Digest of May 16, 2023
109th Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of New Harmony

The Presbytery of New Harmony held its 109^th Stated Meeting May 16, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church, Sumter.  Moderator Barbara Champagne called the meeting to order with prayer.  A quorum was declared, the Docket and Omnibus Motion were adopted.  First-time Ruling Elders were welcomed.  Corresponding Members were welcomed and seated.  Rev. Bob Brearley welcomed the Commissioners to First Presbyterian Church, Sumter, shared a brief history of the church, and provided essential information for the day.  First Presbyterian is celebrating its 200^th anniversary this year.  In recognition of that, the Presbytery of New Harmony presented a resolution honoring them.

Worship was led by Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka, co-pastor of the 5000-member Village Presbyterian Church, Prairie Village, Kansas.  The focus of worship was “Living, Dying, Rising.”  Dr. Nishioka led a presentation and question and answer time on the moderator’s theme, “Come, Go, Proclaim, and Serve.”  An offering was taken for Ukrainian Refugee Relief with Rev. Aaron Stevens’ congregation in Budapest.

Following a delicious lunch, Ruling Elders presented “Good News from our Congregations.” 

Presbytery took the following actions:

• Received a report from the Committee on Ministry which included approving the Commissioned Pastor Covenant between William Johnson and Grandview Presbyterian Church; Ruling Elder Loretta Baker-Yates attending Lay School; Terms of Call for Rev. Corey Ingold and Georgetown Presbyterian Church; Honorable Retirement of Rev. Joan Yates; and Rev. Annette Brewer as moderator of session for Second Presbyterian Church, Pageland, and White Oak Presbyterian Church.
• Approved, from the Committee on Representation and Nominations, Rev. Ashley Cheek to serve on Guiding Council; Ruling Elder Myra Burrows to serve on Cultivation and Empowerment Committee; and Ruling Elder Barbara Champagne and Teaching Elder Tony Larson as Commissioners to the 226^th General Assembly (2024).
• Received a report from Committee on Preparation for Ministry with updated information on inquirers and candidates, scholarships, annual consultations, and encouraged people in local congregations to discern those with gifts of ministry.
• Received a report from the Camp Pee Dee Administrative Commission, including approving the dismissal of the Commission, as their work is complete.
• Received a report from New Harvest Presbyterian Church Administrative Commission highlighting the reception of Synod of South Atlantic Hemphill Fund, which was used for repairs and plans for reaching out to the community.  The congregation also made donations to Mission Haven and moving the mission of Christ forward.
• Received a report from Mizpah Administrative Commission concerning progress being made toward the dissolution of congregation; the congregation will dissolve at a closing worship service on Saturday, June 10 at 10 a.m. and the entire presbytery is invited to attend.
• Unanimously approved Amendment 22-I G-2.0804 Requiring a 12 Week Family Leave in Minimum Terms of Call. (This amendment has already passed the number of presbyteries required for its approval.)
• Heard a presentation from Rev. Josie Holler on “Discerning a Call as Minister of Word and Sacrament.”
• Heard a presentation from Commissioned Pastor Delcia Harper-Baxter on “Discerning a Call as a Commissioned Pastor.”
• Received a report from Guiding Council including actions taken on behalf of the presbytery.  These actions included approving $100 scholarships for those attending the Presbyterians Concerned About African American Youth in June and approving a $1000 donation for Rev. Aaron Stevens’ congregation for Ukrainian Refugee relief.
• Received a report from Presbytery Disaster Assistance Commission highlighting the upcoming Disaster Preparedness Workshop.

Following announcements and expressions of thanks, the Presbytery Meeting was adjourned with Prayer by Moderator, Elder Barbara Champagne.

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