April 19 Stated Meeting Photos
Seattle Presbytery
Thank you to the volunteers and staff at North Point Church for their gracious hospitality hosting the April presbytery meeting.
Download Complimentary eBook about the Presbyterian hymnal
Seattle Presbytery
For a limited time only, you can download a complimentary Amazon Kindle edition of Introducing Glory to God!
For those who have already adopted Glory to God, Introducing Glory to God helps inform congregants about the Presbyterian hymnal. If your church is still deciding whether or not to purchase Glory to God, this helpful book explains:
- Why a new hymnal was produced
- The challenges of creating a new hymnal
- The theology, liturgy, language, and musical genres in Glory to God
- Ideas for introducing Glory to God to your church.
- Off ends Saturday, April 30.
J. Herbert Nelson selected as nominee for PC(USA) Stated Clerk
Seattle Presbytery
Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson —Photo by Byron Buck
APRIL 19, 2016
News Release
LOUISVILLE
The Reverend Dr. J. Herbert Nelson is the nominee to become the next Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the committee charged with bringing a candidate to the 222nd General Assembly (2016) announced today.
2016 Guthrie Scholars
Seattle Presbytery
Center for Lifelong Learning Seeks 2016 Guthrie Scholars
The Center for Lifelong Learning is accepting applications for the 2016 Guthrie Scholars Cohort. This is a limited enrollment opportunity to engage in five days of independent study among a small group of clergy, educators and other church leaders on the campus of Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA.
The program is named for the late Shirley Guthrie, professor of theology at the seminary and funded in part by an endowment established in his honor. Those selected for Guthrie Scholars are invited to the campus to pursue a topic of their choice that engages a pressing issue of the church from a Reformed perspective. Scholars are provided with a guest room and meals in the campus dining facilities, and will have access to the seminary library, chapel services, and fitness room.
The dates for the 2016 Cohort are September 19-23. Applications are received electronically and the link is found in the brochure, below. They will be reviewed as they are received and the application process will close when the available spaces are filled or not later than late spring 2016.
For additional information about Guthrie and the Scholars program, including the application link, please see the complete brochure posted on the seminary website: Guthrie Scholar Brochure.
For more information, contact
Two SeaPres Churches Certified as Earth Care Congregations
Seattle Presbytery
Newport PC and Wedgwood PC are certified as Earth Care Congregations by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Environmental Ministries through February 2017.
Rebecca Barnes, Associate for Environmental Ministries, PC(USA), says this honor speaks to the great commitment that these congregations have to caring for God’s earth.
To become an Earth Care Congregation, these churches affirmed the Earth Care Pledge to integrate environmental practices and thinking into all facets of their church life. They also completed projects and activities in the fields of worship, education, facilities, and outreach.
The Earth Care Congregation certification is designed to recognize churches that have made the commitment to take seriously God’s charge to “till and keep” the garden.
The Earth Care Congregations program was started in 2010 by PC(USA) Environmental Ministries. The goal of the program is to inspire churches to care for God’s earth in a holistic way, through integrating earth care into all of church life. The Earth Care Congregation certification honors churches that made that commitment, and encourages others to follow their lead.
For more information on the earth care program at the churches, please use the contact information provided below:
- Newport Presbyterian Church: Holly Hallman at hhhallman@gmail.com.
- Wedgwood Presbyterian Church: Jennifer Houston at jennifer@wedgpres.org.
For more information on the Earth Care Congregations program, go to www.pcusa.org/earth-care-congregations.
"Fab Five" Pastors Lead Worship at Newport PC
Seattle Presbytery
(Pastors from left to right in the picture: Jim Patten, Gary Schwab, Dennis Hughes, David Yeaworth, David Meekhof)
Newport Presbyterian Church recently had the delight of having all five of its head of staff pastors lead in worship:
David Meekhof (1959-1969)
David Yeaworth (1970-1981)
Dennis Hughes (1982-1989)
Gary Schwab (1991-2002)
Jim Patten (2004-2014)
Many members, past and present, enjoyed a time of meaningful worship and great reunion.
