Category Archives: General Assembly

220th General Assembly

The following is a pastoral letter from the new Moderator and Vice Moderator of the 220th General Assembly, as well as Gradye Parsons and Linda Valentine regarding the 220th GA. Please share it with your congregations as you find it helpful to do so.

The letter is also online at the PC(USA) site.

July 7, 2012

To congregations of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Earlier today, the 220th General Assembly (2012) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) adjourned after a week of worship and work as the highest council of the denomination. Just under 900 elected commissioners and advisory delegates from every presbytery came from north, south, east, and west to discern together the mind of Christ for the PC(USA).

This assembly’s theme, “walking, running, soaring into hope” (Isaiah 40:31) was a fitting description of the assembly in many ways. At one level, the commissioners worked tirelessly—meeting literally well into the early morning hours today to complete their work—and doing so with much energy and passion. At a deeper level, the deliberations and discernment of this assembly reflect a church that is endeavoring to know how to demonstrate faithfully and effectively the gospel of Jesus Christ in the 21st century.

Some of the highlights:

Worship – The assembly paused daily in the midst of its business, in the same space, to worship. Each of the preachers used the same text, Mark 2:1-12, chosen by outgoing GA Moderator, Cindy Bolbach. Commissioners and advisory delegates prayed and sang often, using selections from the upcoming new hymnal from the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, Glory to God, which the assembly voted to commend to the church (available in 2013; www.presbyterianhymnal.org).

Community – Those who have experienced a General Assembly speak overwhelmingly of the sense of connectedness that develops over the course of the assembly, and this one was no exception. Group meals, committee work, mission tours, exhibit hall, and more provided opportunities to make new friends and reconnect with those for whom an assembly is a “family reunion.” You can get a sense of that community through the photo and video gallery and more at www.pcusa.org/ga220. The community extended beyond Pittsburgh, as well—thousands gathered in this country and around the world through social media to watch the proceedings (www.twitter.com/search/ga220).

Business – The assembly addressed roughly 800 items of business in the form of overtures, reports, commissioner resolutions and more. We commend to you PC-biz (www.pc-biz.org), the online site where you can read about each item of business. Some topics that were before the assembly are likely to draw media attention—perhaps they already have where you live. We want to highlight some of them, sharing with you the actions taken by the assembly:

Definition of marriage – The assembly chose not to change the current definition of marriage that is in the PC(USA) constitution, namely, that marriage is a civil contract “between a man and a woman.” Rather, through its action to approve a two-year study, the assembly is inviting the entire church to engage in serious, deliberate conversation on this issue.
Middle East – The assembly chose not to divest from three companies participating in “non-peaceful pursuits” in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza. Rather, the assembly voted “to pursue a positive and creative course of action with respect to the current Palestinian/Israeli conflict,” and to “devise a plan of active engagement and projects that will support collaboration among Christians, Jews, and Muslims.” The assembly also approved a boycott on “all Israeli products coming from the occupied Palestinian territories.”
1001 Movement – The assembly overwhelming supported a movement to create 1001 worshiping communities (www.onethousandone.org). Those communities of faith will perhaps look much different from traditional congregations, but those that are already underway—in coffee shops, shopping malls, even on bicycles—are changing the world and the church for the sake of the gospel.

Commissioners and advisory delegates wrestled passionately together in heart, mind, and prayer, yet did so respectfully and graciously. Rarely were votes taken that had a wider margin than 60%-40%. On marriage and the Middle East issues, the voting results were extremely close. More than once, commissioners rose with requests to reconsider items already approved.

Obviously, we are working through difficult issues that do not get easily resolved by one or two votes, or even within one or two years. Nevertheless, we stand firmly in the conviction and hope that God is present with us – behind, before, and beside us.

Each assembly committee opened its meeting with prayer and reflection on Paul’s encouragement to the church in Ephesus: “…making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (4:3). This is our prayer, as well.

We pray that every effort will be made to continue conversation at every level of the church—from congregations to presbyteries to synods to the General Assembly—encouraging and engaging one another, maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

May the good and faithful work begun in Pittsburgh continue, remembering that “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who is our peace,

The Rev. Neal D. Presa
Moderator, 220th General Assembly

The Rev. Gradye Parsons
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly

The Rev. Tom Trinidad
Vice Moderator, 220th General Assembly

Elder Linda Bryant Valentine
Executive Director, Presbyterian Mission Agency
(formerly General Assembly Mission Council)

PCUSA Collegiate Ministry Locator

The Office of Collegiate Ministries is revising and updating the PCUSA Collegiate Ministry Locator. Pastors, educators, parents, and prospective students will be able to use this Locator to easily find and be in touch with a collegiate ministry near their college or university.

If you already have an established campus ministry, you will want to have it listed on the Campus Ministry Locator which is maintained by PACHEM.

