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The Presbytery of Sierra Blanca of the Presbyterian Church (USA) met at Camp Chimney Spring. Moderator Florence Hamilton called the meeting to order at 7 PM and gave an Opening Prayer; Marcus Burr was recognized for a surprise presentation of a "pink cowgirl hat" for the Moderator. Chimney Spring Director, Marsha Slane, welcomed us to the Conference Center for our meeting. The Worship Committee led us in Worship at 7:15 PM on Friday. Led by Narrative "presenters" Marjorie Daniels, Cathy Dice, Teresa Ogden, Gene Harbaugh, Anne Gravel, Sam Lanham, with Bob Williams as Worship Leader. For the Service, we gathered in one circle with the Communion Table as part of the circle. The Scriptures were narrated (not read), relating stories of the Exodus and Passover (moving toward celebration of The Lord's Supper). Communion was co-celebrated by intinction by Bob Williams & Marjorie Daniels; Hymns chosen to support narratives: "Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain", "When Israel was in Egypt's Land", "Wade in the Water", and "Live Into Hope".
PROCEDURAL DOCKET
Call to Order Moderator Hamilton turned the Chair over to
Vice Moderator Sam Lanham for the remainder of the evening; Sam
declared a 5 minute break before continuing the meeting; he reconvened
the meeting at 8:15 PM with prayer.Roll Assessed: Those
who requested Excused Absence: Iola Allender, Shannon Webster,
John Tritenbach, Clyde Davis, Scott King (HR), Tracy Spencer-Brown,
Wayne Hawkins(HR), Norm Story, Hugh Burroughs, Larrimore Wickett
(HR), Bill Sebring(HR), Terry Aiello, and David Sallee.
The Stated Clerk moved that they be excused; motion was approved.
Quorum The Rev. Bob Williams, Stated Clerk, announced
that we had a quorum to proceed with business before the Presbytery.
Approval of the Agenda Upon a motion from the Clerk, the
Presbytery voted to approve the Agenda.
Seating of Corresponding Members It was voted to seat
the Rev. Art Mills, Board of Pensions, and Presbytery of San
Diego as a Corresponding Member.
Introduction of New Commissioners and Guests: John &
Lorna Hoover.
Granting of Privilege of the Floor The Presbytery voted
to grant this privilege for Kate DeBraose (HAE), Sharon Caldwell
(Asst. Stated Clerk), Adrian Martinez, Lorna Hoover, Mary Ester
Soliz, and Frank Morales.
AGENDA OF PRESBYTERY MEETING
congregations that promote the Great Ends of the Church in the communities of southern and eastern New Mexico.
Chimney Spring Camp and Conference Center
Friday, April 28, 2006
7 PM Call to Order & Opening Prayer - Moderator Florence
Hamilton
Welcome by Marsha Slane, Director of Chimney Spring Camp
7:15 PM Opening Worship (Sacrament of The Lord's Supper)
8:15 PM Procedural Docket
Assess Roll, Quorum, Approval of Agenda, Seating of Corresponding
Members,
Introduction of first-time Commissioners and Guests, Granting
Privilege of the Floor
Consent Docket
Approval of Minutes of our January 27-28, 2006 Presbytery Meeting
Approval of the Financial Reports through March 31, 2006
Permission for Moderator and Stated Clerk to make adjustments
in Agenda
to expedite the business of our meeting;
Permission for Moderator to grant privilege of the floor to
persons speaking
to specific items, if appropriate.
Election of YAD Youth Advisory Delegate to General Assembly
8:30 PM Program Docket - Racial/Ethnic Sensitivity Training -
Florence Hamilton
9:30 PM Recess (Social hour) - Recessing Prayer
Saturday, April 29, 2006:
8:30 AM Morning Worship
9:15 AM Reconvening Prayer - Moderator Florence Hamilton
Stated Clerk's Report (Written Report)
GA Annual Session Statistical Reports - Presbytery Overview
Report & recommendations re: Session Records Review
Report on Synod Review of Presbytery Minutes - February 21,
2006
Correspondence items
Report of Executive Presbyter (Written Report - Shannon absent)
9:30 AM Information Docket
Congregational Support Division:
Presbyterian Women (PW)
Mission Division:
Cristo Rey Project - Virginia King
Hunger Action Enabler (HAE) - Kate DeBraose
Border Ministry - Viola Johnson
Peacemaking - Bob Williams
NCD - Mission Development Grant - Adrian Martinez
Pentecost Offering - Bill Carmines
Pecos Valley Hispanic Ministry - Gene Harbaugh
Faith Development Division: (Teresa Ogden, Chairperson)
Chimney Spring Board - Marsha Slane & John Camp
CLP Training
Campus Ministry - ENMU & NMSU
Funds Development Division
CFCS (Church Finance Campaign Services) Feasability Studies
10:15 AM Report of Commissioners to Synod Meeting (March 10-11,
2006)
10:30 AM BREAK
10:05 AM Decision Docket
Committee on Ministry (COM) Report - John Camp, Chair
Actions taken since January Meeting
Recommendations - Terms of Call, etc.
Presbytery Council - Gary Dill, Moderator
Recommendations for action
Nominating Committee
11:30 AM Board of Pensions - The Rev. Art Mills
11:45 AM Lunch (Prayer for Lunch Recess and Gracias a Dios)
12:30 PM Council Presentation on Transition Task Force - Gary
Dill
Thinking Outside the Box - An Exercise in Imagination - Sam
Lanham
1:15 PM Other Business
1:30 PM Adjournment - Closing Prayer (Gracias a Dios for lunch)
The Roll The roll was recorded on the basis of Registration
forms submitted by those present and information regarding those
seeking excused absence.