A picture of the “Fab Five” (above) and brief bios linked here.
Minds and Hearts Set on Christ
Seattle Presbytery
The Whitworth University Office of Church Engagement invites you to join a grant-funded preaching cohort. Pastors are invited into a year-long process of:
- Renewing our spirits - “Rekindling my love for the lover of my soul”
- Relating in our communities - Pastor cohorts and congregations
- Refining our craft - “Mind and Heart” preaching and teaching of God’s Word
Cohorts will gather at the Whitworth Institute of Ministry (see more below). For more information email the OCE at oce@whitworth.edu.
10 Fascinating Facts about Pastor and Church Staff Compensation
Seattle Presbytery
Thom Rainer, the president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, recently wrote on his blog about 10 trends he identified from our 2016-2017 Compensation Handbook for Church Staff. Three of his observations stood out in particular:
- Fewer than two-thirds of lead pastors receive health insurance as a benefit.
- One half of all pastors did not receive a raise in the past year.
- Churches in mainline denominations tend to offer higher compensation to their pastors and staff than do churches in other denominations.
You can read his entire list in his post, which he permitted Christianity Today to reprint over on ManagingYourChurch.com (excerpt below).
Thom Rainer
By almost any metric, pastors and church staff are not overpaid.
While some ministry leaders provide sensational exceptions to this rule, we need to dispel the myth of highly-compensated pastors and church staff.
I have in my hands one of the best statistical resources for ministry in the world. I am deeply grateful for the years of work of Richard Hammar, especially his latest statistical tome: 2016-2017 Compensation Handbook for Church Staff.
This incredible volume belongs in every church. I have distilled some of the facts from the nearly 400-page book:
Press Release
Seattle Presbytery
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Seattle Presbytery Assumes ‘Original Jurisdiction’ of First Presbyterian Church of Seattle
Contact: Executive Presbyter, Rev. Scott Lumsden
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON (February 17, 2016) – After thoroughly investigating allegations of mismanagement, disorder and denominational irregularities within the leadership of First Presbyterian Church of Seattle (FPCS), the Presbytery of Seattle, acting through an Administrative Commission, has assumed original jurisdiction of FPCS effective February 16, 2016 with the hope of preserving FPCS’s historic legacy of ministry in downtown Seattle.
Seattle’s Executive Presbyter, Rev. Scott Lumsden says, “This decision was certainly not arrived at lightly, but after much prayer, input and serious deliberation.”
This action was required under the constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the bylaws of the church as the former FPCS leadership repeatedly:
- Failed to follow the constitution and its own procedures;
- Failed to be truthful and forthcoming with its own congregation, ministry partners and the Seattle Presbytery; and
- Failed to wisely manage the affairs of the church.
Furthermore, both former co-pastors renounced their Presbyterian ordination, leaving FPCS with no pastoral leadership.
As such, effective immediately the Administrative Commission has assumed the role of Session (the governing body within Presbyterian churches), has appointed an interim pastor and will provide for worship, pastoral care and assist in the ministries of the congregation.
FPCS was organized in 1869 by a pastor who arrived by wagon train and canoe, and started with seven people. By 1940 it had grown to 8000 members, the largest Presbyterian Church in the world. In recent years, membership has dwindled and currently fewer than 100 people worship on Sunday. It is the Seattle Presbytery’s sincere hope to help restore this urban church’s historic ministry in downtown Seattle.
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Call for Special Meeting on March 1 Rescinded
Seattle Presbytery
Because the presbytery has received no word of any overtures coming to it from sessions and because recommendations to concur with overtures from other presbyteries can be addressed in a timely manner at the regular meeting of presbytery on April 19, the call for a special meeting on March 1 is rescinded. If commissioners know of sessions that are planning to present an overture to the presbytery, please notify the clerk as soon as possible.
Next stated meeting: April 19 @ North Point Church, Poulsbo.
