Approved minutes June 2, 2012
APPROVED MINUTES OF THE
ONE HUNDRED TWENTIETH STATED MEETING
OF THE PRESBYTERY OF ARKANSAS
JUNE 2, 2012
The 120th Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Arkansas began at 9:30 a.m. in the Christian Activities
Building at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center, Little Rock on Saturday, June 2, 2012 following
the annual training session for the cluster records review teams.
CALL TO ORDER AND OPENING PRAYER
Teaching Elder David H. Dyer, presbytery moderator, called the meeting to order, lit the Christ candle,
and gave the opening invitation to silent prayer. He requested that cell phones be quieted and that
people take breaks as needed.
OPENING WORSHIP INCLUDING COMMISSIONING
The Presbytery moved to opening worship led by Teaching Elders Nancy Elizabeth Lindsey (call to
worship), Anne Russ (charge to the summer camp counselors), Georgia Senor (sermon), Moderator
Dyer (installation of vice moderator Sheree Niece), Ruling Elders Jim Gooding (prayers of the
people), Dr. Jay Hudkins (call to offering) and youth Graham Senor (scripture) with music provided
by camp counselors.
Docket (as amended with additions from Committee on Ministry, Committee on Care and
Nurture of Church Professionals, Committee on Nominations and deletion of Committee on
Preparation for Ministry and Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Children’s Home report) was approved
by VOTE.
REPORT OF ENROLLMENT
TEACHING ELDERS: Karen Kokles Akin, Catherine L. Allsbury, Bill Bailey, Leslie F. Belden,
Robert Brian Brock, Janet B. Butin, Joy Carrington, Jeff Cranton, Kris Crawford, Fern M. Davis,
Ruskin Falls, Debra Carl Freeman, Bill Galbraith, Gordon F. Garlington III, David E. Gill, Jesus Juan
Gonzalez, Susan Gray, Robert Hadley, Steve Hancock, Al Henager, Randi Henderson, Chris Jones,
Lance Jones, Clare Martin Kelley, Andrew King, John E. King, Frank LeBlanc, Robert Lowry,
Melissa McNair-King, Jeff Parker, Camille LeBron Powell, Jeff Price, Timothy C. Reeves, Leslie
Bethell Roper, Susan Rose, Dari Rowen, Anne Russ, Lacy Sellars, Georgia Senor, J. Stewart Smith,
Catherine Ulrich, Thomas A Ulrich, Michael Vinson, Marci Ward, Robert Williamson, Rita Wilson.
Honorably Retired Teaching Elders: William W. Branch, Guy Delaney, David H. Dyer, Richard
Frothingham, Howard H. Gordon, William F. Henning, Sally Stockley Johnson, David S. King, Joe
Tropansky.
RULING ELDER COMMISSIONERS FROM CONGREGATIONS: First, Alma, Sherrie Lech;
Alpine, Amity, Thomas A. Robertson, Jr.; First, Arkadelphia, Caroline Luck; First, Batesville, Susie
Cummins and Kathy Lanier; First, Beebe, Karen Marshall; Presbyterian Church of Bella Vista, Bill
Dieleman and Emily Dieleman; First, Benton, Ron Sasfai; First, Bentonville, Ila Blackketter Wolfe and
Ashley Clark; First, Clarksville, Heather Patton; First, Dardanelle, Wally Thacker; First, Eureka
Springs, Carol Klarr; First United, Fayetteville, Mary Mann and Phil Harrington; Central, Fort Smith,
Mike McClure and Suzanne Bethell; First, Harrison, Philip Miller; First, Heber Springs, John P.
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Hanna; Holiday Island, Carol Ann Schneider; First, Hot Springs, William B. James; Westminster, Hot
Springs, Doug Sweeney and Fred Barr; Kirk in the Pines, Hot Springs Village, Jerrel Johnson and Gary
Clark; First, Huntsville, Austin Embry; First, Jacksonville, Glenn Fiscus; First, Jonesboro, Linda
Norvell; First, Little Rock, Libby Ingram; Grace, Little Rock, Laurine Williams; Pulaski Heights, Little
Rock, Jane Anne Spikes; Second, Little Rock, James W. Hyden, Paula Mallory, Kay Combs, Slocum
Pickell; Trinity, Little Rock, Karen Craig; Westover Hills, Little Rock, Mary Ellen Guise; First,
Malvern, Charlotte Purdy; First, McGehee, Jo Wilson; First, Mena, Jamie Malloy; First, Morrilton,
Connie Wear; Barr Memorial, Norman, Judy Hernandez; First, North Little Rock, Katie Kasten; Park
Hill, North Little Rock, Judy Steen; Mount Vernon, Pea Ridge, Ron David; First, Pine Bluff, Steve
Matthews and Bill Ross; First, Rogers, Jim Gooding; Central, Russellville, Jay Hudkins; First, Searcy,
David Cook; First, Springdale, Dave Buck and Kenneth Buck; First, Van Buren, Jan Enke; Wynne
Presbyterian, Keeli Smith; and First, Yellville, Felice W. Dennis.
