PRESBYTERY OF BLACKHAWK
09/10/2013
BLACKHAWK PRESBYTERY
STATED MEETING MINUTES FOR September 10, 2013
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
WOODSTOCK, ILLINOIS
The Presbytery of Blackhawk convened Tuesday, September 10, 2013, in Stated Meeting at First
Presbyterian Church in Woodstock, Illinois. Moderator Jeff Borgerson called the meeting to order at 9:30
am with prayer.
OPENING ACTIVITIES - STATED CLERK'S REPORT
Stated Clerk John Rickard declared a quorum was present as indicated by the enrollment sheets at the
registration desk, and highlighted the day’s activities and the Networks & Partnership Center.
Motion was made, seconded and Voted to adopt the Docket.
9:00 am
9:15 am
9:30a.m.
9:45 am
10:45 am
10:55 am.
11:30 am.
12:00 pm
12:15
1:00 pm
2:15 pm
2:30
DOCKET
Registration and Networks & Partnerships Center
First Time Commissioner Orientation
Convene/Opening Prayer/Stated Clerk’s Report
Adoption of Docket/Approval of Minutes/Orientation to the Meeting/New
Elders & Pastors Introduced/Corresponding Members Seated
Worship and Commissioning of Kenya Partnership Team
Break
CPM – Examination of Jan Chandler for ordination
Learning Opportunity: Michael Jinkins, President, Louisville Theological Seminary, “The
Church Transforming”
Q and A with Michael
Lunch and Networks & Partnerships Center
Life Together (Business Plenary Session)
(Synod Report, CPM, COM, Personnel, BAC, Trustees Nominating, MSRB,
Stewardship Presentation, Stronghold, Report of Henry AC
New and Unfinished Business
Adjournment
A motion was made, seconded and Voted that the Minutes of the June 11, 2013 Stated Meeting of
Blackhawk Presbytery at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Joliet and the Administrative Commission
to install Rev. Wade Ditty as pastor at Piper City be approved.
There was a request to be seated as a Corresponding Member from Rev. Dr. Michael Jinkins. He is the
President of Louisville Theological Seminary. Another request was from Rev. Donna Gray from Chicago
Presbytery. A motion was made, seconded, and Voted to seat them as corresponding members.
New Teaching Elders and first time attending Ruling Elder Commissioners were introduced.
Bo Mircea – Joliet 1st
Matt Brown – Crystal Lake youth minister
Leigh Kiesewetter – Geneva, Fox Valley
He moved, receiving a second that the Administrative Commission for Marengo church be
dismissed. Motion Voted.
PRESBYTERY OF BLACKHAWK
09/10/2013
Dr. Rickard highlighted a new guide for Developing High Quality Emergency Operations Plans
for Houses of Worship. It can be downloaded by going to FEMA.gov, type in the title in the
search box.
The November Learning Opportunity will be Monday, November 11 from 10 am to 7:30 PM. Its
focus will be a Day of Personal Renewal for Church Leaders. Information has been sent out, but
look for another reminder.
The Clerk requested churches to volunteer to host the Presbytery meetings for February 11, April
8, and September 9, 2014.
The Presbytery office is still receiving orders for a group discount on the 2014 Mission
Yearbook of Prayer and Study. Orders need to be in to Loreen by October 15 to be handed out at
the November 12 Presbytery meeting.
The annual reading of Session minute books and registers will be held during October and early
November. Commissioners were asked to alert their Clerks of Session.
The Clerk lifted up prayer concerns for Rev. Dr. James Breed, Rev. Charles Levgold, and Rev.
Donna Wrzeszcz.
The Presbytery received the Stated Clerk’s report.
WORSHIP AND COMMISSIONING OF THE KENYA PARTNERSHIP TEAM
The Presbytery gathered for a Service for the Worship of God led by Rev. Paul Nelson and Rev. Janet
Potter. Two musical selections were presented by the Voices of Faith Choir during the service. The
scripture was from John 8: 1-12 and the message was preached by Dr. Michael Jinkins.
