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PRESBYTERY OF MIDDLE TENNESSSEE
MINUTES OF ONE HUNDRED SIXTEENTH STATED MEETING
OCTOBER 17, 2013
The 116th Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Middle Tennessee was held on Thursday, October 17,
2013, at First Presbyterian Church, Cookeville. An orientation for first time commissioners was led by
Stated Clerk Therese Howell at 8:30am. Moderator Mark Bryan called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
DECLARATION OF QUORUM / WELCOME BY HOST / STATEMENT OF PROCEDURES
The Moderator declared a quorum was present, and reviewed procedures for the meeting. The Rev.
Pat Handlson, pastor of the host church, welcomed commissioners. Rev. Handlson stated that the
presbytery meeting was being co-hosted by Westminster Presbyterian Church, Fairfield Glade; Double
Springs Presbyterian Church, Cookeville; Buffalo Valley Presbyterian Church; Calvary Presbyterian Church of
Big Lick, Crossville; and Rock Island Presbyterian Church.
FIRST TIME COMMISSIONERS / CORRESPONDING MEMBERS
The Moderator welcomed first time commissioners to presbytery and offered a prayer.
The Presbytery’s Mission Handbook and the Book of Order provide for the seating of corresponding
members and teaching and ruling elders with voice and those with voice and vote. The Mission Handbook
states that any ruling elder serving as presbytery’s Moderator, chair of Council, Moderator-in-Nomination,
Immediate Past Moderator, or chair of a mission unit or support unit is to be enrolled with voice and vote;
ruling elders who are serving as at-large members of Council, and an elder serving as representative of
Presbyterian Women, shall have the privilege of voice and vote. The Book of Order provides for the seating
of corresponding members, with voice but without vote - presbyters in good standing in other governing
bodies of this church or in any other Christian church, present at any meeting of the presbytery.
Commissioned Ruling Elders and Certified Christian Educators who are ruling elders are granted the
privilege of the floor with voice and vote; Certified Christian Educators and certified lay employees are
granted the privilege of the floor. Corresponding members were seated without objection, and are listed
with the roll.
The Presbytery welcomed Dr. Bill Wilson, president, Center for Congregational Health; Rev. Ramses,
Honorably Retired member of the Presbyterian Church of Egypt, and his wife, Therese; Young Adult
Volunteers Tricia McReynolds (Louisville, KY), Courtney Townsend (Des Moines, IA), and Kathryn
Cunningham (Hastings, NB).
ROLL
The roll of commissioners, corresponding members, and visitors attending the presbytery meeting is
attached (Attachment A).
AGENDA
The following agenda was approved without objection:
8am 1.
Registration (Orders of the Day in CAPS)
8:30am
Orientation for First Time Commissioners (Youth Room) – Warner and Therese
8:30am
Small Group Facilitators Orientation (Library) – Bill Wilson
GATHERING IN GOD’S PRESENCE
9AM 2.
CALL TO ORDER / CALL TO WORSHIP
3.
Establishment of Quorum / Statement of Procedures / Welcome by Host / Recognition of First Time
Commissioners / Corresponding Members / Adoption of Agenda
9:20am 4.
Prayer of Approach – Warner Durnell, Executive Presbyter
9:25am 5.
Visioning - Bill Wilson, Center for Congregational Health (1.25 hrs)
10:40am 6.
Stated Clerk’s Report – Therese Howell (5 min)
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Agenda, continued:
10:45am 7.
Administration & Finance – Mike Ingram / Brian Dixon (5 min)
10:50am 8.
Coordinating Committee – Steve Douse / Freda Dye (20 min)
LISTENING FOR GOD’S WORD
11:10am 9.
Word and Sacrament – Pat Handlson, pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Cookeville
 Sermons by Ordinands (2)
 Celebration of the Lord’s Supper
12:15pm
Lunch
RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD
1:15pm
Reconvene
- Concerns, Celebrations, Announcements
o Young Adult Volunteers
o Presbyterian Women
o APA Certification – Recognition of Members
1:30pm 10.
Executive Presbyter’s Report – Warner Durnell (5 min)
1:35pm 11.
Nominations & Representation – John Cheetham {15 min)
1:50pm 12.
Committee on Ministry – John Crawford (1 hr)
2:50pm 13.