AT-LARGE COMMISSIONERS: Ruling Elder Members of General Committee Sheree Niece, Wes
Shaver, Chuck Blanton, Linda Castleman, Janis McClure; ruling elder members of the Committee on
Clusters, Ted Belden and Patty Minga; ruling elder moderators of presbytery committees, Ledridge
Davis, Representation, Julie Gillaspy, Nominations, Al Glover, Clusters, Marty Shepherd, Care and
Nurture of Church Professionals; moderator of Presbyterian Women, Cissy Rose; moderator of General
Committee Sam Highsmith.
COMMISSIONED RULING ELDERS: Joshua Bridges, First, Beebe; Elizabeth Hardin, First,
Gurdon; Jim Keyes, 101, Gamaliel and First, Yellville; Kelly Pearson, First, Dardanelle; Claire
Rhodes, West End, Arkadelphia; Kenneth Rhodes, West End, Arkadelphia.
CERTIFIED CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS: Linda LeBron and NiAnn Thompson.
Christian Educators from Particular Churches: Kristi Button, First United, Fayetteville; Joan Jones,
First, Jonesboro
VISITORS TO THIS MEETING OF PRESBYTERY: 27 registered.
CORRESPONDING MEMBERS: Kevin Keaton, New Covenant Presbytery, Board of Pensions; Liz
Lindsey, Grace Presbytery; Jane Huffstetler, Eastern Oklahoma, serving First, Harrison; Mike Kuner,
Northern Kansas, serving Westover Hills, Little Rock.
YOUNG ADULT DELEGATE ADVISORS: Eric Fields.
TEACHING ELDERS WITH EXCUSED ABSENCES: Nancy Benson-Nicol, D. Breckinridge
Castleman, Lance Clemmons, Lewis R. Donelson IV, James F. Farley, Dan Festa, Arthur Fogartie,
Alan Ford, Clifton P. Ford, Elizabeth Gabbard, Kendal Land, Mark Lenneville, Jennifer Lord, Carl
McCormack, Larry Mitchell, David Schaller, Patricia Schaller, Kenneth Shaw, Shauna Silmon, Debbie
Spangler, Rebecca Spooner, Nancy Taylor, Daniel Wooley.
HONORABLY RETIRED ACTIVE TEACHING ELDERS WITH EXCUSED ABSENCES: Ben
H. Bateman, Dennis R. Bennett, Donald K. Campbell, II, Thomas S. Carter, Heinrich B. Eiler, Robert
Hyatt, Ron Jones, Carlos Lopez, Bill McWeeny, Richard H. Miller, Leila L. Power, Jerry Rice, C.
Michael D. Seitz, Richard Shinkle, Frederick A. Taylor, W. Kennedy Upham, Don Wardlaw.
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TEACHING ELDERS ABSENT WITHOUT EXCUSE: Philip W. Butin, Robert Cox, John
Gibson, Terry Hart, Marion A. Humphrey, Libby Lizarraga, Emmett Powers, Dennis Ritchie, Maetta
Snyder, Drew Travis, Harry Young.
HONORABLY RETIRED ACTIVE TEACHING ELDERS ABSENT WITHOUT EXCUSE: Art
Bell, Jim Chaffin, Milton B. Davis, James P. Fleming, Orin M. Frank, David Laverty, Burle D.
Mattingly, Walter Swetnam, Donald Trent.
SESSIONS WITH EXCUSED ABSENCES: West End, Arkadelphia; Memorial, Atkins; Vaughn,
Bentonville; Mt. Comfort, Fayetteville; Graham Memorial, Forrest City; First, Fort Smith; First,
Gurdon; Spring River, Hardy; second elder commissioner, First, Harrison; Holly Grove; Woodlands,
Hot Springs Village; First, Lonoke; First, Marianna; Mountainburg; First, Prairie Grove; First,
Stuttgart; First, Walnut Ridge.
SESSIONS ABSENT WITHOUT EXCUSE: First, Brinkley; Presbyterian Church of Bull Shoals;
Cane Hill; Harmony, Clarksville; First, Conway; Elkins; Kirk of the Hills, Fairfield Bay; Walnut
Grove, Farmington; One-o-One, Gamaliel; First, Gravette; Good Shepherd, Greenwood; First, Helena;
Faith, Horseshoe Bend; First, Lincoln; Allison, Little Rock; Westminster, Little Rock; Hopewell,
Morrilton; First, Mountain Home; First, Newport; First, Ozark; First, Paragould; Central, Pine Bluff;
Faith, Pine Bluff; First, Pocahontas; First, Siloam Springs; West Fork; Cleburne Avenue, West
Helena.
