Change, transition and transformation emerged as a consistent theme when 103 of us gathered in Assembly at Geneva Center on May 19th:

• Affirmed the addition of the Belhar Confession to the PC(USA) Book of Confessions by voice vote.
• Liturgist Rev. Michael Pennanen, Hammond 1st, led the gathering through the Belhar to confess our divisions and affirm our unity in belief that "Jesus is Lord" and we are called to be united as the Body of Christ on earth, to be a reconciling people. We celebrated the Lord's Supper and contributed $630.25 to the PC(USA) Pentecost offering.
• Were attentive to sermon by Rev. Bill McLean, Delphi 1st, based upon Mark 6:1-13 that focused on Jesus who took people forward from where they were - disciples were urged to carry no bread, no bag, no money, and to shake the dust off their feet from where they were. Using several metaphors for learning from the past then leaving it behind, Assembly was reminded that Jesus called disciples out and away from where they were and into the world where people needed healing with the blessings and gifts at hand. We were charged to offer lively worship, find new ways to engage with people surrounding us, join with others as the church to be Christ's Church in new ways, and use our gifts of flexibility and creativity.
• Listened as Rev. Terri Thorn, Lebanon 1st, illustrated the reorganization of COM work into twelve teams with clear functions and accountability and invited attendees to volunteer their time and talents for this essential work with congregations and pastors.
• Invited churches to send teams to a workshop for small congregations on August 8, 10 am to 4 pm EDT at Geneva Center. Rev. Dennis Bickers will lead attendees to identify and address possibilities to revitalize small churches; his book Healthy Small Church will be available. Cost of workshop is significantly underwritten by a transformation grant received from Synod last year.
• Recognized the search team formed across the presbytery by Council for a Transitional Presbyter: RE Sandy Carlson, Michigan City 1st, Rev. Kevin Bowers, Bethany Lafayette, RE Pam Camren, Mishawaka 1st, RE Monica Conrad, Valparaiso 1st, and Rev. Lyle Ewing, Auburn.
• Heard from RE Jim Hubbard, Valparaiso 1st, about Geneva Center Transition Team's work on a business plan, progress toward establishing a separate corporation, financial independence, and a redefined relationship with the Presbytery. Plan is to present prior to the September Assembly for consideration.
• Revised charge to administrative commission for First Presbyterian Church, Kouts as it moves further toward reconciliation.
• Pondered serious discussion of the need to re-balance presbytery work, its organization, and per capita support for our connectional work in light of continued deficit spending and declining reserve funds. Tabled to the June tentatively called meeting a motion:
•  to increase per capita to $52 per year
•  encourage congregational members to increase giving by $2/week,
• $1 retained by congregation for their missional work
• $1 to Presbytery to support our denominational work.
• Asked to Save-the-Date of June 23, 2015, 10 am at Geneva Center for a called meeting of Assembly, to consider several emerging matters. Formal call for the meeting with the docket will be issued on June 12th.
• Elected Rev. Louis Sandos, HR, CRE Jodi Burks, Bethel Shannondale Crawfordsville, and Rev. Ann Williams, HR, to Commission on Ministry, Rev. Sarah Sanderson-Doughty, Elkhart 1st, to Commission on Preparation, Rev. John Lersch, Ligonier, to New Ministry Development Team, and Rev. John Everett, HR, to Permanent Judicial Commission.
• Received greetings from Rev. Sara Dingman, Transitional Synod Executive for Synod of Lincoln Trails, with theme of "Sing a new song" in anticipation of new ways for Synods to work together, and for Synod to provide new training in support of its 8 presbyteries and their 674 congregations all in times of change.
• Considered what it means to be Presbyterian as Rev. Alan Griffin, Goshen 1st and Rev. David Smook, HR dialogued about an "Attitude of Gratitude" that informs our theology of giving: we give out of gratitude for what God has provided to us in abundance - creation and the world, and the grace of God through Christ. Table discussions generated a quick and long list of possibilities for us as presbytery to show "extravagant generosity" with time, talents and money.
• Moderator Jill Kitowski, La Porte, introduced the study of Ezekiel 37 and led the Assembly throughout the meeting in prayers for the gifts of the Holy Spirit; for various gifts of leadership, particularly for Bill McLean as he leaves to serve as Presbyter for Congregational Care with Presbytery of Southeastern Illinois; for Rev. Paul and Amy Anderson, Dyer & Merrillville 1st, as they heal from a car accident; for a child of PWV as he accepts a call to Lake Michigan Presbytery; for congregations experiencing transitions and change; for Rev. Robert Shaw who will serve a congregation in Presbytery of Tampa Bay; for the Vardemans and others that they find peace in the midst of personal transitions; for the fiscal health of PWV; and for difficult decisions, those with chronic health issues, and traveling mercies.

- Linda Long, Stated Clerk