REPORTS

For Information:

• Approval of the Minutes, Presbytery and Executive Board: The Stated Clerk will draft the minutes and distribute them, in the case of the presbytery, to the continuing members and the churches, in the case of the Executive Board, its members, for review and suggested additions, corrections or deletions.  After ten days of the distribution and reviewing any suggestions, the moderator, vice moderator and immediate past moderator may approve the minutes. (Approved April 30, 2019). Link: Seattle Presbytery Minutes 2025-05-20.

• Seattle Presbytery Exams Process (available online).

• The presbytery may change any action taken by a subordinate body (Board, commission or committee) in the same way it may change any previous action by the presbytery by means of the motions to "Rescind" and to "Amend Something Previously Adopted." There is no time limit. A second is required, it is debatable, a 2/3rds majority is required without previous notice; a majority is required if notice is included in the call for the meeting.

• Link: Seattle Presbytery list of commissions & committees. Submit nominations to: nom<AT>seattlepresbytery.org.

• Link: Seattle Presbytery Land Acknowledgement

• Link: Presbytery Commitment to One Another

• Link: PDF version of meeting reports (posted when available)

executive board

Recommendations to Presbytery: 

1. MOTION FROM EXECUTIVE BOARD: Adopt the Seattle Presbytery Abuse Prevention & Protection Policy. Link: Seattle Presbytery Abuse Prevention & Protection Policy.

Authorized Delegated Actions Reported to the Presbytery:

The Executive Board operates as an Administrative Commission of the presbytery.  Its full minutes, which are available here (online only), constitute the minutes of the Directors of the Corporation.  Delegated actions only, taken on behalf of the presbytery according to the bylaws, are reported here.  For more information regarding these actions, please consult the full minutes.

1. Korean Pilgrim PC Banner Bank loan payoff/Presbytery loan: Upon recommendation from the Property & Finance Committee, approved Seattle Presbytery to pay off the remaining balance of Korean Pilgrim Presbyterian Church’s existing mortgage of $87,000 at Banner Bank. Korean Pilgrim PC will pay back the loan (interest-free) to Seattle Presbytery with minimum monthly payments of $800. Background: Seattle Presbytery is a co-signer on the Banner Bank loan. Funds are available in the Presbytery’s Mission Asset Reserve Fund. 

For Information: 

1. Scheduled the next Executive Board meeting on Tuesday, November 18 at 5:00pm. 

2. 2026 EB meeting schedule: January 20, April 21, and September 22, 2026.

3. 2026 Presbytery meeting schedule: February 17, May 19, and October 20, 2026.

COLOMBIA MISSION PARTNERSHIP

Ten years ago, representatives from the Seattle Presbytery and the Presbytery of the North Coast in Colombia (El Presbiterio de la Costa Norte) signed a covenant of partnership with one another. Since then, our relationship of mutuality and accompaniment has flourished, providing abundant opportunities for learning, growth, and joy for both presbyteries.

COMMISSION ON MINISTRY

Recommendations to Presbytery: 

1. Southminster Presbyterian/Ryan Echols-Knauber: Having received evidence that Certified Candidate Ryan Echols-Knauber has fulfilled the educational requirements of the Constitution of the Church, Be it Resolved, That Ryan Echols-Knauber proceed to ordination by an Administrative Commission designated by the Moderator, to serve as Pastor at Southminster Presbyterian Church, upon successful examination by the Presbytery.

a. “The presbytery shall examine each . . . candidate who seeks membership in it on his or her Christian faith, views in theology, the Bible, the Sacraments and the government of this church.” (G-3.0306).  The examination shall also include, but not be limited to, a determination of the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W- 4.4003).

b. When a motion to end the exam is approved by a 2/3rd vote, the candidate will exit; the presbytery will “discuss and discern,” and vote.

c. Commissioners shall have the following voting options, as provided by the Seattle Presbytery Examinations Process Overview: yes, no, or abstain.

Clerk’s note:  It is the presbytery moderator’s duty (not CPM or COM) to rule a question out of order if he/she/they believes it is outside the bounds of the exam.  Any member may rise and immediately appeal a ruling by the moderator.  A second is required.  Debate ensues. No member may speak to the appeal more than once, except for the moderator, who may respond with additional reasons for the ruling.  A majority or a tie sustains the moderator’s decision.