The sermon spoke of “The Essence of the Gospel.” The Sacrament of Holy Communion was
shared with the Presbytery.
During the service Rev. Dr. Anita Stuart-Steva called members of the Kenya Missionary Team
forward to be commissioned. They included Chrystal Abbot, April Ashcraft, Jeff Borgerson,
Claire Brennecka, Glenn Dancey, Diane Graham, Anne Hoflen, Jim Lander, Kathy Mozingo,
Ken Mozingo, Bill Pittinger, Mary Ellen Reilly, David Spaulding, and Laurel Welker. These
people will serve as our missionaries with our partners in the Imenti Presbyteries of Kenya.
EXAMINATION OF JAN CHANDLER FOR ORDINATION
Rev. Howard Smith, co-chairman of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, presented Jan Chandler,
CRE as a candidate for ordination. She presented an introduction to her faith journey and a written
statement of faith which had been distributed to commissioners before the meeting. The Moderator
declared the floor open for questioning of the candidate. Several questions were asked and answered. A
motion was made, seconded, and Voted to arrest the examination.
Jan Chandler was escorted from the room. During discussion, her home church pastor, Rev. Matt
Robinson, and her mentor, Rev. Al Abbott spoke highly of her growth and service to the church. A
motion was made, seconded, and Voted to sustain the examination and declare Jan Chandler ready for
ordination as a Minister of Word and Sacrament. She was led back into the room and the Presbytery sang
the Doxology in praise to God.
PRESBYTERY OF BLACKHAWK
09/10/2013
LEARNING OPPORTUNITY
Rev. Christina Berry, pastor of the Sterling Church, spoke of her associations with and respect for the Rev.
Dr. Michael Jinkins, President of the Louisville Theological Seminary. He then presented an address
entitled “The Church Transforming.” Following the talk, he invited a time for questions and answers from
the Presbytery.
LUNCH AND NETWORKS & PARTNERSHIPS CENTER
Rev. Paul Nelson welcomed the Presbytery, gave lunch instructions, and said the blessing. The
Presbytery was then dismissed to go to lunch and to visit the Networks & Partnership Center.
Moderator Rev. Jeff Borgerson called the Presbytery to order at 1:00 pm with prayer.
YOUTH TRIENNIUM REPORT
Rev. Spencer Homan spoke about the recent Youth Triennium meeting where our Presbytery sent 53
young people to attend. He thanked the MSRB for their funding assistance and also Stronghold for their
support. He then showed a brief video to the Presbytery showing highlights of the meeting.
SYNOD REPORT
Rev. David Jones reported as our Commissioner to the Synod of Lincoln Trails. He noted that the Rev.
Carol McDonald will be retiring next year as the Synod Executive. He also spoke about the valuable
contribution the Synod has made and continues to make in the training program for Commissioned
Ruling Elders.
COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY
Rev. Howard Smith presented the report. There were no action items for the Presbytery's action. The
Committee reported that they concurred with Denise Cooper’s request to be removed from the CRE
program due to changes in her work schedule. Approved enrolling Tanya Muzzarelli from Rockford
Westminster Church as a participant in the CRE program. They authorized presenting Jan Chandler to
Presbytery as a candidate for ordination. They are seeking readers for ordination examinations.
A motion was made, seconded, and Voted to receive the report.
COMMISSION ON MINISTRY
Suzanne Finefield, chair of the Commission reported. She moved and received a seconded to approve
the dissolutions of pastoral relation between Coal City and Nate Manzo, effective 7/21/2013; and also
between Fox Valley, Geneva and Bart Rousch, effective 9/30/2013. Voted to approve.
She moved on behalf of the Committee to dissolve the position of Associate Pastor at Ridgefield Crystal
Lake effective August 1, 2013. Voted to approve.
Elder Finefield moved on behalf of the Committee to approve the following transfers:
Nate Manzo to Scioto Valley Presbytery pending request
Bart Rousch to Mission Presbytery pending request
Voted: to approve.