AT-LARGE RULING ELDER COMMISSIONERS WITH EXCUSED ABSENCE: General
Committee, Sissy Wells.
AT-LARGE RULING ELDER COMMISSIONRS ABSENT WITHOUT EXCUSE: General
Committee, Becky Williams; Ruling elder member of Committee on Clusters, Russ Mathis; Ruling
elder moderator of Presbytery committee, Elizabeth Branch, Disaster Preparedness and Response;
Ruling elder commissioners to General Assembly 219, Madeleine Middleton and Robert Murphy.
COMMISSIONED RULING ELDERS WITH EXCUSED ABSENCE: K. C. Chanthorn, LaotianFirst, Fort Smith; Jim Hays, Memorial, Atkins.
COMMISSIONED RULING ELDERS ABSENT WITHOUT EXCUSE: Bill Brown, West Fork;
Bill Bush, First, Gravette; Bruce Schlegel, Walnut Grove, Farmington and Cane Hill Presbyterian;
Harlis Wright, Faith, Pine Bluff.
CERTIFIED CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS WITH EXCUSED ABSENCE: Jeannie Ford, Lynn
King, Nancy Irving Smith.
Stated Clerk Ulrich announced enrollment at the gavel was 45 teaching elders and 47 ruling elders
which constituted a quorum.
WELCOME FROM HOST
Teaching Elder David Gill, executive director of Ferncliff Camp, brought greetings in this, the 75th
anniversary year of the camp, and reported that the mission emphasis of packaging meals for hungry
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people yielded over 10,000 meals Friday night. Sixty-five people from Second, Little Rock were
packing an additional 10,000 meals while presbytery met, and Episcopalians will be packing another
10,000 over the weekend, with the overall goal of 75,000 meals packed this year. He thanked the
council for their flexibility with the cozy accommodations of the CAB, pointed out the bouldering
wall, Frisbee offering plates, and offered rides to the dining hall for lunch.
WELCOME TO FIRST-TIME ELDER COMMISSIONERS
Stated Clerk Ulrich welcomed all first-time ruling elder commissioners, saying this is a General
Assembly meeting year, asked who had read through the Bible, and who had read through the
current Book of Order. Eight people indicated they were first-timers to Ferncliff, and 12 were firsttimers to Presbytery meeting. She assured all they are here for a purpose, are welcome and thanked
them for attending.
INTRODUCTION OF PRESBYTERY STAFF
Moderator Dyer introduced the following: Little Rock staff members General Presbyter Bill
Galbraith, Resourcing Director/Assistant Stated Clerk NiAnn Thompson, part-time staff Whitney
Bordelon in absentia and Teaching Elder Michael Vinson. Staff Member Stated Clerk Cathy Ulrich
from Fort Smith was introduced, as was Presbytery evangelist Teaching Elder Jesse Gonzalez from
Springdale, and vice moderator of the presbytery Sheree Niece.
SEATING OF CORRESPONDING MEMBERS/
GRANTING PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
Moderator Dyer welcomed corresponding members who have privilege of the floor: Teaching Elder
Elizabeth Lindsey, Grace Presbytery; Jane Huffstetler, Eastern Oklahoma; Kevin Keaton, New
Covenant; Michael Kuner, North Kansas. Ruling Elder Dawn Scarborough also asked for privilege,
and it was granted. It was VOTED to seat the Corresponding Members and grant them
privilege of the floor.
REPORT OF THE STATED CLERK
Stated Clerk Cathy Ulrich gave the report.
For Presbytery Approval:
1) The minutes from the 119th Stated Meeting, amended with change (Joe Tropansky absent with
excuse). APPROVAL was voted.
2) Teaching Elders, Honorably Retired, who wish to be considered Active or Non-Active for the year
2012. Presbytery staff, on behalf of the Committee on Care and Nurture of Church professionals, has
contacted all honorably retired members of the Presbytery of Arkansas so that the Stated Clerk could
inform and the body vote on the following 2012 list of Honorably Retired Ministers, showing each
minister’s self-elected status as “active” (voting at Presbytery meetings and requesting excuse when
unable to attend) or “non-active” (relieved of the need to attend Presbytery meetings):
Wishing to be considered ACTIVE in 2012: Ben Bateman, William W. Branch, Donald K.
Campbell II, Thomas S. Carter, Jim Chaffin, Milton B. Davis, Guy Delaney, David H. Dyer,
Heinrich B. Eiler, James P. Fleming, Orin M. Frank, Richard Frothingham, Howard H. Gordon,
William F. Henning, Robert Hyatt, Sally Stockley Johnson, Ron Jones, David S. King, David
Laverty, Carlos Lopez, Burle D. Mattingly, Bill McWeeny, James B. Miller, Richard H. Miller,
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Leila L. Power, Jerry Rice, C. Michael D. Seitz, Richard Shinkle, Walter Swetnam, Frederick A.
