With spring flowers in bloom at Geneva Center, sixteen members of Council met around the table this week to carry forward the work of the Presbytery. With prayers for discernment and candid discussions of diverse points of view, Council proceeded to:

• In response to directive from the April 9th Assembly, authorize Personnel Committee moderator Sandy Carlson to work with Synod's Transitional Executive Sara Dingman on a proposal to Synod's Board of Directors to assist the Vardemans with moving expenses.
• Agree to partner with Board of Pensions to facilitate Shared Grant funding (from PC(USA) Christmas Joy offering) for urgent, needs-based assistance for specific medical expenses and to assist in pursuing other funding, should Frank's request it.
• After discussion of Philippians 4:1-9, the thought-provoking April 2015 study questions, and the deeper context of being Presbyterian (USA), charged a volunteer team to prepare Bible study for 2016 that engages the Foundations section of PC(USA) Constitution. Nearly all meetings of Presbytery - Assemblies, Council, commissions, committees and task forces, as well as many Sessions, use this study guide.
• Approve recommendations from Property Committee to negotiate with two parties interested in purchasing former Thorntown church and for Crown Point session to use its reserved funds from sale of its manse years ago for capital improvements to the church or for housing allowance for the pastor.
• Approve proposal from TE David Lawrence, Minister Member at Large, as ministry development moderator for six-hour workshop based upon The Healthy Small Church, to be presented by Rev. Dennis Bickers. Workshop will be on a Saturday in late summer or early fall, probably at centrally located Geneva Center. Cost will be $10 per person or $25 per church attending as a group, and will include a copy of Bickers' book. Cost will be underwritten by funds designated for ministry transformation from a grant provided by Synod from the sale of the University Church property.
• Discuss a report from Geneva Center Transition Team as it prepares draft bylaws and proposed job description for Geneva Center transitional director prior to beginning its search.
• Affirm the reorganization of Commission on Ministry functions with coordinators and supporting documentation, and celebrated the work of the Nominating Committee as it continues to gather nominees to serve on COM.
• Affirm authority and responsibility of COM moderator TE Terri Thorn, Lebanon First Presbyterian Church, to conduct reference, legal and financial background checks (with consent) and to review on behalf of Presbytery for those seeking pastoral positions within the bounds of PWV.
• Receive financial reports of Presbytery's operating/mission ministry funds showing current deficit of $93,936 for nine months ending March 31, with contributions from churches below comparable period last year by $40,688. Presbytery transferred $44,059 to cover Geneva Center deficits for 2014, leaving net unrestricted fund balance of $331,646 and $167,000 in designated funds. First quarter financial reporting for Geneva Center shows deficit of $19,322.
• Change Council's June meeting date to June 9th, and to call a special Assembly meeting for June 23, 2015, to consider Fiscal Year 2016 budget (July 2015-June 2016) that aligns with reordering of presbytery structure, with recommendations expected to be acted upon at the May Assembly.
• Approved meetings for 2016 calendar:
  • Regular Presbytery Assemblies on February 23, May 17, September 16-17 and November 15, 2016
  • Regular Council meetings on January 19, March 15, April 19, June 21, July 19, August 16, October 18 and December 6, 2016.
  • Received updates from administrative commissions.

                                              - Linda Long, Stated Clerk