends. Teachers identify the children in need and the backpacks are delivered to the school on Friday mornings - discreetly!

$2,000.00

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7/7/15 Hopewell Dandridge Ministerial Association Food Pantry

The mission of the DMA Food Pantry is to supply the basic food groups to area people who are in need. The increased demand has continued these past years as people are affected by disabilities, unemployment, etc.

$2,000.00

7/7/15 Hopewell Sunset Gap Community Center

SSGap serves the people in an economically depressed area in the mountains of Cocke & Sevier Counties. The center provides "hands-up" opportunities with education, a thrift store, a mission oriented community center for fellowship & support to area residents.

$2,000.00

7/9/15 Erwin Summer Food Program Funds will support the food needs of Unicoi County students in the summer months.

$2,000.00

7/9/15 Covenant Good Samaritan Ministries

Good Samaritan Ministries responds to the food needs of the poor in Johnson City and Washington County through three programs: 1) Daily meals served to walk-ins at The Melting Pot, 2) Monthly food boxes from their food pantry to qualified recipients, 3) Seasonal food boxes at Thanksgiving and Christmas to qualified recipients.

$2,000.00

7/9/15 New Bethel Community Food Pantry @ Edgefield United Methodist Church

On the 3rd Saturday of each month, members of area churches, Boy Scouts and other volunteers from the community pack and distribute food boxes to those who need help in feeding their families. Our members bring various food items (listed in the bulletin) at any time in any amount and deposit in our food bin and are delivered to the Food Bank.

$2,000.00

7/9/15 New Bethel Haven of Rest Rescue Mission, Bristol

Haven of Rest has a homeless shelter, a rehab program, and a shelter for women and children. All three programs provide 3 meals a day, 7 days a week. Food boxes for the poor are also provided.

$2,000.00

7/13/15 First Elizabethton

Food for the Multitude

FFTM provides a hot lunch every Saturday to need individuals and families in the Carter County area. Approximately 200 meals are served each week. The funds will be used to purchase food and needed supplies.

$2,000.00

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7/15/15 First Elizabethton

Assistance Resource Ministries

Carter County is considered a low social-economic county. ARM serves 1200-1400 individuals groceries monthly. The clients we serve fully depend on the supplemental groceries to sustain them. Every child also receives their own personal nutritious bag of snack items. Please consider financially contributing to this wonderful ministry.

$2,000.00

7/13/15 Watauga Ave Appalachia Service Project-Cup of Cold Water

This project was established to provide wells and indoor plumbing to families in need. The project includes installing safe electrical pumps to bring water into the home. It also provides safe upgrades to basic plumbing for families in need.

$2,000.00

7/13/15 Watauga Ave Salvation Army of Johnson City-Center of Hope

The Salvation Army of JC provides warm and safe shelter to those who are homeless and hot meals to the hungry. In 2014 they served 61,963 meals to the hungry in the community with a value of $309,815. The dining room is open 365 days a year. Lunch and dinner is provided to anyone in the community in need of a meal. Every Tuesday the disaster canteen delivers hot meals and food pantry items to residents of Unicoi County who are unable to come to the shelter.

$2,000.00

7/13/15 Watauga Ave West Main Street Christian Church-The Master's Table

West Main Street Christian Church is now providing a service to everyone called The Master's Table. It provides a worship service and a hot meal on Sunday evenings. The meal meets their basic hunger needs and motivates their participation in the worship service. Between 40-85 individuals and families are served each Sunday.

$2,000.00

7/13/15 Watauga Ave Second Harvest Food Bank

In 2014 the food bank distributed 10.3 million pounds of food to hungry families and individuals in Northeast TN through its partner agencies, programs and services. Food is currently provided for an average of 45,000 people per month, the highest number of people ever served.

$2,000.00

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7/13/15 Bethel Kingsport

Bethel Food Pantry

Bethel has operated a small food pantry for many years. As our congregation has aged and become smaller in number, it has become increasingly difficult to continue the pantry, but the need has not diminished. We also feel the distribution system we now use does not adequately meet our goal of sharing the love of Christians we share the food. We are seeking funding to make modifications to the program to include sharing the Gospel as part o sharing the food. Distribution frequency will be reduced, but quality would increase.

$2,000.00

7/13/15 Rock Creek Care and Share

The Ministerial Association of Unicoi County runs this organization with board members elected from local churches. It has one employee who runs the office and screens applicants. Churches and Charitable-minded Unicoi residents donate food. When food supplies run low this agency has to purchase food. This amount will help replenish their pantries.

