Reports
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 2025-01-21.
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: PDF version of meeting reports (posted when available)
executive board
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.
A draft version of the Presbytery’s Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy is under review by legal counsel and will be presented at an upcoming presbytery meeting.
Approved an emergency Operations Grant to Madrona Grace PC in the amount of $20,000 with the expectation that the congregation will raise a similar amount, and with an understanding that the session will meet with the Executive Presbyters regarding congregational planning.
Approved Lake Burien PC’s Thriving Congregations Initiative grant request for $52,536, for the purposes set forth in the request.
Authorized the use of the Executive Board grant budget (previously COVID, Technology, Sabbath Grants) to cover 50% of any cost increase in the Medical Plan of the Board of Pensions for any pastor(s) or associate pastor(s) (installed or temporary) of a Seattle Presbytery congregation. Costs to be verified by the presbytery’s finance director with adequate written documentation from a session representative or treasurer.
Recommended approval to the Seattle First Foundation for a $20,000 capital improvement grant to Wedgwood Presbyterian Church for a carpeting project.
Recommended approval to the Seattle First Foundation for an $18,445 capital improvement grant to St. Andrew Presbyterian Church for an AV system project.
Approved a capital improvement grant request to Japanese Presbyterian Church in the amount of $40,000 to defray capital improvement costs incurred from 2023-24. Rationale: Property & Finance is working to establish a grant process for larger capital improvement projects. Until such a process is established, P&F recommends that the presbytery grant Japanese PC an additional $40,000 at this time to help defray the cost from two large capital improvement projects totaling over $550,000 over two years. And they have another project in the works. (The presbytery granted $20k in both 2023 and 2024 — this is in addition to those amounts. These funds will not be taken from the 2025 capital improvement budget but rather from Mission Asset Fund (rental properties) or Mission Asset Reserve Fund cash (reserves)).
Approved a process that allows sessions to request Thriving Congregation Initiative (TCI) congregational learning grants in the amount of $15,000, or less, by submitting such requests to the TCI staff for evaluation and recommendation to the Co-Executive Presbyters, who are hereby delegated the authority to approve such grant requests in writing on behalf of the Executive Board. The Co-Executive Presbyters will report to the Executive Board on all such grant requests at the next regular meeting of the Executive Board.
Canceled the March 18, 2025 presbytery meeting due to lack of business items.
Updated 2025 Executive Board meeting schedule: canceled Executive Board Meeting for April 8, 2025; June 17, 2025: Executive Board Meeting if needed, rescheduled September 16, 2025 to September 20, 2025: annual fall retreat; canceled December 16, 2025 meeting.
Proposed 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.
All are invited to join us on Sunday, June 8, 5-6PM Pacific, in the spirit of Pentecost, for a shared worship service via Zoom, including music, liturgy, and storytelling celebrating this milestone.
Register: www.seapres.org
COMMISSION ON MINISTRY
Recommendations to Presbytery:
Bellevue Presbyterian/Becky Bastien: Having received evidence that Certified Candidate Becky Bastien has fulfilled the educational requirements of the Constitution of the Church, Be it Resolved, That Becky Bastien proceed to ordination by an Administrative Commission designated by the Moderator, to serve as Temporary Associate Pastor at Bellevue 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: Becky Bastien Statement of Faith
Link: Becky Bastien Biography
Authorized Delegated Actions Reported to the Presbytery:
Extended the end date for Associate Pastor Aaron Willett from April 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025, and approved the proposed severance package of 6 months severance with benefit, plus an additional two months severance if Rev. Willett has not found comparable employment.
Met with the session of Rainier Beach PC for the purpose of determining whether-or-not the session is “unable or unwilling to manage wisely its affairs” and, if not, submit a request to the Presbytery Moderator to appoint an administrative commission pursuant to G-3.0303e. COM agreed by consensus to allow the RBPC Session to continue with their efforts as they described them, and plan on a follow-up meeting with the full COM in June to assess their progress. Also, it was agreed that COM should suggest to Rev. Pauw that she appoint a Moderator selected by COM to serve during her sabbatical in August through October. A subgroup of COM members will continue working with their session.
Approved validating the Chaplaincy ministry of Rev. Jordan Uomoto with Skyline, an affiliate of Transforming Age.
Approved the Sabbatical Grant Request of Rev. Lindsay Murphy in the amount of $6,000 for her 2025 sabbatical.
Approved the Sabbatical Grant Request of Rev. Eyde Kinsbrook in the amount of $6,000 for her 2025 sabbatical.
Approved a Pastoral Leave Congregational Grant in the amount of $6,000 to Lake Burien PC during Crystal Hairston’s (CRE) 2025 Sabbatical.
Approved renewal of the Temporary Associate Pastor Position between Magnolia PC and Rev. Linda Ott, pursuant to the terms agreed upon between session and Rev. Ott.