Taylor, Donald Trent, Joe Tropansky, W. Kennedy Upham, Don Wardlaw, Darwin Wolfe.
Wishing to be considered NON-ACTIVE in 2012: Jerry L. Bedford, Art Bell, Dennis R.
Bennett, Joseph R. Boatwright, C. Victor Brown, William D. Carr, J. Donald Corley, Lloyd O.
DeLong, Elva M. Douthat, Harold Duerksen, Stanley D. Farmer, Duane Farris, Laura Lee
Fleetwood, William W. Ford, John Foss, Edsel Granger, Raymond E. Hearn, Ed Holt, Gary M.
Jones, Richard Knott, Park H. Moore Jr., William A. Rail, Jack Rorex, Reinhold Schmidt, John
R. Shell, Ernest B. Smith, Jimmie D. Thames, William Tucker, Thomas L. West, James E.
Westbrook, Charles T. White, J. Q. Williams, Ann Williamson, Frank M. Young.
The Stated Clerk moved to approve these self-selections for 2012. APPROVAL WAS VOTED.
For the concurrence of the Presbytery:
3) The Ferncliff Board unanimously voted to elect Betty Henderson, a member of First Presbyterian,
Shreveport, to fill an unexpired term in the class of 2012. CONCURRENCE WAS VOTED.
FOR INFORMATION:
4) The minutes of the 2011 meetings of the Presbytery of Arkansas have been read and approved
without exception under a process led by the Synod of the Sun Stated Clerk.
5) The Investigating Committee appointed at the February presbytery meeting plans to file charges
against the accused.
CONSENT AGENDA
The Consent Agenda including the following items was approved:
1. The Stated Clerk has received minutes from the Administrative Commission to install Rev. Lance
Jones as pastor of First, Mena and moves the dissolution of this commission with the thanks of the
presbytery.
2. General Committee of the Presbytery of Arkansas has received and approved requests from the
Committee on Christian Education and Nurture to amend the presbytery’s Manual of Operations:
A. That the presbytery concur with the Committees for an amendment to the Manual, page 26,
“Committee on Christian Education and Nurture,” “Organization, B.” changing the language from
“The Presbytery Youth Council shall be a part of this sub-committee” to now read “The Presbytery
Youth Advisory Team shall be a part of this sub-committee.”
B. That the presbytery concur with the Committees for an amendment to the Manual, page 26,
“Committee on Christian Education and Nurture,” “Organization, E.” changing the language from
“Resource Center Advisory Council” to now read “Resource Center Advisory Board.”
APPOINTMENT OF STANDING COMMITTEES
Moderator Dyer announced the following:
Tellers: Head Teller Ruling Elder Sheree Niece, First, Clarksville; Ruling Elder Dawn
Scarborough, UofO; and Commissioned Ruling Elder Kelly Pearson, First, Dardanelle.
Leaves of Absence Committee: TE Frank LeBlanc.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
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COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATION
Teaching Elder Guy Delaney, committee moderator, gave the report (appendix for financials). He
gave information on the benevolent response from churches, announced budget hearing for 2013 is
on Aug. 11, and moved the following three action items:
 The committee recommends that the presbytery endorse Ferncliff’s $3.5 million capital
funds campaign for the next phase of Ferncliff’s development. Although Presbytery
action is not required, this action seems appropriate because of Presbytery’s close and
covenantal relationship with Ferncliff. ENDORSEMENT WAS VOTED.

The committee recommends that Presbytery approve the request of First Presbyterian
Church, Jonesboro, to secure a loan from Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program
for up to $350,000 to do major renovations to their church. Current pledges for the
proposed renovation now total $370,000 with $105,000 of that total in hand.
APPROVAL WAS VOTED.

The committee recommends that Westover Hills Presbyterian, Little Rock, be granted
permission to refinance its current mortgage at a lower interest rate. The current loan is
with the Bank of the Ozarks for 5 years at 6%, with a balloon payment due. The new
loan will be with Bank of McGehee at 5.5% interest rate. PERMISSION WAS VOTED.
Financial packet report was given by Wes Shaver, presbytery treasurer. He also announced that
$1,584.00 was given this morning in the worship offering to “Stop Hunger Now” meal assembly and
“Backpack Ministry of AR Rice Depot.” He acknowledged the leadership role of the ruling elders on
the Committee on Administration in stewardship development and whose contacts to the churches
resulted in $110,000 more in pledges, and he thanked them and especially all the congregations.
REPORT OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE
Ruling Elder Sam Highsmith, moderator of General Committee, gave the report.
The General Committee met on April 28, 2012, at First Presbyterian Church, Conway, Arkansas.