One Great Hour of Sharing Resources
Seattle Presbytery
We are so glad to have such a wide range of offerings materials to support your One Great Hour of Sharing promotion activities. But we also know it can be difficult to scroll through the several pages to find it all. Here are our most popular resources for 2016:
Visiting Italian Pastor
Seattle Presbytery
Currently visiting Seattle through an exchange program of the American Waldensian Society is Rev. Peter Ciaccio. Peter, an Italian Methodist pastor, serves a Waldensian congregation in Palermo (Sicily). He is also a film critic and has written several books, most recently "The Gospel According to Star Wars." Peter is available to speak to groups large and small about the protestant Churches of Italy, and about the Waldensian church in particular, with whom the PC(USA) has a long-standing partnership. You can reach him via phone at 206.427-5191, or though Madrona Grace Presbyterian Church where he is being hosted.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Coordinators Needed
Seattle Presbytery
If you or someone you know is interested in coordinating our presbytery's Presbyterian Disaster Assistance efforts, please contact EJ Lee.
Links to PDA resources (including congregational resources, bulletin inserts, and more.)
Hand chime set request
Seattle Presbytery
From Cordelia Scheuermann, Dir. of Ministry to Children & their Families at Lake Forest Park PC:
Our church is specifically looking to borrow ( or perhaps even buy) a hand chime set. We have started a children’s Handbell choir. Our bells sat unused for many years and we are now having a lot of fun bringing them out again. Is there a church that is not currently using their hand chime set that would consider loaning us theirs through May? We would love to borrow a 2 octave set and I am more than happy to come pick it up.
"The Hands and Feet of Christ"
Seattle Presbytery
A message from Rev. Lina Thompson, Lake Burien Presbyterian Church:
Friends from Presbytery -
I wanted to take a minute to say "thank you" to those at Presbytery last month who donated to our shoe drive for New Horizons Ministry.
Overall, we collected nearly 50 pairs of shoes and an additional $1000. The $1000 was used to purchase $30 Target gift cards for NH staff to use with their young people. (A few of you even stopped by later in the week to drop off shoes - that was awesome! )
Our Sunday service went beyond what any of us expected. We caravaned downtown with vans and cars - in total about 60 people from Lake Burien were there. I am so impressed with our congregation...they totally went for it.
Read the article written for the Lake Burien PC monthly newsletter.
SeaPres Colombia Mission Trip Updates
Seattle Presbytery
Standing Together
Seattle Presbytery
For Human Dignity - Justice - Compassion - Wisdom
An interfaith pursuit of values fostered by religion that are necessary to sustain a free, pluralistic society
Situation: In recent years, with a widening polarization of the political parties in the United States and elsewhere, there has been an alarming decline of respectful civil discourse. As a nation, we seem to have forgotten the importance of cultivating behaviors and qualities that are required for a democratic society to function properly.
In the face of increasing violence and fearful, often hateful, rhetoric, what might help us move beyond a natural fear reaction to a conscious response based on principles we choose to live by? Are there ideals that people of faith living in America can strive toward together? During this time of challenge and uncertainty, are there shared values upon which we can stand together?
Great teachers of humanity, as well as the sacred writings from all major religions, encourage people to develop and express qualities that are beneficial for themselves, their families and their society. For a democracy to function properly, its citizens must be informed and share a sense of human dignity and concern for the well-being of others. What role can religion play in fostering these and other desirable human qualities?
Standing Together is an interfaith study and dialogue program that focuses on founding principles of the US in light of the teachings of leading religious scholars. It explores the guidance of sacred texts and the advice of great minds regarding how human beings should live, think, act and BE in the world, if they wish to experience inner peace and be responsible members of the human family. Standing Together promotes self-awareness, social responsibility and a deepening commitment to embody the core wisdom of one’s own faith. It also encourages participants to revitalize their commitment to the ideals and values upon which America was built.
