The Anthem and Offertory were sung by the Clayton Presbyterian Church Choir, and an offering was taken for the Georgia Domestic Missionary Society.

Clayton Presbyterian Church Choir

Tom Lewis

Subsequently, there was an Acknowledgement of the Service of Tom Lewis by Pat Ellis, elder at the Commerce Church, followed by a Response from the Retiree. A Declaration of Retirement and Presentation of a Certificate to each retiree was by stated clerk, Joe Berry. 

The sermon was approved. So were the other components of examination leading up to ordination, such as knowledge of the sacraments and polity. The exam as a whole was approved and Linda McCord was cleared for her journey into ordained service. She signed the Book of Obligation. Linda will serve as chaplain of the Silver Leaf Hospice of Athens, GA. She will be ordained at the First Church of Gainesville on November 21, 2010, at 2:00 p.m.

The Bills and Overtures Committee is the group within our presbytery which is charged with facilitating votes on proposed constitutional changes. Such a vote is scheduled to take place at our February 26, 2011, stated meeting at the Commerce Presbyterian Church. Accordingly, elder Bill Cravens - a new "face" to our presbytery - made a presentation containing prominent emphasis upon learning opportunities to prepare commissioners for this vote. These opportunities will occur in mission communities during November and at the Winter Leadership Event in January.

Following Bill's presentation, Karla Conditt Daniels, one of our commissioners to the 2010 General Assembly, presented the concept of a covenant for our discussion and debate. Such a covenant would offer prayerful guidance regarding how our presbytery commissioners would relate to each other not only at the February meeting, but also as we prepare for that meeting. An example of a component to such a proposed covenant might be, "I will be respectful and listen to another even if the position advocated is not my position." An opportunity to begin building that covenant was led by Karla at the meeting. The covenant has been structured into a litany to be shared at each Mission Community gathering to discuss the Proposed Constitutional Amendments, as well as in the context of our debate and action on these matters at the February and May Presbytery meetings.

Additional afternoon reports included:

· Mark Shoemaker, a funds development officer for the Presbyterian Foundation, updated presbytery on the ministry of the Foundation, including various programs and beneficial opportunities to individuals and organizations.

· Nominating Committee by Melvin Lowry. In the absence of the co-chairs, Melvin indicated that while his committee has established good representation, a few vacancies remain. These include, for 2011, Committee on Ministry and New Church Development. Co-chairs are Frank Colladay (frankcolladay@gmail.com) and Camille Ruddick (pjr646@msn.com).

· Congregational Development Ministry Team by Dave Heffner. Dave introduced Gary Cecil, who piqued the curiosity of Commissioners for the Acts 16:5 program by inviting them to respond to the question, "Are you interested in hearing more about how to help your church grow spiritually?"

· Council by chair Charles Grant. After his report, Charles introduced Budget and Finance Action Team chair Brock Burnett. Brock indicated that receipts for shared mission support are very close to being on pace for this time of year. Further, due to Ministry Teams' frugality, the anticipated annual presbytery deficit is approximately $3,200. While Ed Rees indicated that the Greene Street property is still for sale, David Beville indicated that the Tiger property is sold! Further, the Tiger Church Fund Task Force, created by Council, is in the process of consulting with Rabun County churches related to criteria for the use of these funds. 

· Leadership Development Ministry Team by Beecher Mathes. In the absence of the chair, Beecher indicated that a Winter Leadership Event will be held at the First Church of Athens on Saturday, January 22, 2011. A wide range of course offerings will be available, including workshops for commissioners to the February 26, 2011, stated meeting which will feature vote on proposed constitutional changes. (The vote on a proposed change to the Book of Confessions will be held at the May meeting.)

Following the report of the Resolutions Committee, expressing appreciation both to the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School and the Rabun County churches and a worshipful moment, the meeting adjourned about 3:45 p.m.