OFFICERS AND STAFF OF THE PRESBYTERY OF MISSISSIPPI

MODERATOR:	Rev. Chris Bullock (2006), 2509 Rolling Meadows, Gautier, 39553-0340 (228-457-1706; 228-355-1138; RevChris@GautierPresby.com)
VICE MODERATOR:	Ms. Peggie Herrington (2006), 2523 Guedon Road, Church Hill 39120-9460 (442-2066); joenpeg@netdoor.com
STATED CLERK:	Rev. John C. Dudley, D.Min. (2006), 710 S. 28^th Ave. Suite A, Hattiesburg, 39402 (582-9135; 268-6225; FAX 582-9136; theelderjohn@yahoo.com)
EXECUTIVE PRESBYTER:	Vacant
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT:	Mrs. Christina R. Courtney, 710 S. 28^th Ave. Suite A, Hattiesburg, 39402 (582-9135; FAX 582-9136; crcourtney7@aol.com)
CAMPUS MINISTRY DIRECTOR:	Mrs. Amy Ruff, 115 North 25^th Avenue, Hattiesburg, 39401
HUNGER ACTION ENABLER:	Mrs. Sara Brown, 166 Dogwood Trail, Laurel, 39443 (649-8054)
RESOURCE CENTER DIRECTOR:	Mrs. Aserelene Pickett, 710 S. 28^th Ave. Suite A, Hattiesburg 39402 (582-9135; 544-7515; FAX 582-9136 aserelene@aol.com)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Minutes of the Called Meeting—January 25, 2006

Roll...... Page 2

Overture..... 2-3

Adjournment. 3

Minutes of the Stated Meeting—February 16, 2006

Roll... Page 4-5

Report of Stated Clerk......... 6-9

..... Abortion Overture to the 217^th General Assembly 7-9

..... Recognition of David Snellgrove............ 10

Presbytery Council. 11-17

..... 2005 Ecclesiastical Budget....... 11-12

..... 2005 Benevolence Budget 12-15

..... 2006 Benevolence Budget 15-17

Committee on Ministry...... 18

Recognition of Judy Sclater, Organist Fondren...... 18

Committee on Ministry (Continued).. 18-21

Administrative Commission for Disaster Recovery 21-23

Nominations Committee.. 23

Preparation for Ministry...... 24

Christian Nurture Committee.. 24

Church Extension Committee 24-25

Mission Committee 25-26

Hunger Subcommittee.................. 26

Administrative Commission on Orange Grove............. 26-27

Bills and Overtures Committee.. 27

Report of Commissioners to Synod 27-28

Review of Sessional Records...... 29

Adjournment 29

NOTE: It is the policy of this presbytery to authorize the Moderator and the Stated Clerk to read and approve the minutes for the presbytery. The minutes are not printed until this approval is given. Also, once a year, the presbytery prints a separate directory, with the committee structure, and with names and addresses of all churches, ministers, clerks of sessions, candidates, and committee members. Also, once a year the annual audit is reported and made available to the presbytery at a regular stated meeting.

CALLED MEETING

January 25, 2006

The Presbytery of Mississippi held a called meeting at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. with the Moderator, Dr. A. M. “Bubba” Martin, presiding. The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev. Chas Jones.

ROLL

A quorum was present with the following eight ministers and eleven elders enrolled for the meeting.

Ministers: Charles Bowdler, John Dudley, Chas Jones, James Rackley, Steve Ramp, Clarence Roberts, Jim Truesdell, Andy Wells

Elders: Gene Eblen (Diamondhead), Pearce Sunderland (Westminster Gulfport), Lola Norris (Westminster Hattiesburg), Betty Simmons (Briarwood), John Walker (Covenant), Louis Watson (Covenant), Martha Gaddis (First-Trinity), R. L. Richardson (Trinity), A. M. “Bubba” Martin, Moderator (Trinity), Vance Sprague (Pineville), and Jim Cassell (First Port Gibson)

Visitors: Lou Nell McLoud (Vernal)

An excused absence was granted to all active minister members not present and all congregations not represented.