$2,000.00

7/15/15 First Greeneville Rural Resources Mobile Farmers' Market

We will use the funds to purchase and distribute food locally grown from the Rural Resources garden as well as seeds, plants and containers to residents of public housing and to others who are in need. Additionally, unsold but high quality food from the garden will be donated to the Greeneville/Greene County Ministerial Food Bank and to Tabernacle's Soup Kitchen. Distribution will happen via the Mobile Farmers Market.

$2,000.00

7/15/15 First Greeneville Tabernacle Mission Soup Kitchen

The Soup Kitchen continues to see increased participation and continued need in the community it serves. The Soup Kitchen regularly serves over 100 meals each week to folks either at the Soup Kitchen or with takeout meals to those home bound or unable to get to the Kitchen to share a meal. These funds will underwrite the ongoing expenses of the operation with the purchase of food and supplies. The community that the kitchen serves is not adjacent nor is readily accessible to grocery stores or other shopping opportunities for basic needs. Likewise the community has an aging population that benefits by the ministry of the Soup Kitchen.

$2,000.00

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7/15/15 First Elizabethton

The Shepherd's Inn-Safe House/Emergency Shelter

The Shepherd's Inn accommodates women and their children with emergency shelter, food and resources. A dual ministry, the shelter receives women and children from domestic violence settings and temporary homelessness. When admitted to the shelter they arrive with nothing more than the clothes they wear. The food provided from these funds goes directly for assistance.

$2,000.00

7/15/15 Cold Spring Bristol Faith in Action Among the many services Bristol Faith in Action is assistance with food for the needy.

$2,000.00

7/15/15 Cold Spring Sharing Christ Ministries

Various Volunteer groups provides a meal to the homeless and under served on Saturday nights. The also do a sack lunch for Sunday's as well as breakfast on Sunday mornings. Although groups provide much of the meal on Saturday's, there is never enough money to get everything they need. Sunday morning worship begins at 9:00am.

$2,000.00

7/27/15 First Morristown

Morristown/Hamblen Central Services, Emergency Food Pantry

The Food Pantry provided food to approximately 22,000 individuals in Hamblen County in 2014. Food insecurity continues to be an issue in this Appalachian community.

$2,000.00

7/27/15 First Morristown

ALPS Adult Day Services Monies will be used to offset cost of meals for program participants. We serve 2 meals per day plus snacks ad drinks. In 2014 we had 4080 service days.

$2,000.00

7/27/15 First Morristown

Ministerial Association Temporary Shelter (MATS)

MATS will feed, clothe and house hungry and homeless families from 9 counties in East TN. MATS has now fed 10,000 people with over 500,000 free meals.

$2,000.00

7/27/15 First Morristown

Senior Citizens Center, Inc., Vital Visits

The program serves those who are 60 and older as well as the disabled who are younger than 60 years old. They are homebound and have limitations, which hinder them preparing their meals.

$2,000.00

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International Total $17,000.00

Church Project Name Program Use

Requested Amount

2015 Allocation

6/15/15 First Bristol Western Wollega Bethel Synod (WWBS)

Hunger relief for retired ministers in this Synod in rural Ethiopia. Their pensions are insufficient ad they are unable to work to support themselves. Through this grant, the Synod is able to care for them by providing much-needed food supplies

$2,000.00

6/29/15 First Bristol Bethel School/IPIB Felipe Camarao, Natal, Brazil

Funds will support provisions for midday meals to over 150re-K through 2nd grade children at the school, who come from the highly impoverished neighborhood of Felipe Camarao, in Natal (a city of 102 million in NE Brazil). Bethel School is a social project of the small Presbyterian congregation in Felipe Camarao through which the church engages the community in holistic, transformative ministry. The school on the church property has a kitchen which can prepare hot meals and provide healthy beverages for the children.

$2,000.00

7/7/15 Hopewell Friends of Forman Christian College

This college in Lahore, Pakistan provides an excellent education to students of all backgrounds, mostly Christian and females. Their core mission is to impart, create and disseminate knowledge and to develop informed ethical & responsible citizens. Their college motto is "By Love Serve One Another".

$2,000.00

7/7/15 Hopewell Living Waters for the World

LWW has been providing clean water systems to remote and impoverished regions of the world for 21 years! Volunteers are trained to install the systems and assist the people in the areas of care. It is incomprehensible that families should not have an ample supply of clean water!

$2,000.00

7/13/15 First Kingsport Los Conchus School Nutritional Supplement Program-Guatemala

At Los Conchus school, a nutritional supplement program provides the key source of protein and vitamins to over 400 children. As the school has grown, it has been difficult to meet the demand. The funds will be used to undergird the program, which cost over $500 a month

$2,000.00

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7/13/15 Rock Creek India Evangelistic & Relief Fellowship

IE&RF runs an orphanage including a school for the orphans. They hope to train many of them to become Missionaries in their own country. Others are trained for the ministry as well. They also have a Jail Ministry. IE&RF started in 1978 and today have planted 125 churches in India.