Members (Ministers of the Word) Present: John Camp, Bob
Williams(HR), Marcus Burr(HR), Gary Dill, Gene Harbaugh (HR),
E.W."Bo" Lewis (HR), Cathy Anderson, Lance Clemmons,
Gary West, Timothy Smith, Sam Lanham, Carrol Blevins, Frank Sherman,
Stephen Deutsch, Jim Lacy, and Buzz Mattingly (HR). Members
(Ministers of the Word) Absent with Excuse: Iola Allender,
Shannon Webster, John Tritenbach, Clyde Davis, Scott King (HR),
Tracy Spencer-Brown, Wayne Hawkins (HR), Norm Story, Hugh Burroughs,
Larrimore Wickett (HR), Lewis Wilkins (HR), Bill Sebring (HR),
Bill Carmines, Jay Bishop (HR), Joseph Walstad (HR), Paul Miller
(HR), and Harold Dykstra (HR). Absent without Excuse:
None
Elder Commissioners (of Sessions): Ann Langlinais (First,
Carlsbad), Tom Dobson (Westminster, Clovis), Lewis Toland (First,
Dexter), Steve Loman (First, Las Cruces), Jerry Reynolds (First,
Hobbs), Bob Olsen (First, Ruidoso), Kate DeBraose (Westminster,
Roswell), Joe Roberts (Santa Teresa), Phyllis Zumwalt (Nogal
PC), Cathy Dice (First, Lovington), John Frerichs (First, Clovis),
July Ivy (Northminster, Las Cruces), Lois Pederson (First, Deming),
Bob Kurtz (First, Roswell),and Ann Hollinger (First, Artesia).
Elder Commissioners excused: First, Alamogordo, and Corona
United. Elder Commissioners not excused: First PC, Portales;
First PC, Tucumcari; First PC, Jal; First PC, Hagerman; and Ancho
Community PC.
Elder Members (by virtue of Office, not included in other
roll categories) Present: Anne Gravel (Personnel Committee Chairperson),
Teresa Ogden (Faith Development Division Chairperson), Florence
Hamilton (COR Chairperson), and Sharon Caldwell (Asst. Stated
Clerk). Commissioned Lay Pastors: Marjorie Daniels, Adam Soliz,
and Virginia King. Absent: Bert Wayt, Terry Aiello (excused),
and David Sallee (excused). Guests: Suella Frerichs, Mary Ester
Soliz, John & Lorna Hoover, and Sherri Elliot.
CONSENT DOCKET The Stated Clerk moved the approval of the Consent Agenda: Approval of Minutes of our January 27-28, 2006 Presbytery Meeting; Approval of the Financial Reports through March 31, 2006 (Attachment A); Permission for Moderator and Stated Clerk to make adjustments in Agenda to expedite the business of our meeting; Permission for Moderator to grant privilege of the floor to persons speaking to specific items, if appropriate; Election of Joshua Martinez (First PC, Dexter)as our YAD (Youth Advisory Delegate) to General Assembly. It was voted to approve the motion.
PROGRAM DOCKET Moderator Lanham called upon Florence Hamilton as Chairperson of COR to lead us in Racial/Ethnic Sensitivity Training. Florence had arranged for a panel, members of which were: Ann Langlinais, John & Lorna Hoover, Steve Loman, Adam & Mary Ester Soliz; they led in a celebration of our varied cultures. We hope to put a stop to making insensitive statements about folks of other cultures. She then handed pencils (decorated) - "magic wands" - asking panel members to speak to what they would like the churches to look like; some spoke regarding their own churches, some spoke to hopes for an inclusive spirit (different ages, different family groups, different cultural backgrounds) in the Presbyterian Church as a whole. Florence then asked the panel, "What do you feel you should be doing in your church or the Presbytery?" Comments included being encouraging of people to come to church, having an attitude of hospitality, "not sit back and wait for someone else to do it, but just go and do it", and reaching out across the cultures. The "wands" were then passed to some at the meeting and responses varied: hoping for the church which is more courageous with a gospel of peace in the midst of the world, wondering how to gather folks into the church when the areas around the church are so geographically large, hoping the community would understand who Presbyterians are, helping folks to know what their calling is in their lives, and being more "caring" of others.
Recess Moderator Lanham entertained a motion to recess. It was voted, and our Recessing Prayer was led by Sam Lanham, a bidding prayer asking for "one word" expressions from the members.
Saturday - At 8:30 AM Moderator Hamilton called the
meeting to order and asked us to gather for worship. Led by
Bob Williams and Marjorie Daniels, Marjorie shared a narrative
of the Woman at the Well; Hymns were: "Bless the Lord"
(Taize), and "I'll Fly Away." As part of Worship, we
commissioned our General Assembly Commissioners: Minister - Timothy
Smith; Elder - Judy Pingel; YAD - Joshua Martinez.