Eleven of 15 voting members were present. He reported from the floor, and he encouraged all to
complete the evaluation form.
Discussions requiring no action:
Reports and minutes were received from:
- Committee on Administration
- Assistant Stated Clerk
- Committee on Care and Nurture of Church Professionals
- Committee on Christian Education and Nurture
- Committee on Congregational Care and Development
- Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Response
- Treasurer
- General Presbyter
- Ferncliff Board
Discussions with respect to which the General Committee took action (but no action on behalf of the
Presbytery is required)
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Members of the Council did:
1. Vote to accept two invitations to host future presbytery meetings. The June 1, 2013,
meeting will be at Second Presbyterian, Little Rock; the October 10-11, 2014 meeting will
be at First Presbyterian, Jonesboro, during the congregation’s celebration of its 125th
anniversary.
2. Begin the process of selecting the planning teams for the October 2012, and February,
2013 meetings of our presbytery. TE Leslie Roper will be the convener for October and TE
Catherine Allsbury for February.
3. Approve a request from Second Presbyterian that the staff of the church take the
responsibility for planning the worship service during the June 2013 meeting.
4. Approve a suggestion from TE Bill Galbraith, General Presbyter, that the Reverend Clif
Christopher, principal in Horizons Stewardship, LLC, be invited to present a presbytery
workshop in October 2012. Bill will undertake the task of gathering sufficient funds for the
required honorarium. Dr. Christopher is also granted permission to offer for sale
publications related to his work.
5. Approve the request of the planning team for our June 2012 meeting that the presbytery
publicize the need for ingathering items for the hygiene kits to be assembled: hand towels,
wash cloths, wide-tooth combs, nail clippers, bath-size wrapped soap bars, individual
packaged toothbrushes, and one-gallon locking bags.
6. Review the evaluations of the February 2012 meeting of the presbytery.
7. Discuss the role of the Young Adult Advisory Delegates, and their pending participation in
the June meeting. The moderator of the GC was given permission to select the issues for
discussion that may come before the commissioners.
8. Approve the appointment of a task force to review our “Manual of Operations” and our
“Standing Rules” with a plan to bring those documents into sync with our new Book of
Order. The Task Force will report to the August 2012 meeting of the GC and then bring the
suggested changes to the October 2012 presbytery meeting for action.
9. Permit the Men’s Group at Central Presbyterian, Pine Bluff, to sell “Hug Presbyterians”
aprons at our October 2012 presbytery meeting to raise funds for the group.
The General Committee recommended one motion to the presbytery which was transferred to
the Consent Agenda.
Vice Moderator Niece moderated the next two committee reports.
COMMITTEE ON CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND NURTURE
Ruling Elder Linda LeBron, committee moderator, introduced the report. A creative, humorous 4minute powerpoint video from the Youth Advisory Team emphasized the need for youth and adults
to register for presbytery-sponsored youth events and especially for adults to submit their background
checks before deadline. In a short skit, Kristi Button and Teaching Elder Susan Rose with assistance
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from two camp counselors reminisced about all the events CE&N sponsors and supports through the
years that encourage spiritual growth in youth, young adulthood and beyond.
COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS
Ruling Elder Julie Agee Gillaspy, committee moderator, gave the report and made the Motion to
elect the following person to fill an unexpired term on a committee:
Committee on Christian Education and Nurture, Class of 2012
Ruling Elder Jay Hudkins, Central, Russellville.
It was voted to close nominations. HUDKINS WAS ELECTED.
Permission was sought to bring Nominations’ New Business and Gillaspy moved the election to fill
an unexpired term, Class of 2012, of Ryan Smith, First, Springdale, as Young Adult Advisory
Delegate to this summer’s General Assembly. It was voted to close nominations. SMITH WAS
ELECTED.
Moderator Dyer resumed moderator duties.
COMMITTEE ON REPRESENTATION
Ruling Elder Ledridge Davis, committee moderator, gave the report comparing the statistics of
people in elected office in the presbytery to the people in the pews (appendix). Specifics noted
included: more people in office, representing more churches, there is parity in genders, of those
serving ruling elders and laity represent 60% and teaching elders represent 40%. Representation
Committee thanked Nominations for its good and hard work.
Motion to approve the recommendations from Committee on Representation to Committee on
Nominations for future nominees to office, having thanked Committee on Nominations for their
work to include many persons in the presbytery’s decision-making: urge Nominations to work
toward choosing more female nominees (to reflect the presbytery’s membership) and focus on
choosing nominees from congregations not currently participating WAS VOTED.