Unfinished Business
Next Meeting – February 1, 2014, The Downtown Presbyterian Church, Nashville
3:00pm 14.
Closing Prayer / Adjourn / Benediction
PRAYER OF APPROACH
Warner Durnell, Executive Presbyter, offered a prayer for the presbytery and its meeting.
VISIONING
Dr. Bill Wilson, president, Center for Congregational Health, provided statistics related to churches
and their members and non-members, church growth and decline, and what is needed to change and move
forward. The presbytery then split into discussion groups, led by members of the Coordinating Council.
STATED CLERK’S REPORT
Ruling Elder Therese Howell, stated clerk, presented the following report.
Review of Session Minutes
Session Minutes will be reviewed on the following dates: Saturday, November 16, First Presbyterian
Church, Columbia, 10AM – Noon; Saturday, December 7, Presbytery Office, 10AM – Noon
Roster of Former Permanent Judicial Commission Members
The stated clerk provided the following roster of former Permanent Judicial Commission members,
alphabetically by class, whose terms have expired within the past six years (D-5.0206b.):
Class of 2012
Class of 2010
Class of 2008
RE Susan Burns
RE Lee Barfield
RE Mary Ann Womeldorf
TE Jim Hudnut-Beumler
TE Nancy McCurley
RE Suzanne McLemore
TE Sandra Randleman
TE Robert P. Richardson
TE Philip Falk
Reports to the Presbytery of Middle Tennessee
The stated clerk called attention to reports in the presbytery packet not requiring action:
Presbyterian Women, Hunger Action Enabler, Personnel Committee, NEXT Church Leadership Conference
information, and Committee on Preparation for Ministry.
Committee on Preparation for Ministry
The Committee on Preparation for Ministry report included the enrollment of Keith Venson, a
member of Spring Creek Presbyterian Church, Lebanon, as an inquirer, and the action of the CPM to declare
candidate Ho Dong Hwang certified ready for call.
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Cathy C. Hoop / Ordination
The stated clerk has received the minutes of the commission to ordain Cathy Hoop (August 3, 2013).
[minutes will be included in the permanent record]
Ben Schultz / First Presbyterian Church, Manchester
The stated clerk has received the minutes of the commission to install Ben Schultz as pastor of First
Presbyterian Church, Manchester (August 25, 2013). [minutes will be included in the permanent record]
Stephen Yates / First Presbyterian Church, Tullahoma
The stated clerk received the minutes of the commission to install Stephen Yates as pastor of First
Presbyterian Church, Tullahoma (September 15, 2013). [minutes will be included in the permanent record]
General Administrative Review - 2012
The stated clerk provided Coordinating Committee with a report on 2012 general administrative
review.
Minutes of the 115th Stated Meeting (July 27, 2013)
The minutes of the 115th stated meeting of the Presbytery of Middle Tennessee (July 27, 2013) were
provided with the presbytery packet. The motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes. There
were no corrections or additions, and the minutes were approved without objection.
Mt. Tabor – Salem Administrative Commission
The stated clerk reported that the property of the former Mt. Tabor – Salem Presbyterian Church in
Columbia, Tennessee, was sold and the sale was finalized on October 10. The motion was made and
seconded to dismiss the administrative commission with thanks for their work and to thank the
Administration & Finance Committee for their assistance with the sale. The stated clerk reported the
property was sold to a church, and the sales price was approximately $50,000. There were no objections,
and this was so ordered.
ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE COMMITTEE / TRUSTEES OF THE PRESBYTERY OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE,
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (U.S.A.)
The Administration & Finance report, which included the 2014 “Phase 1” budget, was provided with
the presbytery packet.
COORDINATING COMMITTEE
Ruling Elder Steve Douse, co-chair of the Coordinating Committee, presented the Coordinating
Committee’s report.
October Presbytery Meeting
The Coordinating Committee approved the agenda for the October Presbytery meeting, including
worship and the offering, as well as displays.
Coordinating Committee 2014 Budget
The Coordinating Committee approved its 2014 budget to be submitted to Administration &
Finance.
Overture from New Hope Presbyterian Church
The Coordinating Committee approved referral of the overture from the New Hope Presbyterian
Church to the Administration & Finance Committee and the CC Visioning Task Force.