STATED CLERK'S REPORT At 9:15 AM, after giving her re-convening
prayer, Moderator Hamilton called for the report of the Stated
Clerk. Bob Williams had submitted a written report with the
Presbytery Packets and referred to the following:
1. Session Records Review (March 18, 2006) - The following
Clerks of Session met with Stated Clerk Bob Williams at First
PC, Portales for the purpose of Training and Review of Session
Minutes and Session Register: Judy White, First PC, Portales;
Barbara Cherry, First PC, Tucumcari; Harry Pomeroy, Westminster
PC, Clovis. Note: Session Records from First PC, Clovis were
reviewed at this gathering; Session Records from First PC, Dexter
were reviewed by the Stated Clerk; the Session Records for First
PC, Hagerman have not been reviewed this year. The Presbytery
voted to approve the following recommendations by the Stated
Clerk: that these Session Records be approved Without Exceptions:
First PC, Portales and First PC, Tucumcari; that these Session
Records be approved With Exceptions: (Exceptions cited are
as follows) Westminster PC, Clovis: 1. No mention in the Minutes
of the Annual Statistical Report to General Assembly for 2005;
2. No mention in the Minutes of the Review of Session Minutes
by the Presbytery for 2005; 3. In the Congregational Meeting
Minutes, no Audit Committee report was given; First PC, Clovis:
1. Regarding changes in membership, there was no report found
in the Annual Meeting Minutes (Members received; Inactive Roll;
Deletions from the Roll; Baptisms, etc.); 2. No mention in the
Minutes of the Annual Statistical Report to General Assembly;
3. No mention of the report from the Session Commissioner to
Presbytery; 4. In the Congregational Meeting Minutes, no Report
of the Clerk of Session was found, citing Membership changes,
etc.; 5. In the Congregational Meeting Minutes, no Audit Committee
report was given; First PC, Dexter: 1. No mention in the Minutes
of the Annual Statistical Report to General Assembly for 2004,
though it was mentioned for 2005; 2. No mention in the Minutes
of the Review of Session Minutes by the Presbytery for 2004,
though it was mentioned for 2005; 3. No mention of the report
from the Session Commissioner to Presbytery in 2005; 4. Ordination
and /or Installation of Officers not mentioned in 2005; In addition
to exceptions, "comments" were shared with the Clerks
of Sessions, and all of these Clerks did receive comments to
aid them in their work.
Report on Synod Review of Presbytery Records - The Synod
of the Southwest annually reviews the minutes of our presbytery;
the four Stated Clerks of the Presbyteries of Sierra Blanca,
Santa Fe, de Cristo, and Grand Canyon, and Jan DeVries, Stated
Clerk of the Synod serve as members of the review committee.
At the March 10-11, 2006 Synod Meeting, the Minutes of Sierra
Blanca Presbytery were approved with the following exceptions:
(1) No record that EEO guidelines were followed in the Pastoral
Calls for Bill Carmines and Gary West; (2) No record of either
an annual audit or full financial review.
Correspondence items shared in the written report were:
1. Information was received from Barbara Cherry, Clerk of Session,
First PC, Tucumcari, that the church will celebrate their 100th
Anniversary on September 16 - 18; 2. Our Stated Clerk received
a response to his letter inviting Santa Fe Presbytery to meet
with us in the Fall of 2007 at First PC, Las Cruces from Joyce
Lieberman, Stated Clerk, indicating that the Presbytery voted
to accept the invitation on Feb. 4, 2006 at their meeting at
Las Placitas PC. In an Email regarding the Joint Meeting, Stated
Clerk Joyce Lieberman had suggested the dates, September 28-29,
2007, to which Bob responded positively. With the instruction
of Council, Bob will pursue the planning for this Joint Meeting;
3. Our Clerk received an Email advising that Santa Fe Presbytery
had submitted an invitation to OGA to have the newly elected
GA Moderator as guest at their Fall meeting or January Presbytery
Meeting in 2007. With the instruction of Council Bob will send
an invitation to the new GA Moderator, requesting his/her presence
for our September or January, 2007 Meeting; 4. Regarding an
inquiry from Timothy Smith concerning the process for re-naming
a church, the Stated Clerk requested and received information
from the OGA, and has subsequently informed Timothy; Bob will
follow up with the Northminster PC Session on further steps;
5. After Council acted to request that Timothy Smith act as
Overture Advocate, if he is able. the Stated Clerk sent an Email
to Timothy, and he has agreed to serve. 6. Following Council's
decision to meet on September 8, 2006 in Albuquerque, the Stated
Clerk wrote to Stated Clerk Joyce Lieberman to request permission
to labor within the bounds of Santa Fe Presbyery. Assuming that
Santa Fe Presbytery grants this request, our Stated Clerk recommends
that Sierra Blanca Presbytery grant permission to Council to
labor outside our bounds for this Council meeting. It was voted
to approve the recommendation.7. Regarding the Council's conversation
pertaining to the relationship of First PC, Portales and ENMU
Campus Ministry, the Stated Clerk wrote to Judy White, Clerk
of Session at First PC, Portales to urge them to seek the guidance
of David Sallee in their planning; 8. Notified OGA that Austin
Provencher is too young to serve as YAD, and we plan (subsequent
to the vote of Presbytery) to substitute Joshua Martinez, First
PC, Dexter.
GA Statistical Report for the Presbytery - This report
is based on the statistics reported by the Session Clerks to
General Assembly, and come from the GA Report to the Stated Clerk:
Membership As of December 31, 2004: 2,248 As of December 31,
2005: 2,161 Net loss of 87; Gains - 107; Losses - 194; Professions
of Faith - 71; Deaths - 65; Net losses to "Other" -
95; Females - 1,268; Average attendance - 1,378; Baptisms: Child
- 20; Adult - 5; Racial Ethnic Breakdown - Members - 1,916 White,
64 Hispanic, 14 Native American, and 13 Asian American; Elders
- 148 of 154 are White; Deacons - 80 of 84 are White; Financial
- Potential Giving Units - 1,513; Budgets: Income - $2,193,013;
Expenses - $2,460,739; Receipts included: Contributions - $2,472,851;
Bequests - $275,837; Other income - $341,687; Expenses included:
Local Program - $2,175,137; Local Mission - $56,535; Per Capita
Apportionment - $54,645; Validated Mission - $199,907.
10. Received a copy of "A Memorandum of Agreement"
between the Nogal PC and First PC, Ancho on the Carrizozo Manse,
held in trust by Nogal PC (having paid the Ancho church $26,000
for their interest in the Manse).