Suzanne continued by moving to approve receiving ministers by transfer as follows:
Rev. Donna Gray from Chicago Presbytery upon her request
Rev. Blake Severson from Geneva Presbytery
Voted: to approve.
The chair moved that the following Moderators be appointed:
PRESBYTERY OF BLACKHAWK
09/10/2013
Rev. Roy Backus as Moderator for Coal City
Rev. Spencer Lawrence for Mendota Voted: to approve.
She then moved that Presbytery approve the listings of Commission participants for:
 The ordination of Jonathan Berosek on behalf of Peaks and Plains Presbytery on October
6, 2013 At Park Presbyterian Church, Streator, Illinois
 The installation of Rev. Doug Forsberg at Rochelle on September 8, 2013
 The installation for Rev. Wade Ditty At Piper City on July 28, 2013
 The ordination of Jan Chandler at Gardner, Church of Hope on November 2, 2013
Voted: to approve.
On behalf of the Committee, Elder Finefield moved to approve the following changes in terms of call:
Between Jan Chandler and the Church of Hope, Gardner, effective September 8, 2013
`
Cash Salary
17,192.50
Housing Allowance
17,192.50
Total
34,385.00
SECA
1,984.00
Pension
4,126.00
Medical
8,400.00
Professional Expenses 4,720.00
Study Leave
1,500.00
Medical 6% Effective 2,063.00
Total
57,178.00
Full Medical, pension, disability, and death benefit coverage under the Board of Pensions
Paid Vacation Four (4) weeks (including Sundays)
Paid Continuing Education Time Four (4) weeks (including Sundays) Voted: to approve
Approved Administrative Commission for the Ordination and Installation of Janet Chandler on
November 2, 2013 at 2:30 p.m.
Teaching Elders: Rev. Matthew Robinson, Moderator, Westminster, Joliet, IL
Rev. Dr. Roy Backus, First Presbyterian, Morris, IL
Rev. Dr. Timothy Slemmons, UDTS, Dubuque, IA
Rev. Trudy Foote, St. Johns Lutheran, ELCA, Cullom, IL
Ruling Elders: Elder Ramona Storm, Church of Hope, Gardner, IL
Elder Dale T. Evans, Westminster, Joliet, IL
CRE Carrie Kapral, Elwood Community Church, Elwood, IL
Between Blake Severson and Fulton Presbyterian effective August 18, 2013
Salary
40,000.00
Housing Allowance
8,000.00
Auto Allowance
1,000.00
Professional Allowance 2,500.00
Continuing Ed
2,500.00
Medical Reimb
2,500.00
Moving Costs up to
5,000.00
Full medical, pension, disability, and death benefits coverage under the Board of Pensions
Paid Vacation 4 weeks and Continuing Education 2 weeks
Voted: to approve
She moved to approve the contract for Rev. Donna Gray as a part-time Interim Associate Pastor for Adult
Education and Mission with the Geneva, Fox Valley Church for 30 hours per week beginning September
15, 2013. This contract to be renewal on a month-to-month basis for the 2013-2014 program year.
PRESBYTERY OF BLACKHAWK
09/10/2013
Terms of Call: FVPC Blackhawk Guidelines
Total Salary
36,000.00
(3,000.00 monthly)
Professional Expenses 2,574.00
Continuing Education
990.00
Two weeks annually
Social Security offset
1,320.00
Medical
1,419.00
Costs other than salary figured at 66% of Blackhawk Presbytery guidelines
Voted: to approve
Voted: to approve
It was moved and seconded to renew the following contracts:
Carrie Kapral, CRE and Elwood effective July 5, 2013 to July 5, 2014
Salary, Housing, Utility Allowance:
30,000.00
Pension
5,400.00 tax shelter or similar plan
Cont Ed or Book Allowance
1,500.00
Cont Ed time 2 weeks including 2 Sundays
Vacation time: 3 weeks including 5 Sundays
Discretionary Days: 2 days with prior notice when possible
SECA Allowance:
1,700.00
Ministry costs to be approved with documentation
Travel reimbursement at official IRS rate per mile at time of travel
Professional expense limit with business meals, publications
Cell Phone
3,000.00
Total annual compensation
41,600.00
Donna Gericke, CRE and Prairie Del
Cash Salary
Vacation 6 weeks
Study Leave 2 weeks
32,642.00
Steve Hill and Henry effective September 14, 2013 ending no later than March 14, 2014
Salary and Housing
19,040.00
Study Leave
750.00
Professional Expenses
3,730.00
Pension payments
6,881.00
SECA
1,457.00
Med at 6% of effective salary
1,143.00
Vacation of 15 days and Study Leave of 7 days
Voted: to approve.