Approved Rev. Erin Grayson’s request to renew her validated ministry.
Approved a Pastoral Sabbatical Leave Grant to Crystal Hairston (CRE) in the amount of $6,000 for her 2025 Sabbatical from Lake Burien PC.
Met with Rev. Doug Burleigh regarding his Seattle Presbytery membership. He is currently based in the Washington D.C. area. The State Clerk is assisting Rev. Burleigh with transferring his membership to National Capital Presbytery.
Approved the Transitional/Interim Pastor services contract between Southminster PC and the Rev. Andrea Chaumont as submitted by their Session.
Approved the Transitional/Interim Pastor services contract between Steel Lake PC and the Rev. Eyde Kinsbrook as submitted by their Session.
Approved Japanese PC’s request for permission to form an Associate Pastor Nominating Committee for an installed Children, Youth, and Family Ministries Director position.
Approved Japanese PC’s request to renew Transitional Associate Pastor Relationships Agreement with Rev. Heather James.
Approved Rev. Katie Spencer’s request to transfer her membership to the Seattle Presbytery as a Member at-Large.
Granted retired status to Revs. Colleen Chinen & Will Mason (Steel Lake PC) effective immediately.
Met with Rev. Aaron Willett to assess the merits and his suitability to be considered for a call pursuant to G-2.0803. Agreed by consensus that Rev. Willet is not eligible for a call as pastor of a congregation in Seattle Presbytery at this time and will offer him the opportunity to go to Midwest Ministry Development in Chicago as part of a process towards becoming eligible.
Approved a temporary associate pastor position at Bellevue Presbyterian Church and to hire Becky Bastien to the position should the way be clear.
Approved having a COM subgroup develop a course of study for Anthony Ballard to prepare for possible commissioning as a CRE at Bellevue Presbyterian Church.
Approved Seattle Presbytery membership for Rev. JungIn Shin (temporary interim pastor candidate), contingent upon receipt of a positive recommendation from the COM exam team.
A COM subgroup met with Rev. Laurie Foos (retired) on April 24, 2025 and discussed her ministry. They requested that Rev. Foos remain in communication with COM, recommended that she be in relationship with a PC(USA) church in Kitsap County, and submit an application for validated ministry.
Approved a $5,000 sabbatical grant for Rev. Geun Park (Bremerton Korean PC) for his September-October 2025 sabbatical.
Approved Rev. Deanna Drake’s request for $750 to attend the 2025 Association of Professional Chaplains Conference.
For Information:
A COM sub group is working with Rev. Jake Medcalf to create a Commissioned Ruling Elder program for the Presbytery.
commission on preparation for ministrY (updated 5/16)
Authorized Delegated Actions Reported to the Presbytery:
Inquirer Sarah Smith, member of University Presbyterian Church, was interviewed, examined, and received as a candidate by the Commission on Preparation for Ministry on April 7, 2025 as authorized by the bylaws (since the 2013 revision). The commission examined Sarah with respect to her Christian faith, forms of Christian service undertaken, and motives for seeking the ministry.
Annual Consultation and Certified as Ready to Receive a Call:
Byron Walker, Union, May 5, 2025
Annual Consultations and Continuation of the Preparation Covenant:
Rachel Morris, John Knox, May 5, 2025
For Information:
STATED CLERK
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.
Child, Youth, and Vulnerable Adult Task Force Update: The Task Force is composed of Rev. Erin McArdle, Rev. Jeny Carlson, and Rev. Colin Robeson. Staff support provided by the Stated Clerk. The Task Force submitted a draft for review by the Executive Board, which was favorably received. Legal counsel reviewed the draft and provided comments and questions for the Task Force. At counsel’s request, a meeting will be scheduled with the Task Force to facilitate finalization of the proposed document. Once the proposed document is finalized it will go back to the Executive Board for review and recommendation for approval by the presbytery (See, G-3.0106).
Installations/Ordinations: Rev. Maggie Breen was installed at Calvary Presbyterian Church on February 22, 2025. The members of the Ordination Commission were: Rev. Eyde Kinsbrook (Presbytery Moderator); Rev. Scott Anderson (St. Andrew PC); Rev. Tali Hairston (Seattle Presbytery); Amber Oakes (Ruling Elder, St. Andrew PC); and Dawn Kinney Miller (Ruling Elder, Calvary PC).
Rev. Paul Kim was installed at Seattle Community Church on March 23, 2025. The members of the Ordination Commission were: Rev. Eyde Kinsbrook (Presbytery Moderator); Crystal Hairston (CRE)(Lake Burien PC); Rev. Dr. Tali Hairston (Seattle Presbytery); Rev. Lina Thompson (Lake Burien PC), Ellen Yoon (RE)(Seattle Community Church).