The Locator can be viewed at http://www.pachem.org/index.php/find-a-ministry Once a representative sample of ministries are listed it will be linked from www.pcusa.org

In order to have your ministry listed on the PCUSA Campus Ministry Locator the following criteria must be met:

I. The ministry shows a welcoming presence and an active ministry specifically for college students.

Has a web site with directions and basic ministry information.
Demonstrates a public college ministry on the web site by
Specifically mentioning college students or campus ministry.
Having a name and contact person for college ministry (staff, lay person, student leader).
Showing evidence of at least one program for college students.

II. The ministry is accountable to some entity / council of the PCUSA [session, presbytery, synod. There may be multiple lines of accountability, such as an ecumenical ministry, but one of the lines must be an entity of the PCUSA.]

III. The ministry has procedures in place for annual review of the Locator information.

Once these criteria have been met, then you can register your ministry by becoming a Ministry Member of PACHEM. Once approved, you will be ready to tailor your Locator information and to participate in the resource sharing of the PACHEM community.

For questions about PACHEM, email us atprovost@pachem.org or call Adrian McMullen, Associate for Collegiate Ministries, PC(USA) at (800) 728-7228, x5639.

Great Rivers Endorses 2nd Candidate for Moderator

Presbyterian News Service
by Bethany Furkin

LOUISVILLE – The Rev. Susan Davis Krummel, executive/general presbyter and stated clerk of the Presbytery of Great Rivers, has been endorsed by that presbytery to stand for moderator of the 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

She joins the Rev. Neal Presa of Elizabeth Presbytery as candidates for the denomination’s top elected office.

The assembly will be held June 30-July 7, 2012 in Pittsburgh.

“Since she became our General Presbyter, the Reverend Sue Davis Krummel has guided our Presbytery with a clear voice and a steady hand. She will do the same for the General Assembly when she is elected its next Moderator,” said Elder Gary Davis, moderator of the presbytery’s nominating committee, in a press release.

Before coming to the presbytery in 2003, Krummel served for 24 years in pastoral roles at congregations ranging from 30 to 1,300 members. She has served as a pastor, co-pastor, interim pastor, temporary supply pastor, associate pastor, interim associate pastor and co-associate pastor for youth.

Krummel has also served as moderator and stated clerk for the Presbytery of East Iowa and as moderator of the General Assembly Nominating Committee. She has taught polity at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and for the Commissioned Ruling Elder training for the Synod of Lincoln Trails. Krummel has also served as the moderator of a General Assembly commissioner committee and as a committee assistant.

A graduate of the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in Speech/Communications and of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Krummel has also taken courses at the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center. She holds a certificate in executive leadership from McCormick Theological Seminary.

Krummel and her husband have two daughters and four grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and ballroom dancing.

Read the story online

Presbyterian World Mission – Oct 2011

Meet mission workers Jeff and Christi Boyd

Thanks in part to the work of Presbyterian mission co-worker Jeff Boyd, about 30 school buildings in Central Africa have been constructed that serve more than 9,000 children annually. Meanwhile, his wife, Christi, has helped develop 41 grain banks in the arid North of Cameroon.

While their roles are different, Jeff and Christi share a common commitment to working alongside African partners in ministries of empowerment.

Watch Jeff as he talks about Presbyterians’ collective commitment to mission and expresses his thanks to the church. Jeff serves as the PC(USA)’s regional liaison in Central Africa. He and Christi, facilitator for the Presbyterian Hunger Program’s Joining Hands initiative in Cameroon, have been mission co-workers in Africa for more than two decades.

Make a gift to support Jeff and Christi and other mission coworkers in the world

Come Explore the Recent Changes to the Book of Order

Dear Sisters and Brothers:

Blessings to you all as the “hiatus” of summer passes and we move into a new program year for so many congregations. This summer, as always, finds our congregations quite busy with seasonal concerns and programs.

As the focus moves, however, there are concerns and responses that need attention. Some of these focus on issues which followed the adoption of the amendments to the constitution of our denomination which formally implemented changes on July 10.

Two items were among the important items which suggest special interest.

Amendment 10-A was passed. There are both implementation concerns and implications for church life that are wrapped in this issue.
A new Form of Government was approved. There are significant implementation issues at every level of the church. Some are pressing and some others may follow less demandingly.