The chair indicated that the committee will have discussions about maternity leaves and sabbatical
leaves in the future.
Presbytery VOTED to approve the Commission report as stated.
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
Elder Beth Elberson presented the report. She presented the following changes to the Personnel Manual
for a first reading before Presbytery:
1. 9.2.3.2 Vacation: Non-called employees – full time- earn vacation time at a rate of 4 hours
PRESBYTERY OF BLACKHAWK
09/10/2013
per pay period. One additional day (8 hours) is added on each subsequent anniversary of
hire up to a maximum of 20 days Part-time earn vacation time pro-rated to the number of
hours they actually work each pay period. An additional ½ day (4 hours) is added on each
subsequent anniversary of hire up to a maximum of 20 days.
PROPOSED: Vacation available on January 1 of any given year, will be determined by
dividing the number of hours worked in the previous year by 52: this determines the
number of hours available for each week of vacation. Number of weeks of vacation will be
determined by the following schedule:
1-4 years – 2 weeks
5-9 years- 3 weeks
10-19 years-4 weeks
20+ years 5 weeks
2.
9.3.4 Holiday Pay/Time Off – Hourly employees who are required to work on a specific
holiday will be paid 1 ½ times their hourly wage. Both salaried and hourly employees must
arrange with their supervisor to take another day as a holiday with the same pay period.
PROPOSED: Eliminate the need to take another day off if the employee works the holiday.
3.
9.7 Loans – Called employees may apply to the Presbytery Board of Trustees for a second
mortgage loan for assistance in the purchase of a home as a principle residence.
PROPOSED : Delete this policy.
4. 13.6.1
Complaints against clergy – Complaints against clergy must be presented in
writing to the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery and will be handled according to the Rules of
Discipline in the Book of Order.
PROPOSED: Add the sentence: In the case where a complaint arises against the General
Presbyter or the Stated Clerk, and the General Presbyter and Stated Clerk are the same
person, the complaint should be made to the Moderator of the Personnel Committee.
BUSINESS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Moderator Rev. Crystal Abbott presented the report. She presented the draft of the proposed 2014 Per
Capita and 2014 Mission budgets for a first reading before Presbytery. They will be taken up at the
November, 2013 Stated Meeting.
Treasurer Elder Lou Ann Breckenridge presented her report for July 31, 2013. She highlighted various
accounts and balances. At the end of the presentation, it was moved and seconded to approve the
report and file it for audit. Voted: to approve.
TRUSTEES
Lou Ann Breckenridge presented the report. Copies of the annual 2012 financial audit submitted by
Robert J. Ripp and Associates were available to the Presbytery in advance of the meeting. The Trustees
moved that Audit Report be adopted by the Presbytery. Presbytery VOTED to approve.
She announced that the Trustees have approved acceptance of a land donation. This transaction is
currently pending.
The Trustees announced that they have approved acceptance of a vehicle donation. Our head of
PRESBYTERY OF BLACKHAWK
09/10/2013
maintenance has donated his Ford F150 truck to Presbytery for use in daily maintenance of the buildings
and grounds. They have provided him with a tax receipt.
