| Presbytery Docket |
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| Docket 02-16-08 Stated Presbytery Meeting - 10AM, Edinboro Word |
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| Docket 04-12-08 Stated Presbytery Meeting - 10AM, Warren First Church Word |
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Presbytery Minutes |
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| Minutes Presbytery Meeting April 2007 - Word |
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Newsletters and Press Releases |
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| Presbytery of Lake Erie E-Newsletter 5-20-07 - Word |
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| Past Moderators of the Presbytery of Lake Erie - The Presbytery of Lake Erie has a long and rich history. While it is not possible to trace back into the mists of time all who have served as moderators, included below you will find those known women and men who have served the presbytery as a moderator. Both elders and clergy have filled this significant leadership role. |
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| Links to Sites of Interest - The websites and links available are truly endless. While the links listed below are rather limited in scope, they may point to helpful information as local ministries are fulfilled across the Presbytery of Lake Erie. A brief description is given of each link that may be helpful in guiding to useful information. Word |
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| Quarterly Bulletin - Attached you will find the next quarterly bulletin insert for use in your congregation. The Administrative Committee encourages you to make use of this either in your bulletin or in your newsletter to inform people of their mission dollars at work. This insert is designed to highlight projects that have a direct impact on the ongoing ministry and mission work of local congregations. The Administrative Committee, who compiles the budget, believes these efforts are important in drawing people toward Christian faith. Share the story with others. Thank you for doing so! If you have any questions, feel free to contact David Oyler at david@pbylakeerie.org or
call 814-868-4891 ext. 111.
Thanks for your ministry in Christ. Your general mission dollars help to
tell some of that story!
Word |
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| Highlights April 14, 2007 Stated Presbytery Meeting - Word |
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| Synod of the Trinity's 2007 Grants and Scholarship Applications - Paste the links below into your browser to find the Synod of the Trinity's 2007 Grants and Scholarship Applications which include:
1. Mission Travel Grants: one application for Individuals/Groups and a separate application for a Presbytery group.
2. Undergraduate Educational Scholarship
3. Graduate Scholarship/Grant
All information is available online at: http://www.syntrinity.org/Programs/ScholarshipsGrantsLoan.htm or by calling the Synod Office.
Information concerning the Synod's 2006 awards are available on their website at:
Mission Travel Grants:
http://www.syntrinity.org/home/good_stories/MTG_06_award_stories.htm
Undergraduate & Graduate Scholarships:
http://www.syntrinity.org/home/news/Scholarships_Und_Grad/2006_newsRelease.htm
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Committee Items |
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| COM Interview policy - COM's policy on interviewing potential pastoral candidates Word PDF HTML |
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| Ordination Timeline - This timeline is for applicants, inquirers, and candidates interested in becoming Ministers of Word and Sacrament. These are the steps Lake Erie Presbytery goes through for ordination. Word |
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| Youth Advisory Application Form - Word |
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| Mission Travel Grants Application - Word |
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| Council Minutes 3-27-07 - Word |
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Policies and Procedures |
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| Lake Erie Manifesto - This "Bold New Initiatives" document was approved during the April 2002 Presbytery meeting. Word |
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| Maternity/Paternal Leave Guideline - In 1990 the Presbytery of Lake Erie adopted a Maternity/Paternal leave guideline. It is not a requirement, however, it does provide helpful guidelines for a congregation is their pastor is becoming a new parent. If you have further questions about this guideline you are encouraged to speak to the Moderator of the Committee on Ministry.
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| Ordination Installation Information - The Ordination and/or Installation of a new pastor is an exciting time in the life of a congregation. As you prepare for this significant day you will find helpful information and guidance for your preparations. If you have further questions you are encouraged to speak to the Moderator of the Committee on Ministry, the Moderator of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry or the General Presbyter David Oyler.
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| Church Related Legal Questions - While the church is primarily a community of people committed to worshipping and serving Jesus Christ, there also comes times when legal questions are of significant importance. Such questions can range far and wide from tax questions, to insurance questions, to the official registering of the church name in the state capital. Often we do not know where to turn for such answers. The Trustees of the Presbytery of Lake Erie do not know all the answers but can generally help to point churches in the right direction. If you have Church Related Legal Questions you are encouraged to speak with the President of the Trustees, the Presbytery Treasurer or the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery.