We have arranged four area meetings to explore the implications of these recent changes to the Book of Order, especially as they affect local congregations. We invite pastors, moderators and clerks of session, session members, and other interested members of congregations in our presbytery. The dates and locations of the gatherings are:

Tuesday, September 13: 6:30-9:00pm (Eastern Time)
Unity Presbyterian Church
1207 Springhill Drive, Terre Haute

Thursday, September 15: 6:30-9:00pm (Eastern Time)
St John Presbyterian Church
1307 E Elm Street, New Albany

Tuesday, September 27: 6:30-9:00pm (Central Time)
United Presbyterian Church
130 E State Street, Princeton

Thursday, September 29: 6:30-9:00pm (Eastern Time)
Fairlawn Presbyterian Church
2611 Fairlawn Drive, Columbus

Each gathering will begin at 6:30 pm local time, and will conclude officially no later than 9:00. We will provide a light meal at each meeting. While reservations are not required, they will be helpful as we plan for the meal. Please email Rhonda Seymour, with the number of persons attending, as well as the location you plan to attend.

We hope to see you soon!

Grace and peace,
Susan McGhee, Presbyter for Common Life
Lawrence Jackman, Stated Clerk

Seeking Justice in Peru

PC(USA) mission worker Jed Koball’s service with the Joining Hands program in Peru takes him to La Oroya, one of the 10 most polluted cities in the world. A study showed that 97 percent of the city’s children have lead poisoning, a condition that can reduce a child’s intelligence and stunt physical growth. Watch Jed talk about the children of La Oroya and the work he’s doing with Peruvian partners and U.S. Presbyterians to bring justice to this community. Married in 2010, Jed is accompanied in service by his wife, Jenny.

But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream. (Amos 5:24)

Please support the work of Jed Koball and other Presbyterian mission workers.

New Form of Government: Approved

For a printable copy of this document, click here.

Trinity Presbytery became the 87th presbytery to approve the amendment.

Louisville—While the Office of the General Assembly awaits official tallies, it appears that a majority of the 173 presbyteries of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have approved a new Form of Government.

At its meeting on Tuesday, June 7, 2011, Trinity Presbytery became the 87th presbytery to approve an amendment that will replace the current 18-chapter Form of Government with a new version that is six chapters in length. The Form of Government is one section of the Book of Order, which is part of the PC(USA) Constitution.

Along with the new Form of Government will be a new section of the Book of Order entitled “Principles of Presbyterian Polity,” which contains a large majority of the content of the first four chapters of the current Form of Government.

The proposed new Form of Government (FOG) was approved by the 219th General Assembly (2010) of the PC(USA). Two years earlier, a proposed revision had been presented to the 218th General Assembly (2008) by the FOG Task Force. That assembly reconstituted the task force and asked it to present a revised version to the 219th GA based on the feedback received at the 218th GA.

This is the first full revision of the Form of Government since the Presbyterian Church in the United States and the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America reunited to form the PC(USA). The current Form of Government had been amended over 300 times since reunion in 1983.

The new Form of Government will take effect July 10, 2011, one year after the adjournment of last summer’s assembly. It is anticipated that the transition from the current to the new FOG will take time.

In response to the vote, denominational leaders issued a letter to all congregations of the PC(USA). In it, they write, “While the new Form of Government will help the PC(USA) to be a faithful and responsive church in the 21st century, it also has a dimension of bringing us back to a truly constitutional document that contains broad governing and theological principles and emphasizes function over structure.”

The letter continues, “Many Presbyterians will see nothing suddenly or dramatically different with a new Form of Government. Worship services will go on as usual, and congregations will continue to teach the faith, serve their communities, reach out to those in need, and work to further God’s realm on earth. However, what will be different is that congregations, presbyteries, and synods will have the opportunity to tailor mission and ministry to fit their own particular contexts and challenges.”

Resources and guides about the new FOG, including “Frequently Asked Questions,” are available at http://oga.pcusa.org/formofgovernment.

The full text of the churchwide letter:

To congregations of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

While it is not official until the Office of the General Assembly receives notification from presbyteries that have voted, it appears that, as of June 7, 2011, the proposed new Form of Government (FOG) has been approved by a majority of our 173 presbyteries.

The new FOG will replace the current version within the Book of Order of the church’s Constitution on July 10, 2011, one year after the adjournment of the 219th General Assembly (2010). The print edition of the new Book of Order will be available by late July.

The new Form of Government at its core

A new section, Foundations of Presbyterian Polity, which contains the vast majority of the first four chapters of the current FOG, will also be added to the beginning of the Book of Order. Within it are these words:

In the power of the Spirit, Jesus Christ draws worshiping communities and individual believers into the sovereign activity of the triune God at all times and places. As the Church seeks reform and fresh direction, it looks to Jesus Christ who goes ahead of us and calls us to follow him. (F-1.0401)

The foundational message of the saving love of God through Jesus Christ is timeless. The writer of Hebrews reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (13:8). And yet, when the Spirit has moved the church to respond to “the sovereign activity of the triune God,” the church has, in turn, worked to reshape itself to do so effectively.

While the new Form of Government will help the PC(USA) to be a faithful and responsive church in the 21st century, it also has a dimension of bringing us back to a truly constitutional document that contains broad governing and theological principles and emphasizes function over structure.

