by Sharon Carter, Stated Clerk
The Presbytery of Cincinnati gathered on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Pleasant Run Presbyterian Church. 66 voting members were present, along with 25 non-voting attenders (corresponding members, staff, and visitors), representing 45 of our 63 congregations*. The minutes of the meeting are available upon request. Here are some highlights:
The Presbytery reported a number of ACTIONS through its committees and commissions, and took additional actions at this gathering:
COM approved and brought to Presbytery for Approval
- Approved the Stated Supply Covenant between Rev. Rose Taul and Northwest Community Church.
- Approved a change in Terms of Call between the Rev. Dr. Deb Uchtman and Bethel-Murdock Presbyterian Church, a Stated Supply contract between Rev. Dr. Uchtman and Loveland Presbyterian Church, and a Ministry Agreement between Bethel-Murdock and Loveland regarding Rev. Dr. Uchtman’s services to each of them.
- Moved to recommend to Presbytery that Elders Dori Martz, Demetrius Springer, Miles Martin, and Bob Overmeyer, be Commissioned to Particular Service. (Motion was approved.)
- Moved to recommend that the Presbytery’s 2025 Compensation Statndars include a suggested 4% increase in salary as well as an encouragement to consider benefits carefully in light of BOP changes. (Motion was approved.)
- Moved to recommend dissolution of the Wilson Memorial Presbyterian Church, at the request of the remaining members. (Motion approved.)
Council brought to Presbytery for Approval and information
- Approved Dates for 2025 Presbytery Meetings: 2/15 (Madeira-Silverwood), 5/13 (CFPC), 8/16 (Mt.Washington), 11/11 (Zoom)
- Approved bringing the proposed 2025 budget to Presbytery for a first reading.
COR brought to Presbytery for Approval
- Moved to recommend the nomination of Rev. Dr. Deb Uchtman to the office of Moderator of Presbytery, and Elder Kathy Martin to the office of Vice Modertor, for 2025. (Motion approved.)
The Presbytery heard INFORMATION from the following:
- Rev. Andrew Frazier brought greetings from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary,
- Elder Reggie Roberts spoke about the Anti-Gun Violence task force of the Presbytery,
- Elder Lisa Allgood spoke about the Task Force on Equality and Inclusion that is being re-formed under the leadership of Elder Steve Grant,
- Rev. Sharon Carter gave a report about attending the 226th General Assembly of the PCUSA.
- The Presbytery was given the time to talk with each other about what fun things were happening in their churches, and there was a time of sharing in the larger group.
The Presbytery concluded its meeting with a SERVICE OF WORSHIP,
The worship service was led by Vice-Moderator elect Kathy Martin and CRE Demetrius Springer, with Communion being celebrated and served by Moderator Reggie Roberts and the Rev. Sharon Clegern. CRE Springer performed special music as well as preaching the Word, which was based on John 3:16. An offering for the One Hopeful Fund was taken.
The next Presbytery Gathering is Tuesday, November 14, 2024, 6:00 PM on zoom.
*As of publication, these numbers are approximate.