EXECUTIVE PRESBYTER'S REPORT The Rev. J. Shannon
Webster submitted a written report because he was in New Orleans
during our meeting for the graduation of his daughter, Hannah,
from Loyola University. In his report he followed the theme
of Improvisation and Change, citing Luke 9.12-17, the Feeding
of the 5,000. Referring to his recent continuing education experience
at Austin Seminary called "The Jazz of Holy Friendship":
"Before you can play what you feel, you must know your craft
intimately ... within that framework, you can improvise. When
you know and trust the others in your group, know what they are
going to do, trust them to adjust when you bend a note or try
a variation ... it frees you to improvise." Shannon suggests
that the implications for the church are "fairly obvious
... The structure itself allows for improvisation." Moving
on to discussion Change, he states that "Times are coming
for the Presbyterian Church which will call for us to improvise."
He then referred to the work of Gil Rendle (Alban Institute):
"Change is possible when two parents are present - Pain
and Possibility . . leader's responsibility is not for controlling
change, but for directing how change is going to go, directing
it while it is happening ... It is in the wilderness that we
reformulate - get people into the desert ... change does not
come from interventions, but from conversations at the point
of readiness." Stating that change is upon us, Shannon
pointed to conversations regarding Readiness that are happening
- Presbytery Council's planning process (into the second year
of a 5 Year Plan), the work of the Transition Task Force (with
Santa Fe Presbytery) which is building some ways for future collaboration
between the presbyteries, and the Synod Review Task Force that
will bring suggested changes to a special meeting of Synod in
October of this year. He completed his report by pointing to
the Improvisation that is on-going within Sierra Blanca Presbytery,
pointing to Cristo Rey, CLP's ministries, emerging Hispanic ministries
(Las Cruces NCD and Pecos Valley Ministry), sending Youth to
Taize, new Campus Ministry house in Portales, and developments
at Camp Chimney Spring.
INFORMATION DOCKET Moderator Hamilton called for the
information reports within each of our Divisions. At 9:30 AM,
with the Chairperson of the Congregational Support Division,
Iola Allender, absent due to just having had surgery. Also due
to the absence of the President of Presbyterian Women (Joyce
Brown), there was no report received from PW. The Mission
Division chair, Bill Carmines, was absent due to illness;
with permission of the Moderator, our Stated Clerk presided for
this report, asking those reporting to come forward. Virginia
King reported on the Cristo Rey Project, sharing that a new VISTA
volunteer assisted recently with writing grants; the Board is
working on a 505c3 Status, with resulting changes in the Articles
of Incorporation. Kate DeBraose, our Hunger Action Enabler
(HAE) led a question/answer presentation, engaging the Presbytery
in review of the programs supported by the One Great Hour of
Sharing; she then reminded us that Grants from the 2 Cents a
Meal funds are available to Sessions in support of local food
bank programs. Bob Williams reported for the Peacemaking Committee,
sharing activities recently supported by the committee, including
the Presbytery's support of the Wings for Life program under
the direction of Shelly Currier (ministering to families whose
members are incarcerated) in Roswell, contact made with Alianza
of New Mexico (working with people effected by HIV/Aids) to secure
a future program for the Presbytery, on-going conversations with
the Committee for Respect and Safety of Families of Roswell (seeking
to intervene with problems caused by gangs and drug abuse), and
the completion of the Prayers of the People held at Iglesia Presbiteriana
Hispana in Roswell (monthly prayer services hosted by Adam Soliz
in support of those affected by the war in Iraq and Palestine,
Hurricane Katrina, and local agencies dealing with the effects
of medical and utility costs with the less fortunate). Adrian
Martinez of the Las Cruces New Church Development Committee
spoke to their on-going process, and the need for a NCD -
Mission Development Grant. Two motions were approved: To
submit the application for the grant to General Assembly, seeking
the maximum grant allowable of $100,000; and to permit the NCD
Committee to adjust the numbers on the grant request, upon advice
of Hispanic Congreg. Enhancement Office of GA. Adrian answered
questions re: Budget Projections for the NCD that were reported
on a separate information sheet in the Presbytery packets. The
budget projections are from 2007 to 2013, including income from
GA, Synod, Presbytery, the project itself, and a presbytery-wide
campaign in the planning stages, using Church Financial Campaign
Services. Expenses projected include pastoral services, office,
facilities, programs, and mission. Total expenses for 7 years
are projected at $508,217, with the Presbytery's responsibilities
for those 7 years being $155,000 plus the campaign result of
$77,000. Sharon Caldwell reported on the Pentecost Offering
in the absence of Bill Carmines, emphasizing the advantage of
the Session to keep 40% of what is received for local ministry
to disadvantaged youth, and urged our Sessions to receive the
offering on Sunday, June 4, 2006. Gene Harbaugh of the Pecos
Valley Hispanic Ministries Steering Committee reported on
the Pecos Valley Hispanic Ministry, speaking to the written report
where it is noted that the committee had been represented at
the Synod NCD Conference. We are reminded that the Rev. Jorge
Alvarado will begin his ministry with us on September 1, 2006.
The committee will elect a Moderator and Clerk at their next
meeting. The Presbytery voted to add these people to
this Administrative Commission: Betsy Cunningham (First PC, Roswell),
Raul & Felicia Velasquez (First PC, Artesia). Teresa Ogden,
Chairperson of the Faith Development Division asked for
a report from the Chimney Spring Board and John Camp reported
on building improvements and work on the new dormitory building
that is in process. Lewis Toland, now overseeing the CLP Training,
updated us on the program, stating that at present Larry Loy
was the only one continuing in training. Teresa reported that
the Family Camp at Chimney Spring has been cancelled,
having been scheduled in May; that the Division still plans on
a Family Camp overnight in Alamogordo, September 6-7; that there
will be a Spirituality Workshop and Dinner Vespers Service
on Thursday, September 28 (prior to the Presbytery Meeting)
at First PC, Artesia; and the Division plans a Retreat for the
Division members on Oct. 6-7 at First PC, Alamogordo. Regarding
Campus Ministry, Lance Clemmons reported briefly on the the ENMU
Campus Ministry in Portales. Gene Harbaugh of the Funds Development
Committee reported that the Stewardship Resource packages
that are to be taken by commissioners to their churches are to
help with their stewardship programs; he also reported that the
committee will be meeting on May 11 at the Presbytery Office
with the GA Church Financial Campaign Services to consider the
development of a Feasibility Campaign for the Presbytery.