What will change?

Many Presbyterians will see nothing suddenly or dramatically different with a new Form of Government. Worship services will go on as usual, and congregations will continue to teach the faith, serve their communities, reach out to those in need, and work to further God’s realm on earth. However, what will be different is that congregations, presbyteries, and synods will have the opportunity to tailor mission and ministry to fit their own particular contexts and challenges.

The new FOG will also usher in changes in terminology. For example, ministers of the Word and Sacrament will be known as teaching elders, partnering in ministry with ruling elders who serve on the congregation’s council (session).

It is a season of much change in the church, and change is often accompanied by anxiety. Making the transition from the current Form of Government to the new one will take time, patience, and grace. We will all be living gradually into these new dimensions of the church’s governance. We commend to you the resources and guides at http://oga.pcusa.org/formofgovernment for assistance, including the “Frequently Asked Questions” document that accompanies this letter. Further resources will be made available over the course of the summer to help with this transition.

The best resources through this transition, however, will be each other. A new Form of Government puts all of us on the same page, as it were. Through conversation, cooperation, and collaboration, we will discover the most effective ways to move forward into this new and exciting chapter of the life of the church.

In the end, as affirmed in the Confession of 1967, “The church … orders its life as an institution with a constitution, government, officers, finances, and administrative rules. These are instruments of mission, not ends in themselves” (9.40). The mission remains the same: to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed, and to work for the reconciliation of the world. With God’s help, may this new Form of Government enable us to be ever more faithful to that mission.

In Christ,

Cindy Bolbach
Moderator of the 219th General Assembly (2010)

Gradye Parsons
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly

Linda Valentine
Executive Director, General Assembly Mission Council

Landon Whitsitt
Vice Moderator of the 219th General Assembly (2010)

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Helpful Resources:
Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.pcusa.org/media/uploads/oga/pdf/faqnfog.pdf
Churchwide Letter: http://www.pcusa.org/news/2011/6/7/churchwide-letter-concerning-new-form-government/

+ On May 18, in preparation for a possible affirmative vote by a majority of the presbyteries, Lawrence Jackman, POV Stated Clerk, sent the following communication to moderators and clerks of session in the presbytery, concerning the need for congregations to establish a quorum for congregational meetings:

To All Clerks and Moderators of Session:

The proposal to create a new Form of Government for our church is still being voted. There are 30 presbyteries yet to vote. The unofficial count is that 12 of those need to vote in the affirmative for the change to happen. This is not at all a foregone conclusion as to outcome. It may or may not pass.

If it does pass, we have some very immediate needs. Some of those are on a presbytery level. Some are very specifically on a congregational basis. I write today about a single one of those which could generate real headaches if not addressed.

The most critical issue has to do with the definition of a quorum. The current Book of Order has an answer to that question, but if that book goes away, we are left with an impossible answer for many.

Currently, the quorum is 10% of the membership, but not less than 2(two) members. The congregation may set a higher number, but that would be the minimum. That is pretty easy to live with.

The new Form of Government does not include anything about a quorum. That means the definition falls to Roberts Rules of Order. That answer is a majority of the membership is a quorum. This is often a difficult goal to reach.

Actions which need to happen immediately are as follows:

1. Check to see if your congregation (or any you moderate) has a defined quorum.
Ask yourself and your session if this is a realistic number.
2. If the Roberts Rule of “a majority” or your current definition is unrealistic prepare
to change it. Set a congregational meeting that can set a realistic quorum.
3. Accomplish this before July 10.

The “Catch 22” is that after July 10 (if the amendment passes) it will take a majority of the congregation to set a quorum of any size.

Below is a sample motion to set at the minimum which now exists. I will continue to be in touch as the vote continues on this issue. I will also contact you to follow up. If you would let me know how it stands in your congregations, it will help in follow up.

Possible motion: The (blank) Presbyterian Church of the Presbytery of Ohio Valley, establishes a rule for congregational meetings and corporate meetings which stipulates that 10% of the membership must be present for such a meeting. No meeting shall be conducted with less than 3 members regardless of membership. Meetings of the session and other entities within the church must have 50 percent of the membership present in order to conduct business.

The session of each congregation must also establish a quorum for its own meetings and other groups which it may constitute.

Possible motion: The session of (blank) Presbyterian Church of the Presbytery of Ohio Valley establishes a quorum rule which directs that all the session’s business must be conducted with a quorum of at least 50% of the membership.

Again, sisters and brothers, the numbers need to be realistic for your congregation.

Please, let me know when you have determined whether there is a current quorum which meets the requirements. If not, please let me know when you can address this issue.

Thanks to each of you for your work and labors.

Rev. Lawrence Jackman
Stated Clerk