The Information Packet for the December 2, 2008 Stated Meeting of Holston Presbytery at the Jonesborough Presbyterian Church is now available.

IP-12-02-08

Holston Presbytery will distribute the Proposed Amendments to the Constitution adopted by the 218th General Assembly (2008) at the December 2, 2008 Stated Meeting at Jonesborough Presbyterian. The Presbytery will vote on these amendments at the March 7, 2009 Stated Meeting at First Presbyterian in Greeneville.

The proposed amendments may be found online at:

Amendments 2008

Analysis (an analysis of the proposed amendments by the Association of Stated Clerks)

For clergy and lay persons alike, and all ages! Seminars and educational information will be posted here and updated each week. Select the link above for much more . . .

Montreat Conferences:   800-572-2257 or www.montreat.org

• Elderhostels:  Dec. 7-12, 14-19; in 2009: March 29-April 3; April 19-24; April 26-May 1
• New in 2009! - “alt7:The Power at Work Within Us” (for PCUSA clergy under 40); Faith & Environment: “Embracing God’s Call to be Green;” the Calvin Jubilee
• January 2-5, 2009, College Conference
• January 11-14, “The Blaze: A Formative Gathering for Leaders of Youth”
• February 13-15, Ski Weekend for Youth
• April 16-19, Spring Spiritual Formation Retreat
• April 19-23, Arts & Sabbath
• April 20-23, Associate Pastor
• April 26-May 1, Solo to Multi Staff Pastor

Columbia Seminary: 404-687-4577 or www.ctsnet.edu

• December 5-6, “Soul Tending: Finding Spirituality in Youth Ministry” (YMLI)
• January 8, 2009, “The Art of Worship”
• January 27-29, 2009, “Celtic Christian Spirituality for Today: January Seminars”; leaders, J. Philip Newel and John Bell; program fee $250
• January 29-February 1, “Immersion Experience: An Invitation to a Deeper Spiritual Life” (Certificate in Spiritual Formation)
• February 12-15, “Spiritualities of World Religions: Neighbor Love int he New Religious South” with Barbara Brown Taylor
• February 27-28, “Because the Bible Tells Me So: Putting the Bible Back in Bible Study” (YMLI)
• March 6-8, “Crafting Continuing Education: Identity & Intentionality–Annual Meeting–Society for Advancement of Continuing Education in Ministry.
• March 10-12, “Learning Together in Ministry: First/Early Call Conference for CTS Classes of 2005, 2006, 2007
• March 15-20, “A Study in the Book of Isaiah” (Certificate in Spiritual Formation)
• March 21, “Latino Immigration: Challenges & Opportunities for the Church”
• April 16-19, “Growing in Discernment: Attuning our Spiritual Senses” (Certificate of Spiritual Formation)
• April 16-18, “Seminar on Retiring from a Congregation”
• April 19-23, “Women’s Contemplative Retreat” at Sacred Heart Monastery in Cullman, AL
• April 20-22, “Colloquium, 2009″ - celebration of John Calvin and his contributions to Reformation in honor of 500th anniversary of his birth
• April 23-24, “Writers’ Workshop with Cec Murphey,” keynoter is New York Times bestseller, Cecil Murphey; for beginners or seasoned writers
• April 26-May 1, “Men’s Contemplative Retreat” at Shrine of Holy Spirit near Conyers, GA

Louisville Seminary: 800.264.1839

• January 29-30, 2009 - Growing into Tomorrow…Today
• February 7,  Leader Development Day
• February 20-21, Women at the Well-Come and Drink
• March 15-18, “Conversations on Renewal & Transformation in Mainline Congregations,” with Diana Butler Bass, Marcus J. Borg and Brian D. McLaren
• May 5, Render Unto Caesar: A New Clergy Tax and Terms of Call Seminar
• May 6, Getting in Shape Fiscally: A Financial Planning Program

Alban Institute Seminars: www.alban.org/learningdetail or David Pratt at dpratt@alban.org for seminars; weekly@alban.org for The Alban Weekly

Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary: DMin Program, djones@austinseminary.edu / 512.404.4861

Pittsburgh Seminary: or 800-451-4194

March 18-20 - “Engaging Stories to Lead God’s People” Narrative Leadership in Changing Times