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| Procedure for Electing General Assembly Commissioners - Beginning in 2004 the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) will meet in even numbered years. With that transition the commissioner quota will change as well. For a presbytery the size of Lake Erie Presbytery two Ministers of the Word and Sacrament, 2 Elders and one Youth Advisory Delegate will be elected generally at the Presbytery meeting in November of the year preceding the General Assembly meeting.
The Nominating Committee based on several criteria, including longevity and service, recommends the Ministers of Word and Sacrament to the presbytery. You will find those guidelines listed below.
The Nominating Committee, based upon the length of time since their congregation was last represented at a General Assembly meeting, recommends the Elders to the presbytery. You will find the current rotation of churches listed below.
The Youth Advisory Delegate is recommended to the presbytery by the Nominating Committee based upon their answers to a series of questions.
If there are further questions about the election process of commissioners, you are encouraged to speak to the current moderator of the Nominating Committee.
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| Manual of the Presbytery of Lake Erie - In 2002 the Presbytery of Lake Erie adopted a new manual. While the manual does not cover every issue or aspect of ministry that Lake Erie Presbytery might encounter, it does provide the parameters within which the 61 congregations of our Presbytery seek to minister. If you have further questions about the Manual you are encouraged to speak to Stated Clerk Doug Megill or General Presbyter David Oyler.
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| Minimum Terms of Call 2007 - Minimum terms of call were approved at the September 19, 2006 Stated Meeting. Word |
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| Policy and Procedures for Pastor Search Process - One of the most significant decisions made by a congregation is the calling of a pastor to participate in ministry with them. Although the process is lengthy it is designed to engage the congregation in conversation and then seek the woman or man God is preparing to serve with them. In this document you will find the necessary materials to make your search as effective and timely as possible.
Questions about the Mission Study process are to be directed to the Moderator of the Congregational Life Committee. Questions about the Pastor Nominating Committee process are to be directed to the Moderator of the Committee on Ministry.
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| Policy and Procedure Regarding Sexual Misconduct - |
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| Procedure for Electing GA Commissioners - Beginning in 2004 the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) will meet in even numbered years. With that transition the commissioner quota will change as well. For a presbytery the size of Lake Erie Presbytery two Ministers of the Word and Sacrament, 2 Elders and one Youth Advisory Delegate will be elected generally at the Presbytery meeting in November of the year preceding the General Assembly meeting.
The Nominating Committee based on several criteria, including longevity and service, recommends the Ministers of Word and Sacrament to the presbytery. You will find those guidelines listed below.
The Nominating Committee, based upon the length of time since their congregation was last represented at a General Assembly meeting, recommends the Elders to the presbytery. You will find the current rotation of churches listed below.
The Youth Advisory Delegate is recommended to the presbytery by the Nominating Committee based upon their answers to a series of questions.
If there are further questions about the election process of commissioners, you are encouraged to speak to the current moderator of the Nominating Committee.
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| Minimum Terms of Call 2008 - Word |
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Forms |
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| Stated Supply Contract - Word PDF HTML |
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| Information For Those Who Sense God's Call to Ordained Ministry - God calls all people who are in Christ to serve and worship Him. Some people are called in a mystical, mysterious way by God to serve in ordained ministry as a Minister of Word and Sacrament. The Presbyterian Church (USA) encourages people called by Christ to live out that calling. To assist people in that process the Presbytery of Lake Erie has established a Committee on Preparation for Ministry. The purpose of the committee is to guide a person through an inquiry and candidacy stage to discern if, in fact, a person is called to ordination. If you are considering such a call in your life you are encouraged to speak and pray with the pastor of your congregation or the Moderator of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry. |
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| Ministerial Guidelines for Leaving a Parish - Pastoral transitions are always difficult for both clergy and congregation. While every situation is different the Presbytery of Lake Erie adopted guidelines for clergy leaving a parish in 1996. If you would like to discuss issues of transition in further detail, contact the Moderator of the Committee on Ministry or the General Presbyter David Oyler.