At 10 AM the Moderator called for the Report of our Synod
Commissioners who attended the March 10-11, 2006 Meeting
of the Synod of the Southwest at the Historic First PC, Phoenix,
Arizona. In that Frank Morales was the only Commissioner present
to make the report, Stated Clerk Bob Williams and Adrian Martinez,
who attended the meeting, assisted with the report. Our Commissioners
were Tracy Spencer-Brown, Janell Kane, Frank Morales and Hugh
Burroughs, and were present at the Synod Meeting. Highlights
of the meeting included: (a) the Rev. Jay Hudson, CEO of Presbyterian
Investment and Loan Program (PILP), provided a program focus
on "Generational Differences and the Future of the Church";
(b) Election of the Rev. Al Gephart (Grand Canyon) as Moderator,
Elder Conrad Rocha (Santa Fe) as Moderator Elect; (c) Overture
approved regarding Immigration Policies; (c) Progress report
from the Synod Review Task Force - Adrian Martinez commented
on the work of the Task Force, which is chaired by the Rev. Jaime
Quinones. As recommended by the Task Force, the Synod adopted
a new Mission Statement and Vision Statement.
Break
Following a Break declared by Moderator Hamilton, we reconvened
at 10:15 AM, and the Moderator called for the Decision Docket.
COM Chairman John Camp gave the Committee on Ministry (COM)
Report, referring to their action (written report) regarding
the Rev. Diane Dill-Lanham, who had requested permission to circulate
her PIF within the PCUSA. The committee voted to approve the
request "with the understanding that she will continue with
her counseling" and granted Shannon Webster "permission
to discuss her situation with the Exec. Presbyter of the presbytery
to which she is called in order to strongly encourage that EP
to help Diane fine a mentor and support group." John then
presented the Terms of Call received to date by the COM,
and the Stated Clerk moved that they be approved, having received
favorable advice from COM members. The motion passed. The Terms
of Call that were approved are: John Camp (First PC, Alamogordo)
- Salary: $26,300 (deferred - $3,600); Housing: $10,000; Pension/Med
- $12,369; Cont. Ed. - $1,600; Auto Allowance - $1,400; Other
- $1,400; Vacation - 4 wks.; Study Leave - 2 wks. Terry Aiello
(CLP - Ancho & Corona PC) - Salary: $16,500; Housing - $3,200;
Utilities - $2,400; Cont. Ed. - $700; Auto Allownce - $4,800;
Vacation - 4 wks.; Study Leave - 2 wks.; Bill Carmines (First
PC, Artesia) - Salary: $25,000; Housing - $17,000; Pension/Med
- $13,020; Cont. Ed. - $500; Auto Allowance - $1,000; Vacation
- 4 wks.; Study Leave - 3 wks.; Sam Lanham (First PC, Carlsbad)
- Salary: $18,700; Housing - $13,500; Allowances - $3,537; Pension/Med
- $11,078; Cont. Ed. - $500; Auto Allowance - $2,000; Other -
$11,000; Vacation - 4 wks.; Study Leave - 2 wks.; Jim Lacy (First
PC, Hobbs) - Salary: $36,050; Housing (Manse Valued at $8,000);
Utilities - $1,800; Pension/Med - $14,213; Cont. Ed. - $1,000;
Auto Allowance - $4,000; Other - $500; Vacation - 4 wks.; Study
Leave - 2 wks.; Norm Story (First PC, Las Cruces) - Salary: $26,700;
Housing - $20,000; Allowances - $8,158; Pension/Med - $17,006;
Cont. Ed. - $1,250; Auto Allowance - $4,500; Other - $750; Vacation
- 4 wks.; Study Leave - 2 wks.; Timothy Smith (Northminster PC)
- Salary: $31,325; Housing - $15,000; Pension/Med - $14,361;
Cont. Ed. - $1,300; Auto Allowance - $6,750; Other - $6,000;
Vacation - 4 wks.; Study Leave - 2 wks.; Marjorie Daniels (CLP
- First PC, Lovington) - Salary: $15,000; Housing (Manse Valued
at $4,500); Pension/Med - "Minimum"; Auto Allowance
- $3,000; Med/Dental Allowance - $5,400; Vacation - 7 wks.; Study
Leave - 2 wks.; Hugh Burroughs (First PC, Roswell) - Salary:
$23,566; Housing - $35,350; Pension/Med - $18,264; Cont. Ed.
- $1,545; Auto Allowance - $8,240; Other - $6,180; Vacation -
30 days; Study Leave - 2 wks.; Tracy Spencer-Brown (Westminster
PC, Roswell) - Salary: $20,654 (deferred - $3,000); Housing -
$13,390; Allowances - $3,451; Pension/Med - $12,553; Cont. Ed.