Emmanuel Institutes: contact John Wasem, 722-1086; Erin Layton, 722-1085

Others:

• January 12-16, 2009, Interim Pastor Training, Levels I, II, Spouse Track; Calvin Center, Hampton GA
• March 9-11, Stewardship Kaleidoscope, Kansas City, MO; 24 informative workshops, inspiring worship and enlightening keynote presentations; Conference or email Stewardship; 800-332-4849
• June 24-July 2, 2009, Body, Mind, & Soul: Celebrating, Strengthening & Sustaining Clergy Wholeness in Small Congregations; Summer Collegium; VA Theological Seminary; all-expenses paid, intensive 9-day residential program for 25 seasoned small-church clergy (and spouses), single clergy and non-ordained regional pastors; email SummerCollegium@vts.edu or call 703-461-1760 or 1752; Applications postmarked no later than December 15.
• July 21-30, 2009 & July 20-29, 2010 Certification Program in Church Business Administration at Union Seminary, Richmond; 800.898.8085 or www.nacba.net for details on program

The National Pastors Sabbath will be April 17-20, 2009 at Sea Trail Resort in Sunset Beach, NC. Key note addresses will be given by Walter Brueggemann plus sermons by noted preachers. This event brings together ministers from the full spectrum of the Church–a people with a common calling. Mark your calendar now for a time of relaxation, celebration and worship, spiritual growth and renewal.

Online registration begins October, 2008 and a link will be posted here once received. If you need more information, call 888.728.7228, ext. 2417.

The 2008 Holiday Schedule at Montreat will include the following:

• Thanksgiving Dinner - November 27, Noon; $17.50 adults/$8.75 children (5-11)/under 5, free. For reservations, 800.572.2257, ext. 365 or click Judy. Special room rates will apply November 26-28. $55 per night, per room includes breakfast Thursday/Friday and discount on Thanksgiving Dinner at time of booking. Enjoy Thanksgiving worship at 11 am on November 27 in Convocation Hall by Montreat Presbyterian Church.

• Potluck & Community Service of the Story of Christmas in Carols & Music - December 2, 5:45pm hosted by Montreat Presbyterian Church in Upper Anderson.
• Montreat College Christmas Concert, December 6, 7 pm; free, offering taken; Anderson Auditorium
• Candlelight Christmas Dinner, December 12, 6:30 pm; “An Heirloom Christmas” at Assembly Inn; adults-$25; children 5-11-$12; under 5, complimentary. Reservations to Judy or call 800-572.2257, ext. 365. (Donate an old-fashioned ornament and join the decorating of the heirloom tree in lobby following dinner)
• New Years Eve Worship & Communion, December 31, 5:30pm; Gaither Chapel, reception with entertainment follows.

November 17, 2008

Recently the Presbyterian Lay Committee sent a letter to all congregations which is misleading and self-serving—urging congregations to redirect their mission giving from ministries of the wider church to specific ministries, including The Presbyterian Lay Committee Legal Assistance Fund.

The Presbyterian Lay Committee (The Layman) is incorrect in asserting that the 218^th General Assembly “established a $2 million fund to help middle-governing bodies sue local churches and confiscate their properties.”

The fact is:  the 218^th General Assembly did establish a voluntary fund, known as an Extra Commitment Opportunity (E052058) Constitution Legal Defense Fund, whereby individuals and congregations may make voluntary gifts.  The fund is for two purposes:

· for the Office of the General Assembly in sharing the cost of legal fees defending the PC(USA) Constitution; and

· to reimburse the Presbytery of Northern New England for legal defense costs in a lawsuit that was filed against the presbytery.  (Get the full details of the Assembly’s action at:  http://www.pc-biz.org/Explorer.aspx?id=2107)

The Presbyterian Lay Committee (The Layman) is correct when it labels this behavior as unconscionable.

· It is unconscionable that sisters and brothers in faith cannot work out their differences in accordance with our Christian faith.

· It is unconscionable that The Presbyterian Lay Committee (The Layman) would deplore the voluntary Constitution Legal Defense Fund while, at the same time, establish their own Legal Assistance Fund.