Seattle Presbytery Exams Process (available online)

Link: Ryan Echols-Knauber STATEMENT OF FAITH

Ryan Echols-Knauber BIOGRAPHY

Ryan comes into ministry as a second career after spending 8 years in data science & engineering consulting. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Ryan is excited to be back in the PNW, where he had met his wife Olivia and initially discerned a call to Christian ministry while living in Portland, OR. This process was aided by the Zen Community of Oregon and New Song Community Church, and he eventually found his home at Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church in San Anselmo, CA. Over four years at San Francisco Theological Seminary, he loved building spiritual community in Christ with three local churches, working in chaplaincy with those who live unhoused, and exploring the relationship between Zen Buddhist meditation and Christian contemplative prayer. He now is called to be the pastor at Southminster Presbyterian Church, particularly inspired by their prayer life, life in Christ, and strong community foundation. He also loves interfaith relationships, which he has cultivated with Catholic, Buddhist, and Jewish communities in the past—being excited to do the same in the Seattle area. He loves quality time with Olivia and their animal companions Liam, Newsie, and Toe. He enjoys free time with body practices like running, yoga, and various sports, making music with all sorts of instruments, and breathing the air of forests and oceans.

2. Japanese Presbyterian/Byron Walker: Having received evidence that Certified Candidate Byron Walker has fulfilled the educational requirements of the Constitution of the Church, Be it Resolved, That Byron Walker proceed to ordination by an Administrative Commission designated by the Moderator, to serve as Associate Pastor at Japanese Presbyterian Church, upon successful examination by the Presbytery.

1. a. “The presbytery shall examine each . . . candidate who seeks membership in it on his or her Christian faith, views in theology, the Bible, the Sacraments and the government of this church.” (G-3.0306).  The examination shall also include, but not be limited to, a determination of the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W- 4.4003).

   b. When a motion to end the exam is approved by a 2/3rd vote, the candidate will exit; the presbytery will “discuss and discern,” and vote.

   c. Commissioners shall have the following voting options, as provided by the Seattle Presbytery Examinations Process Overview: yes, no, or abstain.

Clerk’s note:  It is the presbytery moderator’s duty (not CPM or COM) to rule a question out of order if he/she/they believes it is outside the bounds of the exam.  Any member may rise and immediately appeal a ruling by the moderator.  A second is required.  Debate ensues. No member may speak to the appeal more than once, except for the moderator, who may respond with additional reasons for the ruling.  A majority or a tie sustains the moderator’s decision.

Seattle Presbytery Exams Process (available online)

Link: BYRON WALKER STATEMENT OF FAITH & BIOGRAPHY

Authorized Delegated Actions Reported to the Presbytery:

1. Designated a COM sub-group to work with Rainier Beach PC (Steve Johnson, Christine Corneille, Lottie MacAulay Friedman. 

2. Concurred with the dissolution of the pastoral relationship between Pastor Reggie Avant and Madrona Grace PC, with 5 months severance and, possibly an additional two months, as approved by the congregation. 

3. Approved the renewal of the temporary pastoral relationship between Calvary PC and Rev. Amy Besola. 

4. Approved the ¼ time call of Rev. JungIn Shin as pastor at Korean Pilgrim PC as submitted, and recommended he be received as a member of Seattle Presbytery.

5. Approved the requested change of status of Rev. Leland Seese (Mt. Baker Park PC) to Retired status, effective October 1, 2025.

6. Approved a $500 Assistance Grant to attend the 2025 Association of Professional Chaplains Conference for Rev. Mara Forster-Smith (Validated Ministry).

7. Approved up to $1,000 for Rev. JungIn Shin to attend the Transitional Ministry Education Consortium workshop, pending submission of expense documentation. 

8. Approved Rev. Ellen Acton as temporary moderator of the Rainier Beach Presbyterian Church Session during Rev. Jane Pauw’s 2025 sabbatical.

9. Concurred with the unanimous vote of the congregation of Southminster PC on July 13, 2025, to extend a Call to Ryan Echols-Knauber to be their pastor. 

10. Recommend Ryan Echols-Knauber for ordination as part of this call to Southminster PC, and set his examination on the floor of presbytery for the October 21, 2025, meeting.

11. Concurred with the vote of the congregation of University Presbyterian Church on July 13, 2025, to dissolve the pastoral relationship between UPC and Rev. George Hinman.

12. Approved the request of the Calvary PC Session to renew the Temporary Associate Pastor position with Rev. Cindy Ehlke for another year.