- $1,283; Auto Allowance - $1,283; Prof. Expenses - $1,283; Other
- $6,451; Vacation - 4 wks.; Study Leave - 2 wks.; Cathy Anderson
(First PC, Ruidoso) - Salary: $21,385; Housing - $8,885; Utilities
- $5,800; Pension/Med - $11,182; Cont. Ed. - $1,700; Auto Allowance
- $9,500; Vacation - 4 wks.; Study Leave - 2 wks.; Gary West
(Santa Teresa PC) - Salary: $28,000; Housing - $7,000; Pension/Med
- $10,850; Cont. Ed. - $1,000; Auto Allowance - $500; Prof. Expenses
- $500; Vacation - 4 wks.; Study Leave - 2 wks.; Iola Allender
(First PC, Tucumcari) - Salary: $21,553; Housing (Manse Valued
at $7,665); Pension/Med - $9,058; Cont. Ed. - $900; Auto Allowance
- $2,300; Vacation - 4 wks.; Study Leave - 2 wks.; Shannon Webster
(EP) - Salary: $37,255; Housing - $18,075; Pension/Med - $17,152;
Cont. Ed. - $900; Auto Allowance - $10,500; Vacation - 4 wks.;
Study Leave - 2 wks..At 10:30 AM our Moderator called for the
Report of the Presbytery Council, which was given by Council
Moderator, Gary Dill. Referring to the written report in our
packets, he referred to the Actions Taken by the Council since
our last meeting of Presbytery: (1) The Stated Clerk responded
to a letter (Feb. 17, 2006) from Stephen Deutsch raising concerns
about an ad placed in the Albuquerque Journal by the NMCC; It
was voted to ask our Clerk to respond with a letter to Exec.
Dir., Barbara Dua, NMCC stating that though the use of John Lennon
lyric was appreciated, it would have been helpful to reference
links to Jesus Christ as our Lord Who leads us in mission, much
as the special mailing of March 23, 2006, which cited Scripture
passages from Romans and 2 Corinthians; a copy of the letter
was to be sent to Stephen Deutsch; (2) Our Stated Clerk received
a response to his letter inviting Santa Fe Presbytery to meet
with us in the Fall of 2007 at First PC, Las Cruces from Joyce
Lieberman, Stated Clerk, indicating that the Presbytery voted
to accept the invitation on Feb. 4, 2006 at their meeting at
Las Placitas PC; In an email regarding the joint meeting, Stated
Clerk Joyce Lieberman had suggested the dates, September 28-29,
2007, to which Bob responded positively; It was voted to pursue
this plan for the time being; (3) In an Email from Kay Moore,
OGA, regarding our Overture, which is Overture 99, we are reminded
that we may have an "overture advocate" at General
Assembly. It was voted to ask Timothy Smith, if he is able,
to be that advocate; the Clerk will follow up with Timothy. (4)
Our Clerk also received a copy of letter to Judy White, Clerk
of Session, First PC, Portales from Shannon regarding the Session
developing a structured manner to relate to the Campus Ministry
at ENMU. Council voted to refer the letter to Faith Development
Division, asking David Sallee to be available to the Session
of First PC, Portales, and asking the Clerk to write to Judy
White, requesting the Session to set up a time to visit with
David Sallee; (5) Pecos Valley Ministries Steering Committee
seeks funding from #70959 one of the unassigned GA Restricted
Funds ("Organization and development of Sabbath Schools"
- which provide "religious/moral instruction, preferably
in areas without an organized church"); Council voted to
refer this request to the PVM Steering Committee, who can then
bring their specific request to our April Presbytery Meeting;
(6) Our Clerk received an Email advising that Santa Fe Presbytery
had submitted an invitation to OGA to have the newly elected
GA Moderator as guest at their September or January Presbytery
Meeting in 2006; by consensus, Council urged our Stated Clerk
to pursue such an invitation with the OGA; (7) The Council received
an Email letter from Timothy Smith regarding an update on the
process of selling the Northminster PC building, and specific
requests for Council action on the sale of specific lots; Council
voted to approve the sale of two tracts of land off of Holoman
Road, and to allow the church to list for sale a single lot which
was donated in the Timberon Development outside Cloudcroft.
Northminster PC is scheduling a groundbreaking on the new Sonoma
Springs Avenue lot, following Worship on Sunday, April 23, 2006;
closing on the sale of the building is set for November 30, 2006.
Timothy will be posting updates of progress on their Website
(www.northminsterlascruces.org). The Session is also considering
adopting a new name for their church to celebrate the new location;
Timothy requested guidance on how to accomplish the re-naming,
and our Stated Clerk was asked to research this item and so inform
Timothy; In discussion regarding this item of the Council report,
Timothy urged quick action on the new name due to the wish of
the Session to proceed with the Cornerstone, etc.; The Council
will proceed to act upon reception of suggested names from the
Session; (8) Kathy Carrasco presented the Financial Reports (to
date: February 28, 2006), and the Council voted to approve them,
subject to Audit. After Kathy mentioned that the figure for
MPF Income in our Budget had changed from $18,745 to $16,955,
a reduction of $1790, Council voted to adjust the Budget accordingly;
(9) Moved by our Stated Clerk, it was voted to grant an honorarium
of $100 each to Bob Blossom and John Hoover for their work, to
be taken from the $1,000 line item in our Budget for Audit; (10)
Mission Division Chairman Bill Carmines moved to add the following
persons to the Division: Michael Page (First PC, Lovington),
Doris Bruton Carleton & Anna Marie Fiala (First PC, Carlsbad),
Rosalie Lopez (First PC, Deming), Betsy Cunningham & Debbie
Camp (First PC, Roswell), and Karen Martinson (Westminster PC,
Roswell), voted to approve the motion; (11) Regarding the The
GA Multi-Cultural Conference (May 24-27), focusing on the training
of Presbytery teams who can then return to work within the Presbytery,
to be attended by the team of: Florence Hamilton, Ann Langlinais,
and Viola Johnson, the cost will be @ $2,500 to send the team,
about $1,000 funded by Synod. Council voted to request funds
from these churches: First PC, Carlsbad, First PC, Las Cruces,
and First PC, Alamogordo with the proviso that the Presbytery
will fund the balance needed from Peacemaking Offering funds
(balance in that account to date = $2,180); (12) Voting that
the next Meeting of Council will be on September 8 at 1:30 PM
(Albuquerque), the Council also voted to request permission to
labor within the bounds of SF Presbytery as a Council of Presbytery;
and to invite the Moderator of their Council & Stated Clerk,
as well as the Synod Executive.