GREETINGS FROM THE BOARD OF PENSIONS
BofP Regional Representative Teaching Elder Kevin Keaton brought greetings. He is a native of the
Synod of the Sun, studied at the former Arkansas College, has been in parish ministry and a
presbytery executive, now committed to wholeness and healing. Board of Pensions seeks to serve the
people in times of anxiety. One common question is “is my pension secure” and the answer is that it
is fully funded. No apportionment has been possible in the last four years because of their frugality
policies, but assistance is available for active and retired church professionals through the employee
assistance program, special programs on resiliency. Keaton will be present throughout the day and
thanked council for time on the docket.
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COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY
Teaching Elder Bill Bailey, committee moderator, gave the report.
Information and Recommendations from the March 2012 and May 2012 Committee on
Ministry Meetings
For Information Only:
1. The following Teaching Elders’ validated ministries were renewed:
 David Gill—Executive Director, Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center
 Jennifer Lord—Professor, Austin Presbyterian Theological
Seminary
 Susan Rose—Campus Minister, United Campus MinistryFayetteville
 Rebecca Spooner—Director, Laurence Schmidt Center
 Michael Vinson—Presbytery Staff
 Bobby Williamson—Bible Professor, Hendrix College
2. The following Teaching Elders were approved as Parish Associates at Fayetteville,
First United Presbyterian:
 Leslie Belden, Parish Associate for Outreach 2012
 Leila (Lee) Power, Parish Associate for Pastoral Care 2012
3. The following Commissioned Ruling Elders’ covenants were renewed through
December 31, 2012:
 Josh Bridges, Beebe, First
 Bill Bush, Gravette, First
 Ted Mealor, Marianna, First
4. The following CRE academy graduates were added to the pulpit supply list:
 Ruling Elder Cyril Hollingsworth, a member of Little Rock, Second
Presbyterian
 Clay Parton, a member of Yellville, First
5. CRE Roger Shields resigned as pastor of Pocahontas, First, effective April 20, 2012.
Motions before the Presbytery:
1. Motion to renew the interim contract between Benton, First, and TE Dari Rowen from
March 1, 2012, through February 28, 2013, with a 2% increase in terms of call.
Terms of Call are as follows:
Salary (full time)
$36,240.00
Housing
13,560.00
Sub-Total
$49,800.00
Pension & Medical Benefits
16,060.50
Continuing Education
1,200.00
customary and reasonable expense.
Pastoral Care incidental
3,000.00
{32.25% of Salary/Housing}
Reimbursement or direct
payments
for
Reimbursement only
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Mileage reimbursement at the IRS (determined) rate for 2012. Additional customary and reasonable
items are included.
Total $70,060.50
In addition to monetary compensation described above the following benefits are provided:
 Vacation (earned 1 wk per quarter served)
 Continuing Education (1 wk per six months served). RENEWAL WAS VOTED.
2. Motions pertaining to the call of Teaching Elder Leslie Bethell Roper:
a.
Motion to approve Teaching Elder Leslie Bethell Roper as pastor of Batesville, First
Presbyterian, effective July 1, 2012. This is a move from associate to installed pastor. In the past
associate pastors were not eligible, but the new Book of Order allows for exceptions provided the
presbytery votes ¾ in the affirmative (G-2.0504c). Bailey explained the exceptional nature of the call,
COM’s lengthy discussion of this possibility, the concerns that were expressed in the past (sets a
precedent, puts undue pressure on Pastor Nominating Committee) and the good reasons for this
exception. COM will look at such requests in the future on a case-by-case basis and voted unanimous
approval in this particular case, seeing Roper as the best fit for the congregation.
Sue Johnston of Batesville PNC explained their process. The PNC was formed in Sept. 2011 (3
women and 4 men), used self-study which was approved Nov. 2011, reviewed over 70 Personal
Information Forms, conducted a free discussion. About ¾ thru the process the PNC received Roper’s
PIF, gave fair consideration to every applicant, went to TX and MO to meet with other finalists, and
voted unanimously to issue call to Roper. She agreed, and the congregation gave unanimous approval
to call her. Johnston spoke of Roper’s refreshing presence, leading weddings and funerals, going
through the seasons of the church, finding unique gifts in each and every person. She believes God
has been with them through the search and to the decision.
Former interim pastor TE Robert Lowry spoke about the work of the congregation and believes “this
choice fulfills the future direction of the church.” General Presbyter Bill Galbraith emphasized the
thoroughness of the PNC’s work and asked whether the presbytery wanted to hear from the
candidate.
Roper said she had declined inclusion twice, thinking an outsider might have new ideas and energy,
declared that if PNC could not consider all candidates she would withdraw. She feels called to
continue her work there.
Moderator Dyer asked for other speakers, and seeing none, the candidate was excused. APPROVAL
WAS VOTED. TE Tom Ulrich asked if COM is prepared to offer support to Roper as church moves
from two clergy to one, and Bailey answered they would try but could not guarantee support.
Batesville people were recognized.
b.