UKirk Vanderbilt / Belmont
Mr. Douse moved that the Presbytery of Middle Tennessee approve UKirk (Vanderbilt campus
ministry) pursue a new outreach mission to the students, faculty and staff of Belmont University. Mr.
Douse spoke to the motion, which comes upon recommendation of the College & Young Adult Ministries
Committee. The recommendation was approved.
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Nominations to the Nominations and Representation Committee
The Coordinating Committee recommended the following slate for election to the Nominations and
Representation Committee. Mr. Douse moved that John Cheetham (Honorably Retired), Bill Caruso (First
Nashville), Chris Joiner (First Franklin), and Joyce Harris (St. Andrews) be elected to the class of 2016. The
Moderator opened the floor for additional nominations, and there were none. The slate, as presented, was
approved without discussion.
Mr. Douse moved that Wanda Barr (First Murfreesboro) be elected to the class of 2015 to fill a
vacancy. The Moderator opened the floor for additional nominations, and there were none. The motion to
elect Mrs. Barr was approved without discussion.
Mr. Douse then moved that Bill Caruso serve as chair of the Nominations and Representation
Committee for 2014. The Moderator opened the floor for additional nominations, and there were none.
There was no discussion, and the recommendation was approved.
2014 Presbytery Meetings
The Coordinating Committee recommended the following meeting dates for 2014 presbytery
meetings: Saturday, February 1; Saturday, May 17; and Friday – Saturday, October 3 and 4. Mr. Douse
spoke to the motion. There were no questions or objections, and this was so ordered by the Moderator.
2014 Budget
The Coordinating Committee recommended approval of “Phase 1” of the 2014 Budget (a copy was
provided with the presbytery packet). Mr. Douse spoke to the motion, and stated this budget was subject
to modifications as pledge income is finalized. After discussion, the budget was approved (Appendix B).
Changes to the Mission Handbook
The Coordinating Committee recommended changes to the Mission Handbook; a copy of the
Mission Handbook with the proposed changes (additions indicated by underline, deletions indicated by
strikethrough, existing text that has been moved is indicated by italics, and the original location of the text
to be moved is indicated by italic with a strikethrough) was provided with the presbytery packet. Mr.
Douse spoke to the recommendation, and stated there were five substantive changes: (1) changes
requirements for presbytery meetings, as the presbytery moves from four meetings / year to three
meetings / year, and eliminates the requirements for days, giving presbytery flexibility in scheduling; (2)
presbytery worship will be planned by the three moderators, which the Coordinating Committee believes
will be more workable; (3) cleans up procedures for the Moderator and the Treasurer; (4) clarifies the
responsibilities of Administration & Finance and the Coordinating Committee with regard to designated
funds, grants, and special offerings; and (5) proposes changes in criteria for election of commissioners to
the General Assembly.
There were no questions or discussion, and the recommendation was approved without objection.
(Appendix C)
WORSHIP
The presbytery then moved into worship. Worship leaders were The Rev. Pat Handlson, pastor, First
Presbyterian Church, Cookeville, and The Rev. Walter Canter, pastor, Calvary Presbyterian Church of Big
Lick, Crossville. Candidates Ho Dong Hwang and Leigh Bonner both preached sermons. The Rev. Lindsey
Wade, chair of the College and Young Adult Ministries Committee, spoke to the offering (to be divided
equally among the presbytery’s campus ministries). Music was provided by Mr. Paul Thurmond, organist /
choirmaster for First Presbyterian Church, Cookeville, and Mr. Josh Voiles, bass. The Lord’s Supper was
celebrated and communion servers were ruling elders from the host churches: Shirley Puckett, Buffalo
Valley; Dora Estes, Double Springs; Debbie Handlson and Andrew Smith, First Cookeville; Bev Talbott and Al
Wilson, Calvary; Patricia Booth and Roselie Van Deuren, Westminster Fairfield Glade.
The meeting was recessed for lunch, provided by the host churches. After lunch, the Moderator
reconvened the meeting, and opened with prayer.
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CONCERNS, CELEBRATIONS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Warner Durnell, Executive Presbyter, led the presbyter in concerns, celebrations, and
announcements.