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| Congregations Considering Purchase or Selling of Property - The Presbyterian Church government is connectional by nature. If a congregation is contemplating the purchase or selling of property it is a decision that depends on both local and regional decisions. The Presbytery of Lake Erie maintains a Board of Trustees. Among other responsibilities they also counsel with churches that are considering major property decisions. Generally the Board of Trustees includes attorneys, realtors and other people with legal expertise. The Trustees are concerned that a church does not financially encumber themselves to the point where they cannot carry on their ministry. Nor do the Trustees want a local church to make a decision that will create division in the future. If your church is thinking about property issues, the borrowing of money, or other issues related to real property, it is vital you speak with the President of the Trustees or the Presbytery Treasurer early in the process.
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| Pastoral Call Form - the form for calling a new pastor, reducing terms of call to writing in the form sent by this Presbytery to another Presbytery. PDF |
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| Application for Outward Mission Funds - The Presbytery of Lake Erie is eager to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with as many people as possible. One way of sharing that Good News is through the General Mission money given generously by the 61 churches of our presbytery to share in common ministry. The Mission and Social Witness Committee of our presbytery reviews applications then recommends Outward Mission expenditures to the Presbytery for a final vote. If your church would like to apply for Outward Mission Funds you are encouraged to fill out this form and return it to the presbytery office by April 30, 2004.
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| Self-Development of People Funds Application - The Presbyterian Church (USA) has had an historic commitment to the Self Development of People (SDOP). Such funds can be used to begin a ministry with those who are on the margins of our culture whether in this country or overseas. If you would like to know more about the Self-Development of People you are encouraged to contact the Moderator of the Mission and Social Witness Committee or contact SDOP at the Presbyterian Church (USA) in Louisville. Included below is a form to apply for Self-Development of People Funds.
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| Mission Reserve Fund Application 2007 - The Mission and Social Witness Committee of the Presbytery of Lake Erie is at work to set
guidelines and deadlines for the Outward Mission funding that will be granted for the year 2007.
We wish to make everyone aware of these items now and to invite you to consider applying for
funding for your project or program.
At the present time projects funded by Outward Mission include youth programs, assistance to elderly or hungry persons, health related facilities and campground chaplaincy. For the year 2006 grants ranged from $500.00 to $5,000.00.
The following criteria have been established by the Presbytery and are followed by this Committee, and we would urge your compliance with them:
That projects which receive funding that will be included in their annual budget be designated either as an onqoinq mission proiect of the Presbytery or as a short-term project (funded for 1 - 3 years).
That churches seeking funding from the Presbytery demonstrate that at least 25 per cent of their mission giving is to "unified support: i.e., through Presbyterian channels.
That non-church-based projects seeking funding need to be supported (financially and/or
with volunteers) and endorsed by a local congregation of the Presbytery before being considered for funding.
The deadline for submitting applications is April 30, 2006.
We encourage all those who are interested to submit grant requests, realizing that the Presbytery has a limited amount of funding to allocate to Outward Mission. We cannot guarantee that your project will be funded, but every application will be considered. Final decisions will be made by the Presbytery in the fall. Notification of awards will be made no later than December and funds will be distributed quarterly beginning in March 2007.
We welcome requests from projects funded in prior years as well as those from innovative new programs.
If you have questions about the application process, please feel free to contact me at (814) 337-2810.
May God continue to bless your important ministry.
Sincerely,
Jackie Johnson
Outward Mission Sub-Committee Mission and Social Witness Committee Presbytery of Lake Erie
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| Nomination Forms for Serving on Presbytery Committees - Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.
-Romans 12:4-6
With the various gifts given to each believer in Christ you are encouraged to use those gifts for the common good. There are times in our lives when it is impossible to serve beyond our own congregation. At other times it is vital to use the gifts with which God has graced us to build up the body of Christ. If God is calling you to use your gifts within the Presbytery of Lake Erie, take the time to express your gifts on the form below and send it to the presbytery office.