13. Dismissed Rev. John Bangs to the Olympia Presbytery on July 29, 2025, at his request.

14. Approved the terms of call for the Japanese Presbyterian Church Associate Pastor position that is in the process of being filled: $71,504/year plus BOP benefits (26%), with four weeks of vacation and two weeks of study leave.

15. Approved $3,200 congregational support grant to Bremerton Korean PC for pulpit supply during Rev. Geun Park’s sabbatical.

16. Approved a $6,000 Sabbatical Grant to Rev. Jane Pauw (Rainier Beach PC), for her sabbatical from August through November 2025.

17. Recommended examination for ordination of Byron Walker on the floor of Presbytery at the October 21, 2025, meeting, so that he can accept the call as Associate Pastor.

18. Approved the transitional pastor contract between Mount Baker Park PC and Rev. Andrea Chaumont.

19. Approved Rev. Christopher Johnson continuing to serve as Congregational Care Pastor at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church.

20. Directed the Stated Clerk to send a notice of disapproved work to Rev. Robert Nicholson (Retired) and appointed a COM member (Dustin Wilsor) to connect with Rev. Nicholson. 

21. Extended the deadline for Rev. Doug Burleigh to initiate the transfer process with National Capital Presbytery from October 15 to November 30.

22. Approved the membership transfer requests of Pastors David Song and Chankil Chung from Northwest Coast Presbytery to Seattle Presbytery.

23. Approved a $1,000 continuing education grant to Rev. Dr. J. P. Kang of Japanese Presbyterian Church to participate in a Union Seminary seminar in India.

    For Information: 

1. Presbytery staff and leaders are creating ruling elder training podcasts covering a variety of topics, including spiritual formation and leadership, finances, polity, and more. Materials will be shared with the Presbytery when available.

commission on preparation for ministrY

Authorized Delegated Actions Reported to the Presbytery:

Enrolled as Inquirers:

Cait Jewel, Calvary, June 2, 2025

Prentice Park, University, July 6, 2025

Annual Consultation and Certified as Ready to Receive a Call:

Phil Lewis, Union, June 2, 2025

Annual Consultations and Continuation of the Preparation Covenant:

Austin Rehbein, Redmond, June 2, 2025

Edward Lafayette, Japanese, August 4, 2025

Ryan Pemberton, Redmond, August 4, 2025

Dustin Wilsor, Woodland Park, September 8, 2025

Ally McCombs, Wedgwood, October 7, 2025

nominating

Authorized Delegated Actions Reported to the Presbytery:

Resolved, That the following be elected, terms to commence on January 1, 2026:

Moderator Dustin Wilsor (RE, Woodland Park).

Executive Board

Galen M. Crawford, RE (Madrona Grace), Class of 2028

Lina Thompson, TE (Lake Burien), Class of 2028

Austin Ashenbrenner, TE (Redmond), Class of 2028

J. P. Kang, TE (Japanese), Class of 2028

Commission on Ministry

Lottie MacAulay-Friedman, TE (Overlake Park), Class of 2028

Commission on Preparation for Ministry

Peg Achterman, RE (Union), Class of 2028

Joe Sheeran, TE (Woodland Park), Class of 2028

Link: Seattle Presbytery list of commissions & committees

Contact: nom@seattlepresbytery.org

GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMISSIONERS & YOUNG ADULT ADVISORY DELEGATE

Authorized Delegated Actions Reported to the Presbytery:

Teaching Elder commissioners:

Rev. Haley Ballast (Wallingford) - link to application

Rev. Jeny Carlson (Northminster) - link to application

Ruling Elder Commissioners:

RE Brandon Tacadena (Lake Burien) - link to application

RE Grace Wang (Overlake Park) - link to application (pending)

Young Adult Advisory Delegate:

Meghan Huang (Bellevue) - link to application

Young Adult Advisory Delegate Alternate:

Alexander Turner (Bellevue) -link to application

STATED CLERK (updated Oct. 17, 2025)

Administrative Commissions: The following are currently active administrative commissions.

Lake City Presbyterian Church Administrative Commission. The AC appointed by the Presbytery Moderator on July 6, 2023, is continuing its work wrapping up the corporate entity. The AC is composed of: Dustin Wilsor (RE Woodland Park), Leslie Ferrell (RE Mercer Island), and Aaron Willett (TE Southminster).

Inglewood Presbyterian Church Administrative Commission. The AC appointed by the Presbytery Moderator on August 21, 2023, is continuing its work wrapping up the corporate entity. The AC is composed of Pattie Holt (RE St. Andrew), Ben McConaughy (RE Mercer Island), and Rev. Scott Anderson (TE St. Andrew).