Young Adult Volunteers
Young Adult Volunteers Tricia McReynolds, Courtney Townsend, and Kathryn Cunningham spoke of
their volunteer year with the YAV program. Ms. McReynolds stated it was “a year of service for a lifetime of
change.” The volunteers work at five international or 12 national sites. Commissioners were urged to
support this worthwhile program, and challenged to help triple the program.
Presbyterian Women
Diane Thurston, moderator of Presbyterian Women, reported that 2013 was the 25 th year of
Presbyterian Women. She reported on the Fall Gathering held September 21 at Historic Franklin. Ms.
Thurston called attention to the Legacy Christmas CD, a collection of Celtic inspired Christmas carols
produced by Living Waters for the World; proceeds from the sale of the CD will be shared between the PW
Birthday Offering and Living Waters for the World. Information is available at LegacyChristmas.net.
Administrative Personnel Association
Warner Durnell and Freda Dye (past president, APA) recognized Linda Rogers (Trinity Presbyterian
Church) and Linda Griffis (Presbytery Administrative Assistant) for achieving certification through the
Administrative Personnel Association. Ms. Rogers completed requirements for Level III Certification, and
Ms. Griffis completed requirements for Level I Certification. Rev. Durnell and Ms. Dye led the presbytery in
recognition of these achievements.
Guatemala Task Force
David Carlton, a member of the Guatemala Task Force, spoke of the upcoming mission trip to
Guatemala, February 19 – 26, 2014. Anyone interested in attending should contact him.
Presbytery Meeting Offering
Rev. Durnell celebrated that the worship offering collected for the benefit of the presbytery’s
campus ministries totaled $1,640.
Announcements
 A book on the history of the First Presbyterian Church in Gallatin, written by Dr. Charles Moffatt III,
is available for sale. The church will host a book signing on October 27, 2pm – 4pm.
 “So Falls A Sparrow”, a book by Dr. Robert Crumby, Honorably Retired, is now available.
 The Rev. Don Beisswenger, Honorably Retired, was the recipient of Yale Divinity School’s William
Sloane Coffin Social Justice Award.
Rev. Durnell then led the presbytery in prayer.
EXECUTIVE PRESBYTER’S REPORT
Rev. Durnell spoke briefly of the visioning process, and his first year as executive presbyter. “May
the fun continue!”
NOMINATIONS & REPRESENTATION COMMITTEE
Dr. John Cheetham, chair of the Nominations & Representation Committee, presented the
committee’s report.
Class of 2016 Nominees
Dr. Cheetham placed the following names in nominations for the class of 2016 and other classes as
indicated; the Moderator opened the floor for additional nominations, and there were none. The following
nominees, as indicated, were elected.
Administration and Finance (A&F), Class of 2016
William Barger (TE) – First, Dickson and Ellis Grove, Waverly
J. Allen Kennedy (RE) First, Nashville
Ed Lancaster (RE) – First, Columbia
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Christian Education Committee (CEC)
Class of 2015 - Betsy Ames (RE) – Bellevue, Nashville
Class of 2016
Rosanna Anderson (TE) – Trinity, Nashville Blake Hawthorne (TE) – Member-at-Large
Jacelyn Beeler (RE) – First, Smyrna
Amy Krimsler Sterling (RE) – Downtown, Nashville
College & Young Adult Ministries (CoYAM)
Class of 2014
Class of 2016
Bob Crownover (RE) Second, Nashville
Gloria Jordan (RE) – St. Andrews, Nashville
Class of 2015
Andrew Smith (RE) – First, Cookeville
Jocelyn Wildhack
Committee on Ministry (COM)
Class of 2015 - Mark Bryan (TE) – Glen Leven, Nashville
Class of 2016
Michael Davis (TE) – First, Hendersonville Ann Parsons (RE) – First, Franklin
Jeff Eason (TE) – First, Lewisburg
John Todd (TE) – Honorably Retired
Virginia Lovellette (RE) – First, Cookeville Doyle Trigg (RE) – First, Lynnville
Nancy McCurley (TE) – Honorably Retired Bart Walker (RE) – First, Murfreesboro
Committee on Preparation for Ministry (CPM), Class of 2016
Bobby Harding (TE) – First, Murfreesboro
Sandra Randleman (TE) – First, Nashville