Motion to approve Roper’s terms of call as pastor at First, Batesville:
Annual Cash Salary
28,000.00
Housing Allowance
20,000.00
Benefits: Board of Pensions Full Coverage; Medical Reimbursement 1,500.00; Payment of onehalf of FICA tax
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Allowances: Continuing Education 1,800.00; Auto
phone 1,200.00; Professional Allowances 1,500.00
Reimbursement 1,500.00;
Cell
Paid Vacation time: 4 weeks, including Sundays; Continuing Ed time: 2 weeks, including Sundays;
Service to the Larger Church: 1 week, including Sunday. Terms were approved by vote.
Details of the Administrative Commission to install Roper will be covered under “new business” in
the COM handout.
NECROLOGY REPORT: Rev. Donn L. Walters, honorably retired, of Little Rock died April 24,
2012, having lived out his entire ministry in the parish and as a social worker in Pulaski County
(appendix).
MINUTE ANNOUNCEMENTS
These people made minute announcements: Dawn Scarborough on PW Bible overview event on
August 4; Marty Shepherd encouraged participation in the medical network sponsored by Care and
Nurture of Church Professionals Committee; Dari Rowen spoke of Theological Education fund and
their appeal for future giving; Debbie Freeman celebrated her Dad’s 89th birthday today; Al Glover
invited all to presbytery meeting in Oct. at Central, Pine Bluff; Julie Price spoke of the help that the
Resource Center can give congregations; Rev. John King held up ministry of distributing beans and
rice in Prairie Grove occurring concurrently with the meeting;. Rev. Lacy Sellars offered to continue
to collect background checks and payment in the dining hall over lunch; and Rev. Marci Ward spoke
of her gratitude for the presbytery’s prayers for her recovery and letters she was distributing.
REPORT OF LEAVES OF ABSENCE COMMITTEE
Stated Clerk Ulrich gave the report of those present, excused and unexcused. 56 teaching elders, 77
ruling elders, 4 corresponding members, and 30 visitors were present for a total of 167, 133 of whom
could vote. Requesting excuses were 40 teaching elders, 3 at-large ruling elders and 20 Sessions, and
absent without excuse were 20 teaching elders, 9 at-large ruling elders and 15 church sessions. It
was voted to receive the report.
NEW BUSINESS
1)
Committee on Ministry moderator returned for an additional report, covering business since
their May meeting.
For Information only:
Approved Teaching Elder Anne Hagler, a member of Mid-South Presbytery, as stated supply
and moderator at Wynne Presbyterian Church, beginning June 1, 2012.
Motions before the Presbytery:
1. Motion to enroll Teaching Elder Nancy Elizabeth (Liz) Lindsey as a member-at-large of
Presbytery of Arkansas. TE Liz Lindsey is currently a member of Grace Presbytery.
(faith statement in appendix). She was introduced, brought greetings, and spoke briefly.
ENROLLMENT WAS VOTED.
2. Motion to approve the following Administrative Commission to install Teaching Elder
Leslie Roper as Pastor of Batesville, First, on September 9, 2012, at 4:00 p.m.:
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Approved minutes June 2, 2012
Teaching Elder Dr. David Dyer, moderator
Teaching Elder Dr. Debra Freeman, Jacksonville, First
Teaching Elder Dr. Bill Galbraith, General Presbyter
Teaching Elder Chris Jones, Jonesboro, First
Ruling Elder Suzanne Bethell, Fort Smith, Central
Ruling Elder David Cook, Searcy, First
Ruling Elder Sue Johnston, Batesville, First
Sitting with the Commission;
Teaching Elder Ben Acton, Charlotte Presbytery, to preach
Whitney Bordelon, Presbytery Staff, to charge
The worship offering will go to the Youth Advisory Team Scholarship Fund for
summer trips. APPROVAL WAS VOTED.
3. Motions pertaining to Teaching Elder Phillip Legg Blackburn:
a. Motion to approve Teaching Elder Phillip Legg Blackburn as co-pastor of Fort
Smith, First, with a beginning date of August 1, 2012, with the following terms of
call:
Effective salary
Reimbursable expenses (by voucher)
Cash Salary
$
29,670
Automobile expense IRS Rate
$ 2,000
Fair rental value of $
0
Business/professional expenses
$ 2,000
manse
Housing Allowance
$
20,000
SECA Supplement (up to 50%)
$ 3,315
Utilities Allowance
$
0
Continuing Education
$ 2,000
Deferred Compensation $
0
Other allowances
$
0
Other allowances
$
0
Total
$
49,675
All moving costs will be covered.