Overture Concurrence Gary Dill then brought the Council's
Recommendations for Action, also found on the written report,
(1) The Council approved the financial reports through
February 28, 2006, subject to Audit; (2) Regarding the Council's
recommendation to concur with the Overture adopted by the Synod
concerning Immigration Policy, after having previously
been spoken to favorably by Adrian Martinez, the Presbytery voted
to approve. The Overture reads as follows: The Synod of the
Southwest respectfully overtures the 217th General Assembly of
the Presbyterian Church (USA) to: Recognize that our present
national immigration policies are not working effectively along
our southern border with Mexico. Rather than stemming the tide
of illegal immigration they have had the unintended consequences
of increasing deaths in the desert, the creation of whole groups
of persons, within our borders without legal status, and a huge
challenge to all of our legal, medical, social, and economic
systems; Express our sincere appreciation and respect for Archbishop
Roger Mahony and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles for their leadership
and strong commitment to support humanitarian aid to immigrants
in Christ's name even if such compassion should bring conflict
with civil law; Urge all our synods, presbyteries and congregations
to discover other communities of faith and people of conscience
to enter into intentional dialogue with them to develop ways
to promote humane reform of national immigration laws. Such dialogue
should be based upon: 1) A theological confession that all of
us, our institutions and laws, fall short of the intentions of
God, and need to be constantly reviewed and reformed; 2) Biblical
affirmation that God's bias for our powerless, the stranger,
the poor and hungry compel us as disciples to form our legal
processes so that all persons are cared for as beloved children
of God; 3) Our conviction as citizens that border security is
important; our country needs to have clear, just and constitutional
immigration laws and policy; 4) The belief that just immigration
laws which protect human life, which support the integrity of
families, are possible and can establish legal guest worker programs
that benefit both the US economy and worker's families, and address
the root causes of illegal immigration; 5) An increasingly larger
view that immigration is not just a problem along our southern
border, but is global and historic in its dimensions, and call
for systemic solutions.
(3) The Presbytery voted to approve the request of Westminster
PC, Roswell to seek funds to help with their costs in support
of CASA from unassigned GA Restricted Funds and will submit the
request to the Synod; (4) Gene Harbaugh was recognized by the
Moderator, seeking clarification regarding the Pecos Valley
Hispanic Ministry Steering Committee's request for funding
from unassigned GA Restricted Fund #70959. After some discussion,
it was suggested by the Stated Clerk that the Presbytery could
vote to empower the Council to make such a request for funds,
hearing a specific request from the Steering Committee. It was
voted to empower the Council permission to deal with
this request via conference call. (5) The Rev. Iola Allender's
request for permission to honorably retire as of the January,
2007 Meeting of Presbytery was approved by the vote of Presbytery;
(7) The Review of Financial Records Task Force members
Bob Blossom & John Hoover completed review of Financial Records
for Years 2003, 2004, 2005. With thanks expressed by all, it
was voted to approve the Report (See Appendix). (8) It was voted
to approve the recommendation of Council to permit the Session
of First PC, Tucumcari to open a new Minute Book; (9) The request
of our Stated Clerk, on behalf of the Council, to grant
permission to the Council to labor outside the bounds of Sierra
Blanca Presbytery in order to meet as a Council inside the bounds
of Santa Fe Presbytery (Albuquerque) on September 8, 2006 was
approved by vote of the Presbytery.
Board of Pensions - The Rev. Art Mills, Regional Representative
of the Board of Pensions, was present to speak to us regarding
the status of Pension and Medical coverage. Emphasizing the
"Community nature of the Plan," Art thanked the churches
for their support with the payment of dues and noted that with
the main challenge coming from medical claims, there may be an
increase in 2007 over the present 19%. Regarding the Pensions,
while many pension benefits in our nation's corporate world are
at risk, our PCUSA pensions is funded at 125%. He urged us to
go to the website www.pensions.org, for further resources, or
contact Art Mills directly.
02.016At 11 AM, Moderator Hamilton recognized the Stated Clerk, explaining that we were ahead on docket, moved that we adjust the agenda to complete business, which would enable us to adjourn at noon. With thunderous response, motion carried. The Moderator then called on Gary Dill, Moderator of Council, for the Council Presentation on the Transitional Task Force made up of members from the Councils of Sierra Blanca and Santa Fe Presbyteries. Speaking appreciatively of the work of this task force, Gary referred to the written paper in our packets, the Minutes of the Transition Task Force Meeting - February 17, 2006. What is being affirmed at this time is "changes" which are on the horizon that will effect who we will be as a presbytery. They see a distinction between the core missions and ministries in the presbyteries. Looking at the future disappearance of GA Mission Partnership Funding, they are looking at future budgets. The Councils, not the Task Force, will discern and lead the presbyteries into the future. The Task Force will meet again on September 7-8, 2006 in Albuquerque.
Thinking Outside the Box
02.017Moderator Florence Hamilton then called on Vice Moderator
Sam Lanham for a special program - An Exercise in Imagination.
Referring to the book, Leading Change in the Congregation:
Spiritual & Organizational Tools for Leaders by Gilbert
R. Rendle (Alban Institute), Sam led the Presbytery in discussion
of one of the games in the book which speaks to creative ideas
for change. He then asked for ideas and practices that have
been successful in the past but are now holding back any change.