Stacy Rector (TE) – Executive Director, Tennesseans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty
Congregational Development Committee (CDC)
Class of 2014 - Aaron Howard – St. Andrews, Nashville
Class of 2016
Ron Pasquale (RE) - First, Nashville
Chris Adams (TE) – Hillsboro, Nashville
Coordinating Committee (CC), Class of 2016
Freda Dye (RE) – Donelson, Nashville
Stuart Gordon (TE) - First, Nashville
Outreach Committee (OC), Class of 2016
Fred Kirchner (RE) – Second, Nashville
Todd Williams (RE) – Liberty Hill, Alexandria
Permanent Judicial Commission (PJC)
Class of 2014
Class of 2018
Elinor Foster (RE) - First, Lewisburg
Monnie Caine (TE) - Normandy
Personnel Committee (PC), Class of 2016 - Rik Rouquie (TE) – Hillwood, Nashville
Stewardship Mission Interpretation Committee (SMIC)
Class of 2014 - Geeta McMillan (RE) – First, Sparta
Class of 2016
Betty Currey (RE) – Glencliff, Nashville
Larry Wilmoth (CRE) – Double Springs, Cookeville
Ben Carswell (RE) – First, Nashville
Mike Wilson (TE) – Harpeth, Brentwood
Moderator-in-Nomination, Class of 2016 - John Todd (TE) – Honorably Retired
Hispanic NCD Administrative Commission - Catherine Foster (TE) – First Nashville
Committee Chairs and Boards
Dr. Cheetham placed names in nomination to serve as committee chairs in 2014, and nominees to
Boards. The Moderator opened the floor for additional nominations; there were none. The following
nominees were elected as presented.
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Committee Chairs
Administration & Finance (A&F) – Mike Ingram (RE) – Donelson, Nashville
College & Young Adult Ministries (CoYAM) – Lindsey Wade (TE) – First, Shelbyville
Committee on Ministry (COM) – John Todd (TE) – Honorably Retired
Congregational Development Committee (CDC) – Charlotte Ann Edwards (RE) – First, Nashville
Coordinating Committee (CC) – Mark Bryan (TE) – Glen Leven, Nashville
Personnel Committee (PC) – Jim Jackson (RE), Bellevue, Nashville
Stewardship & Mission Interpretation (SMIC) – Will Berger (TE) – Historic Franklin
Boards
NaCoMe Board of Directors, Class of 2016
Mark Banasiak – First, Clarksville
Jane Crenshaw – Second, Nashville
Nations Ministry Center Board of Directors, Class of 2016
Shannon Beisel
Melissa Shirley
Davis Chaffin
Frank Wade
Ann Manning
John Wagster
Dr. Brent Pennington
General Assembly Commissioners and Alternates
Dr. Cheetham placed the following names in nomination to serve as commissioners and alternates to
the 221st General Assembly (2014). The Moderator opened the floor for additional nominations, and there
were none. The slate, as presented, as approved without objection.
Principal Commissioners
Teaching Elders
Ruling Elders
Paul Casner - Donelson, Nashville
Rick Robinson – Westminster, Columbia
Jeff Ritchie - Outreach Foundation
Melinda Sanders – Glen Leven, Nashville
Rich Ziegler - Validated Ministry & Korean Nashville
Nancy Truett – Liberty Hill, Alexandria
Young Adult Advisory Delegate
Paul Berger – Historic Franklin
Alternate Commissioners
Teaching Elders
Ruling Elders
Ann Soderquist – Member-at-Large
William Baber – First, Gallatin
Will Berger – Historic Franklin
Gayle Alley – First, Spring Hill
Alternate Young Adult Advisory Delegate
Joe Kilgore, III – First, Columbia
Standard Ordination Examination Readers
Dr. Cheetham placed the following names in nomination to serve as standard ordination
examination readers. The Moderator opened the floor for additional nominations, and there were none.
The following nominees were approved without objection.
Gloria Dale (RE) – First, Columbia
Mark Bryan (TE) – Glen Leven, Nashville
Christine Jastrow (RE) – Donelson, Nashville
Kenneth McClellan (RE) – St. Andrews, Nashville
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Election of Treasurer and Stated Clerk
Dr. Cheetham placed the name of Mike Ingram, ruling elder, Donelson, Nashville, in nomination to
serve a three year term as treasurer for the presbytery. The Moderator opened the floor for additional
nominations, and there were none. Mr. Ingram was elected to serve as treasurer of the Presbytery of
Middle Tennessee.