Rev. Robert Kopp made a motion, receiving a second that the Moderator, chairwoman of COM and the
Executive Presbyter/Stated Clerk send notification by separate mailing to all particular congregations of
Blackhawk Presbytery that all calls include this as part of the terms of call in covenant with the
Presbytery, particular congregation, and installed teaching Elder: “In the seventh year of service, the
congregation will provide for a three-month Clergy Renewal Leave, continuing the salary and benefits for
that period and providing for pulpit supply in the pastor’s absence. It is expected that all particular
congregations that do not have this codicil as part of their current terms of call will incorporate it as early
as the next annual congregational meeting to confirm terms of call; noting teaching Elders who have
already served seven years in a particular congregation will be considered eligible immediately for the
Clergy Renewal Leave. Requests for exemption will be filed through the Stated Clerk, reviewed by the
COM, and adjudicated at a stated or special meeting of Blackhawk Presbytery”
Considerable discussion ensued. Rev. Matthew Robinson moved to postpone this motion to the
November Stated Meeting. He received a second. Elder Suzanne Finefield stated that the Commission
on Ministry would create study materials for the individual congregations before the November Stated
Meeting. The Moderator called for the vote. Presbytery Voted to postpone this motion to the November
12, 2013 Stated Meeting.
MISSION STRATEGIES AND RESOURCES BOARD
Rev. Anita Stuart-Steva presented the report. There were no action items. She lifted up the coming
Mission trip to Kenya, asking for prayers for the Team that had been commissioned earlier in the
day. She mentioned a prayer calendar for the churches while they are overseas created by Rev.
David Spaulding.
Julia Jones and Jon Skogen from Church World Service presented the ministry goals for the “Kits” for this
year. First Pres. of Elgin has challenged the Presbytery to have each church create thirty school kits and
one clean-up bucket before the November Presbytery meeting. The need is great due to Hurricane Sandy
and the need in the Eastern United States.
Rev. John Dillon shared a presentation about the peacemaking conference that will be held in Israel on
April 28, 2014.
A motion was made, seconded, and Voted to receive the report.
STEWARDSHIP PRESENTATION
Rev. Michael Selburg spoke about some strategies for Stewardship within our congregations.
He shared about technological giving options available to churches. He focused on the
difficulties in smaller churches. It was his idea for Presbytery teams to be available to train
stewardship committees in the churches. He also advocated for people to remember the
church in their wills as a needed emphasis.
STRONGHOLD COMMITTEE
Rev. Mike Selburg reported for the committee. Summer Camp went very well with 315 campers – the
most since 1999! The family camp had 47 campers – the most we have ever had.
Eight traveling day camps were held this summer with 274 total campers. There are two slots available
for next year to bring the total to ten camps.
PRESBYTERY OF BLACKHAWK
09/10/2013
Jubilee Day in August had over 300 persons on a perfect day. Howard Strong (of the Strong family) gave
two presentations during the day.
A request for volunteers to help with the Olde English Faire in October was issued, along with a reminder
for churches to advertise the event on October 5th. The quilt auction will be a new addition to the
festivities. An amazing 74 items have been donated for the auction. On-line bidding will run from
September 20th to October 1.
The final report from the AES Ecosystem Management Plan Report was received on September 5th.
A motion was made, seconded, and VOTED to approve the Committee report.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION REPORT – FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, HENRY, ILLINOIS
Rev. Matt Robinson presented a printed report to the Presbytery. The Mission Information Form is now
complete and has been submitted. The General Presbyter visited the church to encourage them.
A motion was made, seconded, and VOTED to receive the report of the Commission.
There was no unfinished business.
NEW BUSINESS
Rev. Janet Potter rose to thank the Presbytery for the $1,000 grant for the Marengo and Woodstock
Church’s trailer.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made, seconded and Voted to adjourn the meeting at 2:30 pm with prayer by Rev. Jeff
Borgerson.
The next Presbytery Meeting will be Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at Stronghold Camp and Conference
Center, Oregon, Illinois.
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. Dr. John Rickard, Stated Clerk
Rev. Dr. Dale Dykstra, Recording Clerk