Objectives: By means of an interfaith panel, scriptural reflection, and small group discussion, this program seeks to foster greater understanding, respect and cooperative social action among citizens from different faith traditions. It is designed to:
· Tap into what is potentially ‘right’ with people, with religion, and with democratic values
· Explore the positive influence faith can have on individuals and a democratic society
· Increase appreciation for the relevance of sacred teachings in modern life
· Encourage genuine interfaith friendships and cooperative social action
Woodland Park PC Ruling Elder at forefront of historic climate action trial
Seattle Presbytery
Presbyterian ruling elder at forefront of historic climate action trial
Trial attempts to use unprecedented ‘necessity defense’ for civil disobedience
JANUARY 15, 2016 | Presbyterian News Service
SCOTT O'NEILL | LOUISVILLE
On Sept. 2, 2014 five activists chained themselves to train tracks in Everett, Wash., in an effort stop the transport of oil and coal trains through the Pacific Northwest. One of the five is Abby Brockway, a ruling elder at Woodland Park Presbyterian Church in Seattle. Abby and her colleagues, known as the Delta 5, were arrested for criminal trespassing.
Previous news stories:
Climate Activists Who Chained Themselves To Tracks Head To Court
By Ashley Ahearn
kuow.org | January 11, 2015
Five environmental activists who chained themselves to train tracks in Everett to protest oil and coal trains begin trial in Snohomish County District Court on Monday.
The activists face criminal charges alleging they trespassed on BNSF Railway property and blocked an oil train for eight hours on Sept. 2, 2014.
More than 100 people gathered at the Woodland Park Presbyterian Church in Seattle Sunday for a special climate justice service and blessing on the activists, who refer to themselves as the “Delta 5” (after the BNSF Delta railyard in Everett where they erected their human blockade). Several members of the Delta 5 attended the service.
The trial is drawing national attention because it’s believed to be the first allowing a “necessity defense” for climate-related civil disobedience. The judge has ruled that the defendants can argue that their actions were justified because of the threat of climate change.
More about the Delta 5.
Annual Statistical Reports Due
Seattle Presbytery
STATISTICAL REPORT DEADLINE: FEB. 12, 2016
Dear Pastors and Clerks of Session,
Once again the time is upon us to complete the many annual reports that come before us.
There are two, required by the Book of Order (one each for the presbytery and the General Assembly), that are for the Clerk of Session to complete each year. They are the annual Statistical Report, and the reports of Pastor Terms of Call. Both of these reports may be completed online.
We receive multiple requests throughout the year for a comprehensive update on the Pastoral Compensation for all Pastors and Associate Pastors in the presbytery. Therefore, we would ask for you to complete the Terms of Call form annually, even if the presbytery already has updated information on your position(s).
The deadline to complete the Annual Statistical Report is February 12 so please compete the form online as soon as you are able. It is not necessary for the Session to approve the Annual Statistical Report before it is filed, rather the Clerk of Session completes the report and then reports to the Session the submission of the report. It is helpful to then include a printing of the report in your Session minutes.
Please complete the Terms of Call form (again online) after your early year annual meeting or no later than March 1. This will allow for the approval of all Terms of Call at the April Presbytery meeting and provide to all the presbytery a single report of all Terms of Call. To simplify matters we are asking only the questions asked by the Board of Pension in their request for updated Terms of Call. Due to matters of privacy, the Board of Pensions may not just report the information directly to the presbytery.
Blessings,
Rev. Karen Breckenridge
Stated Clerk
Update From Special Called Meeting of the Presbytery
Seattle Presbytery
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Executive Presbyter Rev. Scott Lumsden
Email: scott@seattlepresbytery.org
Seattle, Washington (November 19, 2015)
The Presbytery of Seattle, the area council of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), composed of all the teaching elders (ministers) and ruling elder representatives from each congregation within the area, met November 17, 2015 for a special meeting and voted to appoint an administrative commission to investigate allegations of ecclesial disorder within the leadership of First Presbyterian Church of Seattle.
The action passed by a vote of 137 to 8, with three abstentions.
The eight-person commission will investigate the church leadership’s ability and willingness to exercise its authority and manage wisely its affairs. The commission will take appropriate action to remedy any omission, error, or misdeed. Included in the commission’s work may be the potential dismissal of the congregation to another Reformed body under the presbytery’s Communal Discernment and Gracious Dismissal Policy.
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