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Dr. Cheetham placed the name of Therese Howell, ruling elder, First Franklin, in nomination to serve
a three year term as stated clerk for the presbytery. The Moderator opened the floor for additional
nominations, and there were none. Mrs. Howell was elected to serve as stated clerk of the Presbytery of
Middle Tennessee.
COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY
Teaching Elder John Crawford presented the report of the Committee on Ministry.
Amy Harkness / Glencliff Presbyterian Church, Nashville
The Committee on Ministry sustained the examination of Ruling Elder Amy Harkness to become
Pulpit Supply at Glencliff Presbyterian Church, Nashville. The administration of the sacraments is not
included in her contract.
The COM also encouraged Ms. Harkness to continue working with the Session to establish a 4-6
month renewable contract for her services; enroll in the online Dubuque CRE training; and the COM will
help discern ways to cover her educational costs.
Leigh Bonner / Nations Ministry Center
The Committee on Ministry approved the work of Leigh Bonner, a candidate under care of MidSouth Presbytery, at Nations Ministry Center as a validated ministry, pending her ordination.
Chris Terry Nelson / Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, Nashville
The Committee on Ministry approved the general procedure outlined in the Agreement between
Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, Chris TerryNelson, Pastor, and the Presbytery of Middle Tennessee and to
empower the COM’s Congregational Care Team and Executive Presbyter Warner Durnell in moving forward
with the procedure.
The COM also approved the dissolution of the pastoral relationship between Emmanuel
Presbyterian Church and Chris TerryNelson effective September 1, 2013, and approved changing his
presbytery membership to Member-at-Large.
Joseph Cejka / Bethesda Presbyterian Church, Thompson Station
The Committee on Ministry approved, pending the concurrence of the session of Bethesda
Presbyterian Church, the dissolution of the temporary pastoral relationship between Teaching Elder Joseph
Cejka and the Bethesda Presbyterian Church, effective thirty days from the action of the session and that
Rev. Cejka vacate the pulpit immediately upon action by the session.
First Presbyterian Church, Clarksville
The Committee on Ministry approved the Ministry Information Form for First Presbyterian Church,
Clarksville.
Harpeth Presbyterian Church, Brentwood
The Committee on Ministry approved the Ministry Information Form for Harpeth Presbyterian
Church, Brentwood.
Jim Moran / Hermitage Presbyterian Church
The Committee on Ministry approved the dissolution of the pastoral relationship between Rev. Jim
Moran and Hermitage Presbyterian Church, Nashville, and dismissed Rev. Moran to Coastal Carolina
Presbytery, pending dissolution of the pastoral relationship by the congregation.
Stephen Yates / First Presbyterian Church, Tullahoma
The Committee on Ministry approved the terms of call and administrative commission to install the
Rev. Stephen Yates as pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Tullahoma on September 15, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.
COM Handbook – Calls and Contracts Team
The Committee on Ministry approved amendments to the COM Handbook for the Calls and
Contracts Team.
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Marshall Gupton / Northminster Presbyterian Church, Murfreesboro
The Committee on Ministry sustained the examination of The Rev. Marshall Gupton, a Southern
Baptist ministry, as Temporary Supply for Northminster Presbyterian Church, Murfreesboro, for a period of
one year beginning in October after the Presbytery meeting, with the condition that since Rev. Gupton is
not a teaching elder in the PCUSA, he will not be able to administer the sacraments, moderate the Session,
or examine and install officers, but may participate in the liturgy of the table. A mentor will be assigned to
Rev. Gupton by the COM.
Kim Rodrigue / Trinity Presbyterian Church, Nashville
The Committee on Ministry sustained the examination of Rev. Kim Rodrique as the Interim Pastor
for Trinity Presbyterian Church, Nashville. The COM also approved the interim pastoral relationship (a
temporary pastoral relationship) between Trinity Presbyterian Church and Rev. Rodrique, pending the
session’s approval of a contract for interim pastor services which requires Rev. Rodrique to complete the
first week of Transitional Ministries training (interim training). (Note: the Interim Pastor contract has been
approved by the session of Trinity Presbyterian Church subsequent to the COM meeting of September 10,
2012.)