$2,000.00

7/15/15 Cold Spring Good Samaritan School, New Delhi, India

Since 1990 the school has been providing free education nutrition and medical care to India's slum children in New Delhi. About 1000 children attend school and are given a hot meal each day, often their only one. A grant will go a long way in India!

$1,000.00

7/15/15 Waverly Road Society of Sera, Nepal: Safe Drinking Water

Members of the Society of Sera have developed a plan to build a reserve water tank adjacent to the source water building. Plans call for the tank to hold at least 10,000 liters of water. The project budget is $6000 USD, with funding to be used to purchase brick, cement, sand and concrete and to pay for local labor. The cost to upgrade the water system is far beyond the resources of the community, and regional and national government funds are completely overwhelmed because of earthquakes. Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world and was devastated by an earthquake earlier this year.

$2,000.00

7/15/15 First Elizabethton

Boroko Primary School, Marakwet District, Kenya

The funds will purchase maize and beans which will be cooked at Boroko Primary School for the children's lunch. The opportunity to eat meals at school is major motivation for many of the students to attend school on a regular basis. Continuing drought conditions in the region means that families are experiencing greatly reduced harvests.

$2,000.00

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ADMINISTRATION AND BUDGET COMMITTEE REPORT was given by Gary Kelly.

INFORMATION:

1. The financial review of the 2014 Holston Presbytery financial records, including the 2014 Presbyterian Campus Ministry financial records, was completed by a taskforce of Ruling Elder Pamela Pope, Teaching Elder Gary Kelly and Teaching Elder George Rolling, as required by the Book of Order, G-3.0113:

A full financial review of all financial books and records shall be conducted every year by a public accountant or committee of members versed in accounting procedures. Reviewers should not be related to the treasurer(s). Terminology in this section is meant to provide general guidance and is not intended to require or not require specific audit procedures or practices as understood within the professional accounting community.

The review analyzed the 2014 financial data, which included monthly bank statements, monthly bank reconciliation reports, payment vouchers, contributor statements, payroll reports, all accounts receivable, all accounts payable, all deposits, all disbursements, current financial policies and financial procedures.

The analysis did not discover any material modifications that should be made to improve the accuracy of the 2014 financial statements of Holston Presbytery and Presbyterian Campus Ministry.

2. The ministry of Holston Presbytery is funded by the voluntary contributions of its congregations. Thank you for your generous financial commitment to the General Mission Budget which serves local congregations and their ministries, church leaders, and the wider church!

3. A reminder to all presbytery committees: all presbytery expenses must be paid by voucher (with supporting documentation) upon approval of the presbytery committee moderator and subsequent review of the Administration and Budget Committee moderator.

4. A reminder to all congregations and church treasurers: a statement detailing your congregation’s designated and undesignated financial gifts to Holston Presbytery are sent each quarter. Your review of the quarterly statement is an important internal financial control of the presbytery’s finances. Please immediately report any discrepancies to the presbytery office or to the Administration and Budget Committee moderator.

5. Things to know about the General Assembly and the Synod of Living Waters per capita:

a. The General Assembly per capita is $7.07 (2015) and $7.12 (2016) per church member, as recorded on your annual statistical report. (Read more about it here: http://oga.pcusa.org/section/departments/per-capita/)

b. The Synod of Living Waters per capita is $3.62 (2015) per church member, as recorded on your annual statistical report.

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c. The combined General Assembly and Synod of Living Waters 2015 per capita is $10.69 per church member. Holston Presbytery is required by the Book of Order to give the full per capita to the General Assembly and the Synod of Living Waters—even when congregations withhold their giving to the presbytery.

d. For 2015, Holston Presbytery will give nearly $80,000 in combined per capita (based on the total reported 2013 church membership of 7,437)—which is 25% of all anticipated congregational contributions in 2015!

6. A report of the congregational giving to the Holston Presbytery General Mission Budget for January through June 2015 is below.