Several were suggested: Sunday school needs to be on Sunday,
advertising is inappropriate for a church, Doxology must always
be sung to Old One Hundred, for church identity we should always
be inside the building, etc. Sam urged that as we move into
changes in our near future, we must creatively engage these discussions
together; he recommends the book by Gilbert Rendle as one tool
for this process.
Other Business - Recognized by the Moderator, the Stated
Clerk moved to permit Buzz Mattingly to labor outside our bounds
while assigned to duty at Nellis AFB outside of Las Vegas, Nevada.
(July 2006 –– March 2009). Buzz will then retire in
Cloudcroft. Motion carried.
Adjournment The Moderator declared that, without objection,
we were adjourned, at 3:25 PM; Gary then gave the Closing Prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. Bob Williams
Stated Clerk
Attachment A
FINANCIAL REPORTS (YTD) - March 31, 2006:
GENERAL FUNDS:
ASSETS:
Current Assets: Petty Cash $ 1,550.00
Checking (Pioneer General) 29,707.45
Edward Jones (Money Mkt) 65,507.60
Edward Jones (CD) 28,477.24
Total Current Assets $125,242.24
Property & Equipment $526,819.72
(Includes value of land, buildings, furniture, office equipment,
and accumulated depreciation)
Other Assets 8,988.00
TOTAL ASSETS $ 661,049.96
LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS
Liabilities (Current) $1,306.12
Other Liabilities:
Charitable Remainder Trust 3,488.00
TOTAL LIABILITIES $4,794.12
NET ASSETS (Unrestricted)
Undesignated:
Gifts $ 4,055.00
Surplus 25,977.98
Property/Equipment (Net) 550,354.30
Income over Expenses 27,030.27
Total Undesignated: $607,417.55
Designated:
Ecumenical - NMCC 1,750.00
Endowment Fund 4,455.14
Pastors' Emergency Fund 2,941.69
Property Maintenance 8.98
Mission Trips 102.00
Presbytery Projects 696.66
Youth 1,090.33
Taize Trip 94.60
Per Capita Reserve 6,061.32
Reserves 6,767.73
Presbyterian Center Reserve 21,510.00
JSW Cont. Ed.(carry-over) 1,859.84
Travel Support 1,000.00
Total Designated Funds: 48,838.29
Total Assets (Unrestricted): $656,255.84
TOTAL NET ASSETS: $656,255.84
TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS $661,049.96
RESTRICTED FUNDS:
ASSETS:
Current Assets:
Checking (Pioneer) $ 61,113.74
Edward Jones (Money Mkt) (6,432.97)
Edward Jones (CD) 91,522.81
Presbyterian Investments (PILP) 54,279.17
Total Current Assets: $200,482.75
Other Assets:
Investments (Edward Jones) 156,869.46
Total Other Assets: 156,869.46
TOTAL ASSETS: $357,352.21
LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS
LIABILITIES - 0 -
NET ASSETS (Permanently Restricted):
Church Development:
Due to/from $ 145.35
Undesignated NCD (Major Mission Fund) 17,111.42
Synod - Las Cruces nCD 12,000.00
Las Cruces NCD (Racial/Ethnic) 68,979.92
Iglesia Hispana 10,178.38
Pecos Valley Hispanic Ministry 115,827.88
Church Development 11,071.68
Total Church Development $235,314.63
Mission Funds:
Restoring Creation Enabler 299.61
Hunger Action Enabler 7,476.97
Two Cents per Meal 2,622.67
Peacemaking Offering 2,180.55
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Coordinator 1,675.00
Presbyterian (Minority) Outreach 31,772.70
Cristo Rey Project 24,652.11
Anapra Community Builders 6,793.04
Pasos de Fe 1,551.02
Sunland Park Boy Scouts 2,130.02
Total Mission Funds $ 81,153.92
Youth Funds:
Triennium 171.75
Katherine Armstrong 2,276.73
Total Youth Funds $ 2,448.48
Specified Funds:
NM Ministry Project 11,227.38
Rolland Armstrong Memorial 13,683.91
Lovington Foundation 96.00
300 N. Missouri (Roswell) Building 3,792.89
Fire Relief Building Fund 3,115.00
Youth 20.00
Chimney Spring Building Fund 6,500.00
Total Specified Funds: $ 38,435.18
TOTAL (Permanently Restricted): $357,352.21
TOTAL NET ASSETS 357,352.21
TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS $357,352.21
YEAR TO DATE BUDGET VARIANCE: (25% of the Year)
BUDGET YTD VARIANCE (%)
INCOME:
Presbytery Mission $ 57,382.00 $ 17,249.41 30%
Mission Partnership 18,745.00 4,238.73 22.6%
Staff Support 130,124.00 32,530.98 25%
Per Capita Income 54,423.00 34,900.72 64%
Tenant Payments 2,400.00 400.00 16.7%
Investment Income 8,000.00 -0- 0%
Total: 269,074.00 89,319.84 33%
EXPENSES: (Note: Line item detail in complete financial
report on file with Admin. Asst.)
Presbytery Level 192,345.00 49,481.06 25.7%
(Includes Staff Salaries, Insurance, Office Operations, Audit)
Church Order Division 5,475.00 1,025.45 18.7%
(Includes COM, RAN, Camping, CPM, COR, PJC, Funds Dev.)
Mission Division 35,250.00 8,731.06 24.8%
Faith Development Div. 41,650.00 10,915.35 26%
Congreg. Support Div. 1,400.00 - 0 - 0 %
Total: 276,120.00 70,152.92 25.5%
EXCESS INCOME OVER EXPENSES $19,166.92
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