Full medical, pension, disability, and death benefit coverage under the Board of Pensions
Paid Vacation
4 weeks
PaidContinuing Education 2 weeks
Paternity Leave
8 weeks
In the seventh year of service, the congregation will provide for a two-month Clergy Renewal Leave
(Sabbatical), continuing the salary and benefits for that period, and providing for pulpit supply in the
pastor's absence. The Sabbatical will not be taken concurrently with other co-pastor.
b. Motion to enroll TE Phillip Legg Blackburn as a member of the Presbytery of
Arkansas. TE Phillip Blackburn is currently a member of Great Rivers
Presbytery.
c. Motion to approve the following administrative commission to install on Sunday,
September 26, 2012 at 4:30 p.m.:
Teaching Elder Dr. David Dyer, moderator
Teaching Elder Cathy Ulrich
Teaching Elder J. Stewart Smith
Teaching Elder Phil Butin
Ruling Elder Mike McClure, Fort Smith, Central
Ruling Elder Ken Peevehouse, Fort Smith, First
Ruling Elder Logan Woodruff, Fayetteville, First United
The offering recipient will be Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center.
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Approved minutes June 2, 2012
APPROVAL AND ENROLLMENT WERE VOTED. The Blackburns were in Illinois
and will be introduced in October.
4. Motions pertaining to Teaching Elder Tasha Leeann Blackburn:
a. Motion to approve Teaching Elder Tasha Leeann Blackburn as co-pastor of Fort
Smith, First, with a beginning date of August 1, 2012, with the following terms of
call:
Effective salary
Reimbursable expenses (by voucher)
Cash Salary
$
29,670
Automobile expense IRS rate
$ 2,000
Fair rental value of $
0
Business/professional expenses
$ 2,000
manse
Housing Allowance
$
20,000
SECA Supplement (up to 50%)
$ 3,315
Utilities Allowance
$
0
Continuing Education
$ 2,000
Deferred Compensation $
0
Other allowances
$
0
Other allowances
$
0
Total
$
49,675
All moving costs will be covered.
Full medical, pension, disability, and death benefit coverage under the Board of Pensions
Paid Vacation
4 weeks
PaidContinuing Education 2 weeks
Maternity Leave
8 weeks
In the seventh year of service, the congregation will provide for a two-month Clergy Renewal Leave
(Sabbatical), continuing the salary and benefits for that period, and providing for pulpit supply in the
pastor's absence. The Sabbatical will not be taken concurrently with other co-pastor.
b. Motion to enroll TE Tasha Leeann Blackburn as a member of the Presbytery of
Arkansas. TE Tasha Blackburn is currently a member of Great Rivers
Presbytery.
c. Motion to approve the administrative commission in Motion 3c above.
APPROVAL AND ENROLLMENT WERE VOTED. Members of First, Fort Smith were
recognized.
5. Motion to dissolve the pastoral relationship between Teaching Elder Art Fogartie and
Bentonville, First, effective Sunday, May 27, 2012. DISSOLUTION WAS VOTED.
6. Motion to commission Ruling Elder Carolyn Beane, a member of Hot Springs, First, as
a Commissioned Ruling Elder for Norman, Barr Memorial, with a beginning date of
June 3, 2012, through December 31, 2012, with the compensation of
Cash Salary
$ 200 per Sunday
Continuing Education
$ 600
Vacation
2 weeks
Study Leave
1 week
Authorization to moderate the session and to administer the sacraments.
COMMISSIONING WAS VOTED.
7. Motion to commission Ruling Elder G. Hartley Jones, a member of Hot Springs, First,
as a Commissioned Ruling Elder for Norman, Barr Memorial, with a beginning date of
June 3, 2012, through December 31, 2012, with the compensation of
Cash Salary
$ 200 per Sunday
Continuing Education
$ 600
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Approved minutes June 2, 2012
Vacation
2 weeks
Study Leave
1 week
Authorization to moderate the session and to administer sacraments.
COMMISSIONING WAS VOTED.
Jones and Beane came forward and were asked the constitutional questions by Moderator
Dyer. They answered in the affirmative. Galbraith prayed for them. Members of the Barr
Memorial Church people were recognized.
2)
Committee on Care and Nurture of Church Professionals member Ruling Elder Marty
Shepherd made the following motion: WHICH WAS APPROVED BY VOTE, that recognizing
the AR Chapter of the Presbyterian Association of Musicians (PAM) as offering vital
contributions to the ministry of the PC(USA) through congregations of the presbytery, the
presbytery officially recognizes PAM and will list PAM’s members in the directory of the
Presbytery’s churches with the provision that PAM supply and keep current the names of those
members serving in the presbytery’s congregations.
CLOSING PRAYER
TE David Gill remembered before the prayer those in need, the work of the presbytery, those listed
with health problems, dedicated the ingathering for Gifts of the Heart hygiene kits, and rolled out the
scroll for the camp favorite Johnny Appleseed prayer, which was sung by the council.
ADJOURNMENT CAME AT 11:50 a.m.
NiAnn Thompson
Assistant Stated Clerk
Cathy Ulrich
Stated Clerk
Draft 7 approved Oct. 12, 2012
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