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| Sick Leave Policy - No one wants to become physically ill, however, illness affects all people at some time in their life. In 2002 the Presbytery of Lake Erie adopted a Sick Leave Policy, which provides guidance for congregations and clergy if illness intervenes in the life of their pastor. If you have further questions about this policy you are encouraged to speak to the Moderator of the Committee on Ministry or the General Presbyter David Oyler. Word PDF |
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| 2007 Petition to the Presbytery of Lake Erie for Approval of Changes in Terms of Call - This form is for reporting terms to the Committee on Ministry. All call terms must meet or surpass the minimum as established by Presbytery at the September 2006 meeting. All terms of call will be presented to the Presbytery at the April meeting for approval in accordance with the Book of Order. The form must be signed and dated by both the pastor and clerk of session. If there were no changes in terms of call for 2007 you do not have to fill out an application but please inform us of that as well. Please return the form no later than March 1, 2007. Word |
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| Minutes from Presbytery Meetings January 2000-present - The first official meeting of the Presbytery of Lake Erie was held on April 13, 1802. Since that time the boundaries of the presbytery have changed, congregations have been formed and dissolved and even the name of the presbytery has changed as well. Obviously it has only been in more recent years that the minutes of the presbytery have been computerized. Here you can find the minutes of presbytery meetings dating back to January 1, 2000. If you have a desire to read minutes prior to that date you are encouraged to contact the office of the Presbytery of Lake Erie. |
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| Peacemaking Award Applications - For several decades the Presbyterian Church (USA) has placed a high priority on peacemaking. Annually Synod Peacemaking Awards are given to people, programs or mission projects that build bridges of peace. If you know of someone who has made particular effort to be a peacemaker, you are encouraged to nominate him or her on the enclosed form. If you have further questions about Peacemaking Awards you are encouraged to speak to the Moderator of the Mission and Social Witness Committee. Word |
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| Commissioned Lay Pastor Application - Some people are called to serve as a Commissioned Lay Pastor (CLP). A CLP is a person who has undergone special training that allows them to preach in other churches. The process is lengthy. It involves affirmation and confirmation of spiritual and practical gifts by your home church as well as others. Currently the Presbytery of Lake Erie participates in CLP training with several neighboring presbyteries and the assistance of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. If God may be calling you to undertake CLP training you are encouraged to fill out this form, return it to Lake Erie Presbytery, and speak with the Moderator of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry. |
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| Commissioned Lay Pastor Mentor Exaluation Form - Your input helps strengthen the church of Jesus Christ! Thank you for completing this form and emailing it to the Presbytery of Lake Erie. |
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| Change of Terms Form - Word |
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| Energy Efficiency Grant - Congregational Life Committee - Energy Efficiency Incentives are available - The Presbytery of Lake Erie through the Congregational Life Committee is encouraging energy efficiency efforts in the churches. We will provide matching funds up to $250 per congregation for projects that would improve energy use efficiency in church-owned property. To apply for this incentive mail a copy of your receipt detailing the work that has been done to
Rev. Marie Hanselman
Moderator-Congregational Life Committee
First Presbyterian Church
P.O. Box 357
Ripley, NY 14775
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| Mission Travel Grants - Word |
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| Christian Educator of the Year Application 2007 - Word |
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| Requesting of Salary Supplement Funds - The Presbytery of Lake Erie seeks to be supportive of congregations through a wide variety of tools. One such tool, when severe financial stress necessitates it, is assistance with salary support. This is generally only a very short-term solution (only 2 or 3 years). During that time of salary support it is crucial for the congregation to evaluate mission and ministry to determine where God is leading them as they look to the future.
Below you will find the documents needed to apply for Salary Supplement Funds. Generally the Congregational Life Committee considers Salary Supplement requests in the summer months for the following year in order that recommendations might be presented to presbytery in September or November.
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| Form for Validation of Specialized Ministries - |
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| Emergency Assistance Fund for Pastors - There are times when financial emergencies interfere in the life of clergy. Often the choices are difficult. The Presbytery of Lake Erie can, at times, assist clergy and their family when such a situation emerges. Although resources are not bottomless the presbytery, through the leadership of the Committee on Ministry, is sometimes able to provide some assistance. If you have further questions, or need, in this area, you are encouraged to speak with the Moderator of the Committee on Ministry or the General Presbyter David Oyler. |
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