Union Church Administrative Commission. At the request of the Executive Board and Union Church, on June 21, 2022, the Presbytery appointed a Property Redevelopment Administrative Commission to work with Union Church University Presbyterian Church on property redevelopment matters. The AC is composed of: Bill Longbrake (RE), Bob Wallace (RE), Scott Lumsden (TE), and Becki Barrett (TE).

University Presbyterian Church Administrative Commission. At the request of the Commission on Ministry and University Presbyterian Church, on November 18, 2024, the Presbytery Moderator appointed a Property Redevelopment administrative Commission, to work with University Presbyterian Church on property redevelopment matters. The AC is composed of: Bob Wallace (RE); Bill Longbrake (RE); and Leslie Ferrell (RE).

Disciplinary/Remedial Matters: There are presently no disciplinary or remedial matters pending.

Notices of Disapproved Work: At the direction of the Commission on Ministry, a Notice of Disapproved Work was sent to Rev. Douglas Burleigh (Ret.) on September 9, 2025. At the direction of the Commission on Ministry, a Second Notice of Disapproved Work was sent to Rev. Robert Nicholson (Ret.) on September 8, 2025 (1st Notice sent on November 22, 2022). 

Child, Youth, and Vulnerable Adult Task Force Update: The Task Force is composed of Rev. Erin McArdle, Rev. Jeny Carlson, and Rev. Colin Robeson, have completed a proposed policy which was reviewed by legal counsel, and has been recommended for adoption at the October 21, 2025, presbytery meeting by the Executive Board (See, G-3.0106).

Ordinations/Installations: 

Rev. Becky Bastien was ordained as a Temporary Associate Pastor at Bellevue Presbyterian Church, at a service held at Bellevue Presbyterian Church, on June 22, 2025. Members of the Ordination Commission were: Rev. Edith Kinsbrook (Presbytery Moderator); Rev. Renee Notkin (Union Church); Rev. Colin Robeson (Bellevue PC); Jane Lewis (RE Bellevue PC); and Glen Ferguson (RE Overlake Park PC).

Rev. Chelsea Chiu was installed as Pastor at Taiwanese First Presbyterian Church, at a service held at Mercer Island Presbyterian Church, on September 21, 2025. Members of the Installation Commission were: Rev. Edith Kinsbrook (Presbytery Moderator); Rev. Kristy Farber (Mercer Island PC); Rev. Dan Hammer (Mercer Island PC); Crystal Hairston (Commissioned Ruling Elder, Lake Burien PC); and Steve Chien (Ruling Elder, First Taiwanese PC).

Ryan Echols-Knauber will be ordained and installed at Southminster Presbyterian Church on October 23, 2025, should the way be made clear. In that event, members of the Ordination/Installation Commission will be: Dustin Wilsor (Ruling Elder, Moderator’s designee and Presbytery Vice-Moderator); Rev. Andrea Charmont (Interim Pastor at Mt. Baker PC); Rev. Scott Anderson (St. Andrew PC); Jan Coleman (Ruling Elder Southminster PC); and Lindsay Pargman (Ruling Elder John Knox PC).

Byron Walker will be ordained and installed as an Associate Pastor at Japanese Presbyterian Church on November 9, 2025, should the way be made clear. In that event, members of the Ordination Commission will be: Rev. Edith Kinsbrook (Presbytery Moderator); Rev. J.P. Kang (Japanese PC); Rev. Renee Notkin (Union Church); Sharon Okamoto (RE Japanese PC); and Peg Achterman (RE Union Church).

Clerks’ Education: A Zoom meeting was held for the clerks of the Seattle and Olympia Presbyteries on August 21, 2025. Many issues of interest to clerks were discussed. A summary of the topics addressed, titled Clerks’ Post Zoom Resource Sheet 8/25/26, is linked on the Stated Clerk’s page along with other important resources for clerks and churches. The next Clerks’ Zoom will be sometime in mid-November, where we will discuss end-of-year reporting. Clerks of session are always encouraged to contact the Stated Clerk with questions or concerns.

The 227th General Assembly (GA 227): GA 227 will commence next year in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Notice was posted to the Seattle Presbytery Website in late June/early July with information about nominating Commissioners to serve the Seattle Presbytery at GA 227, for election at the October 21, 2025, presbytery meeting.