Congregational Contributions to the Holston Presbytery General Mission Budget

Jan - June

2015 Amity Presbyterian Church Barton Springs Presbyterian Church

Bethany Presbyterian Church Bethel (Dandridge) Presbyterian Church $700.00 Bethel (Kingsport) Presbyterian Church $750.00 Blountville Presbyterian Church $1,250.00 Cedar Creek Presbyterian Church Cedarview Presbyterian Church $3,000.00 Chuckey Presbyterian Church $175.00 Clinton Presbyterian Church

Cold Spring Presbyterian Church $1,766.24 Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church $16,590.00 Cove Creek Presbyterian Church Covenant Presbyterian Church $10,500.00 Cross Anchor Presbyterian Church Erwin Presbyterian Church $4,966.69 First (Bristol) Presbyterian Church First (Elizabethton) Presbyterian Church $7,250.00 First (Greeneville) Presbyterian Church $5,000.00 First (Jefferson City) Presbyterian Church $7,700.00 First (Johnson City) Presbyterian Church $666.67 First (Kingsport) Presbyterian Church $34,990.00 First (Morristown) Presbyterian Church $14,166.65 Grays Chapel Presbyterian Church

Hebron Presbyterian Church Hopewell Presbyterian Church $2,536.00 Jennie Moore Memorial Presbyterian Church Jonesborough Presbyterian Church $7,500.00 Keystone Presbyterian Church $200.00

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Leesburg Presbyterian Church

Liberty Presbyterian Church $250.00 Magill Memorial Presbyterian Church

Meadowview Presbyterian Church Mountain City Presbyterian Church

Mt. Hermon Presbyterian Church New Bethel Presbyterian Church

New Ebenezer Presbyterian Church New Market Presbyterian Church

New Providence Presbyterian Church Newport Presbyterian Church

Oakland Presbyterian Church Old Kingsport Presbyterian Church $3,206.36 Philadelphia Presbyterian Church Piney Flats Presbyterian Church $1,000.00 Preston Hills Presbyterian Church $300.00 Reedy Creek (Bristol) Presbyterian Church $1,000.00 Reedy Creek (Kingsport) Presbyterian Church $720.00 Rock Creek Presbyterian Church $400.00 Rogersville Presbyterian Church $2,500.00 Rosemont Presbyterian Church

Salem Presbyterian Church $500.00 Shady Valley Presbyterian Church

Shenandoah Presbyterian Church St. Paul Presbyterian Church

Strawberry Plains Presbyterian Church Tabernacle Presbyterian Church

Timber Ridge Presbyterian Church $600.00 Tri-City Korean Presbyterian Church $600.00 Watauga Avenue Presbyterian Church Waverly Road Presbyterian Church $17,500.00 Weaver Union Presbyterian Church West Ridge Presbyterian Church $225.00 Windsor Avenue Presbyterian Church Zion Presbyterian Church

Total $148,508.61

Note: Contributions received after the fifth business day of the month are credited when received.

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TRUSTEES REPORT was given by Rich Fifield.

RECOMMENDATION:

1. Book of Order, G-4.0206, Selling, Encumbering, or Leasing Church Property, states:

a. Selling or Encumbering Congregational Property

A congregation shall not sell, mortgage, or otherwise encumber any of its real property and it shall not acquire real property subject to an encumbrance or condition without the written permission of the presbytery transmitted through the session of the congregation.

b. Leasing Congregational Property

A congregation shall not lease its real property used for purposes of worship, or lease for more than five years any of its other real property, without the written permission of the presbytery transmitted through the session of the congregation.

That Holston Presbytery approve the lease between First Presbyterian Church, Bristol, and Verizon with the following terms: First Presbyterian Church, Bristol, will receive a total annual rental of $24,000, to be paid annually, with an annual escalation of 2%. The initial term of the agreement is five (5) years. Unless terminated by the Lessee, the agreement shall automatically be extended by three additional five-year renewal terms.

Aproved.

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT was given by Angus Shaw.

INFORMATION:

1. The Nominations Committee is currently seeking nominees for persons who desire to serve in the wider church--the presbytery, the synod and the General Assembly. You may nominate yourself or someone else to serve in a variety of ministry areas. Complete the 2015 Self-Nomination Form and submit it by email, fax or USPS to the Holston Presbytery Office.

RECOMMENDATION:

2. That the Rev. Diana Moore be elected as the 2016 Holston Presbytery Moderator.

There were no nominations from the floor. Rev. Moore was elected by acclamation.

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PREVIOUSLY DOCKETED NEW BUSINESS FOR TODAY: None.

A REPORT ON Children’s Hope Alliance, formerly Grandfather Home for Children, was given by John Kopplemeyer, CEO, and Lees-McRae College, was given by Brent Thomas, Vice-President of Advancement.

PROMOTIONS were shared with the presbytery.

THE COMMITTEE ON THANKS reported.

ADJOURNMENT: Moderator Bill Reese delivered the prayer of thanks for the meal and the Moderator adjourned the meeting at 12:25 PM.

Bill Reese, Moderator

Richard L. Fifield, Stated Clerk