It was reported by the liaison to Trinity that the COM’s requirements relative to the interim pastor
contract between Trinity church and Kim Rodrigue have been met.
Ann Roberts / Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, Nashville
The Committee on Ministry approved ruling elder Ann Roberts as the moderator of the session and
the liaison for Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, Nashville.
First Presbyterian Church, Fayetteville
The Committee on Ministry approved the request of First Presbyterian Church, Fayetteville for a
waiver of vacancy dues and to abolish the position of Associate Pastor for First Presbyterian Church,
Fayetteville.
Jane Herring / Pulpit Supply List
The Committee on Ministry sustained the examination of Jane Herring, candidate under care of the
Presbytery of East Tennessee, and approved her to be added to the Presbytery of Middle Tennessee’s
Pulpit Supply list.
John Hilley / East Brentwood Presbyterian Church
The Committee on Ministry sustained the examination of teaching elder John Hilley to serve as
Temporary Supply (Interim Teaching Elder) at East Brentwood Presbyterian Church and approved the
contract for temporary pastoral services.
COM Examinations Team
The Committee on Ministry approved the following as members of the COM’s Examination Team
and moved to invite Cristi Scott and Katherine Hande Smith to assist the COM in this work:
Teaching Elders
Ruling Elders
Mark Bryan (Glen Leven)
Bob Loflin (First Nashville)
Guy Griffith (Westminster Nashville)
Anne Parsons (First Franklin)
Heidi Hudnut-Beumler (At-Large)
Cristi Scott (St. Andrews Nashville)
Katherine Hande Smith (At-Large)
Dr. John Cheetham / Watertown Parish
The Committee on Ministry approved the part-time interim pastor contract between teaching elder
John Cheetham and Liberty Hill Presbyterian Church, Alexandria, and Watertown Presbyterian Church.
William Bateman / Westminster Presbyterian Church, Fairfield Glade
The Committee on Ministry approved the one-year contract between Dr. William Bateman and
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Fairfield Glade, for part-time stated supply.
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Pastoral Care Fund
The Committee on Ministry approved a $900 grant from the Pastoral Care Fund and recommended
a matching grant from the Board of Pensions of up to $1,700 to help an unemployed teaching elder with
automobile and job counseling/coaching expenses.
Bart Walker / Cripple Creek Presbyterian Church, Readyville
The Committee on Ministry approved ruling elder Bart Walker (First, Murfreesboro) as Moderator of
the Cripple Creek Session.
Michael Bradley / First Presbyterian Church, Tullahoma
The Committee on Ministry approved the temporary pastor relationship (parish associate) between
Tullahoma Church and Michael Bradley.
Leigh Bonner / Nations Ministry Center
Dr. Guy Griffith, chair of the Committee on Ministry’s Examination Team, introduced Leigh Bonner, a
candidate under care of the Presbytery of Mid-South, who has accepted a call as chaplain to Nations
Ministry Center. A copy of Ms. Bonner’s statement of faith and autobiographical information was provided
with the presbytery packet. Ms. Bonner spoke of her faith journey, and responded to questions from Dr.
Griffith and commissioners. The motion was made and seconded to sustain the examination of Ms. Bonner,
and this was approved without objection. The Committee on Ministry recommended approval of the call to
Leigh Bonner as Chaplain of Nations Ministry, and this was approved without objection. The motion was
made, seconded, and approved without objection to approve the following commission to ordain Ms.
Bonner on October 26, 2013, 3pm, at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Nashville: Teaching Elders: Alan
Bancroft, UKirk Vanderbilt; Heidi Hudnut-Beumler, Member-at-Large; Kim Rodrique, Trinity Presbyterian
Church (chair of the commission); Ruling Elders: Judy Schomber, Trinity Presbyterian Church; Steven
Sanders, Glen Leven Presbyterian Church.