· It is unconscionable that the Presbyterian Lay Committee (The Layman) would encourage congregations to redirect their mission gifts–gifts that would naturally be used for ministries with students, campers, small congregations, new church development, missionaries, and the furthering of Christ’s mission—to redirect these mission gifts to The Lay Committee’s Legal Assistance Fund.

All unrestricted mission giving to Holston Presbytery funds ministries in the General Mission Budget which include: Holston Camp; Youth and Young Adult Ministry; support of our presbytery-related institutions; support of the wider church’s ministry; the Holston Area Resource Center (HARC); new church development and church support; the presbytery’s work with inquirers, candidates and church professionals; office and staff.

My friends, our unique calling as Christ’s disciples and as the Presbyterian Church (USA) is to build up the body of Jesus Christ so that the gospel of God’s salvation would be made evident in the world.  I encourage us all to resist the temptation to engage in behavior and actions that would harm Christ’s body and witness in the world—instead, let us work together so that God may be glorified.

Rich Fifield, Executive Presbyter/Stated Clerk
Holston Presbytery

(Click here to read the response to The Presbyterian Lay Committee letter from the Presbyterian Church (USA) Stated Clerk, Gradye Parsons.)

Join Campus Ministry for their weekly Faculty/Staff Lunches from 11:45-12:45 each Wednesday. Good eats and food for thought.

• November 19 - Camp as Ministry with Craig Bell, Director of Holston Camp & Retreat Center. Does Camp really change lives? Is it worth the time and money?

Year End Reports and Statistical Reports for General Assembly have been mailed Friday, November 14. Please look for a manila envelope and forward the respective reports to your Clerk of Session, Staff or Treasurer responsible for completion by the respective deadlines:

• JANUARY 30 - Please return Mission Intention Form 2009, Personnel Listing 2009, Elder Necrology for 2008, and Ministers Terms of Call Form to Holston Presbytery office.
• FEBRUARY 24 - DUE ON-LINE TO OGA BY MIDNIGHT! - Annual Statistical Reports for Membership & Financial, 2008;  Congregational Annual Report for 2008
• Board of Pensions Change of Salary Form for ministers is to be filled out and MAILED OR FAXED TO BOP in Philadelphia with a copy of form mailed or faxed to Presbytery office.

Also, coming to you in the mail the week of January 12, 2009 will be the information from the Treasurer of Presbytery which you will need for portions of your 2008 statistical reports.

Please contact Presbytery office at 423.247.6178 or 1.888.674.0009 by November 24 to let us know that you have received this envelope or email YEAREND REPORTS.

Help us to help YOU!

Health Concerns:

• Lyman Fulton (First, Johnson City)
• Chuck Echols and family (Bethany) on the passing of his mom, Alice, last week
• Rev. Bill Goforth
• Pat Smith (wife of O’Dell Smith)
• Glen Smith (First, Kingsport), husband of Peggy Smith, former HARC director
• Linda Niles (wife of Fred Niles, pastor at Reedy Creek, Kingsport)
• Gladys and Dick Shackelford (West Ridge)
• Debbie Gouge (First, Elizabethton)
• Rev. David Hambrick (Old Kingsport)
• Rev. David Hale
• Rev. J. B. Shelton (Mt. Hermon)
• Rev. Frank Preston
• Davis Whitesides, Jr.
• Teresa Foulke (Tom & Ann Peake’s daughter)
• Mary Chasteen

Other Concerns:

• Families affected by hurricanes and fires in California
• U.S. troops, families & chaplains
• Sunset Gap Community Center - in their search for a new Director
• Churches in transition
• Ministers seeking calls
• Inquirers & Candidates

As economic news and election results have filled front pages and TV screens, the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Ike and others has faded from national news.

In the last nine months of 2008, PDA responded to 35 disasters in 40 presbyteries here at home and, with our partners, to another 12 disasters worldwide. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance serves as a conduit for responses. PDA doesn’t respond on behalf of Presbyterians - they respond as and with Presbyterians.

The need is greater than ever and PDA needs your help to replenish funds to respond to floods and other disasters.

Brochures are available for your mission fairs and events.

Gift Market Cards, in varied giving levels, are available again this year as alternative gifts for Christmas.