Ho Dong Hwang / Nashville Korean Presbyterian Church
Dr. Griffith introduced Ho Dong Hwang, a candidate under care of the Presbytery of Middle
Tennessee, who has accepted a call as part-time children’s pastor at the Nashville Korean Presbyterian
Church. A copy of Mr. Hwang’s statement of faith and autobiographical information was provided in the
presbytery packet. Mr. Hwang spoke of his faith journey, and responded to questions from Dr. Griffith and
commissioners. The motion was made and seconded to sustain the examination of Mr. Hwang, and this
was approved without objection. The Committee on Ministry recommended approval of the call to Mr.
Hwang to serve as part time children’s pastor of the Nashville Korean Presbyterian Church, and to approve
his ordination and installation to this call. There was no discussion, and the motion was approved. The
motion was made, seconded, and approved without objection to approve the following commission to
ordain and install Mr. Hwang on October 27, 2013, 3:00PM, Nashville Korean Presbyterian Church;
Teaching elders - Shin Kang, Nashville Korean Presbyterian Church (chair of commission); Chris Adams,
Hillsboro Presbyterian Church, Nashville; Warner Durnell, Executive Presbyter; Ruling elders - Mi Hyea Lee,
Nashville Korean Presbyterian Church; Dianne Stark, Second Presbyterian Church, Nashville; Aline Patte,
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Nashville.
Jeffrey Kane / Westminster Presbyterian Church, Columbia
The Rev. Dr. Jeff Kane, a teaching elder member of the Presbytery of Denver, was introduced; Dr.
Kane has accepted a call to serve as pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Columbia. A copy of Dr.
Kane’s statement of faith and autobiographical information was provided with the presbytery packet. Dr.
Griffith led the examination of Dr. Kane, who spoke briefly of his faith journey and responded to questions
from Dr. Griffith and commissioners. The motion was made, seconded, and approved to sustain Dr. Kane’s
examination. The Committee on Ministry recommended that Dr. Kane be received as a member of the
Presbytery of Middle Tennessee, and that his call as pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Columbia,
effective October 1, 2013, be approved, and the motions were adopted. The motion was made, seconded,
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and adopted to approve the following commission to install Dr. Kane on October 27, 2013, 9:45AM,
Westminster Columbia: Teaching elders – Joe Evans, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia (chair of the
commission); Ben Kane, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Nashville; Ruling elders – Scott Bailey, Glen
Leven Presbyterian Church, Nashville; Ann Neely, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Nashville; Mike
Dunston, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Columbia.
Kim Rodrigue / Trinity Presbyterian Church, Nashville
Dr. Griffith introduced The Rev. Kim Rodrigue, a teaching elder member of the Presbytery of Santa
Fe, who has accepted a position as interim pastor at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Nashville. A copy of Rev.
Rodrigue’s statement of faith and autobiographical information was provided with the presbytery packet.
Rev. Rodrigue spoke briefly of her faith journey, and responded to questions from Dr. Griffith and
commissioners. The motion was made, seconded, and approved to sustain Rev. Rodrigue’s examination.
The Committee on Ministry approved the interim pastor contract between Trinity and Rev. Rodrigue, and
recommended that Rev. Rodrigue received back into the Presbytery of Middle Tennessee, and this was
approved.
Gail Logan / Validated Ministry
The Committee on Ministry recommended that the Presbytery endorse The Rev. Gail Logan as a
chaplain. After a question, the recommendation was approved.
Specialized Ministries / Board of Pensions
The Committee on Ministry authorized the Executive Presbyter, Stated Clerk, or Moderator of the
Committee on Ministry to respond to the request from the Board of Pensions for verification of the
specialized ministries of teaching elders Stacy Rector, Alan Bancroft, and Justin Gung.
Persons present in support of Ms. Bonner, Mr. Hwang, Dr. Kane, and Rev. Rodrigue were recognized
and welcomed.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
The Moderator called for any unfinished business. Rev. Durnell reminded commissioners to
complete an evaluation of the presbytery meeting, and he offered a prayer for ordinands and churches.
The Moderator announced the 117th stated meeting of the Presbytery of Middle Tennessee would
be held on Saturday, February 1, 2014, at The Downtown Presbyterian Church, Nashville.
There was no further business, and a motion was made, seconded, and approved to adjourn. The
Moderator offered a closing prayer, and the meeting was adjourned at 2:25pm.
Therese P. Howell
Stated Clerk
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DRAFT – October 17, 2013