An excused absence was also granted to Morris “Skip” Ehrlich.

The following ministers were absent without excuse: Barron Banks, Martha Blount, Theophilus King, Lynn Miller, and David Ray.

Dr. Martin expressed the appreciation of the presbytery to Dr. Steve Ramp and the congregation of Westminster Hattiesburg for hosting this meeting.

Dr. Martin stated that the purpose of the meeting was to consider the following overture prepared by Rev. Steve Bryant and approved by the session of First Presbyterian Church of Vicksburg:

The Presbytery of Mississippi overtures the 217^th General Assembly to send the following amendment to the Book of Order to the presbyteries for their approval:

Shall G-13.0103r be amended as follows: [Text to be added or inserted is shown in italic.]

to provide authoritative interpretation of the Book of Order which shall be binding on the governing bodies of the church when rendered in accord with G-13.0112 and with the consent of a majority of all the presbyteries, or when rendered through a decision of the Permanent Judicial Commission in a remedial or disciplinary case. The most recent interpretation of a provision of the Book or Order shall be binding.

Rationale

Interpretations of the Book of Order can easily have the effect of altering the meaning of the Constitution even while leaving its words unchanged. Although the proposed amendment would undoubtedly increase the number of General Assembly actions the presbyteries would be asked to approve, the amendment would nevertheless preserve the presbyteries’ constitutional right to have direct input into important changes to the way that they relate to one another. Any changes that are binding on the governing bodies of the church should have the approval of the presbyteries.

After discussion the presbytery approved the overture.

ADJOURNMENT

The purpose of the call having been accomplished, the meeting was adjourned with prayer at 9:35 a.m. by Rev. Andy Wells.

STATED MEETING

February 16, 2006

The Presbytery of Mississippi met for its seventy-fifth stated meeting at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Mississippi on Thursday, February 16, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. with the Moderator, Dr. A.M. “Bubba” Martin, presiding. The meeting began with the worship service led by Rev. Andy Wells, pastor of the host church. The sermon – based upon Ezekiel 37:1-10 and titled “Out of Chaos – Hope” – was delivered by Dr. A. M. “Bubba” Martin. Following the sermon Rev. Andy Wells led in the celebration of the Eucharist.

ROLL

Following a brief recess, presbytery was reconvened with prayer by Dr. Andy Hoffecker. A quorum was present with the following twenty-seven ministers and thirty-six elders enrolled for the meeting:

Churches	Ministers	Elders
Bay St Louis, First	Vacant	Without Representation
Bay Springs, Gavin Chapel	Vacant	Without Representation
Brookhaven, First	Edwin J. Wolff, CLP	Eugene Hanks
Canton, First	Geoffrey Mclean	David Cook
Diamondhead, Diamondhead	Chas Jones	Chuck Garrison
Gautier, Gautier	Chris Bullock	Bill Fishinger
Gulfport, Handsboro	Vacant	Without Representation
Gulfport, Orange Grove	Vacant	Roberta Hill
Gulfport, Westminster	Vacant	Pearce Sunderland
Hattiesburg, Pineview	Vacant	Deborah Gambrell Chambers
Hattiesburg, Westminster	Steve Ramp	Eugene Fair
Heidelberg, Fairview	Vacant	Without Representation
Heidelberg, Mcfarland	Vacant	Without Representation
Heidelberg, Pisgah	Vacant	Without Representation
Jackson, Briarwood	Charles Bowdler	Wes Busbee
Jackson, Covenant	Andrew Wells	John Henegan Mike Wallace
Jackson, Faith	William Jones	Shirley Griffin Middleton
Jackson, Fondren	James W. White, Jr.	Gerry Wilson
Jackson, St. Luke’s	Vacant	Herman Mannery
Kosciusko, Alexander Memorial	Vacant	Without Representation
Laurel, First-Trinity	James Truesdell	Without Representation
Liberty, Liberty	S.S.	Rick Stratton
Liberty, Unity Memorial	S.S.	Tom Lewis
Long Beach, Long Beach	George Barnett*	Ruth Lewis
Lucedale, First	James Rackley	Yvette Hillman
Lucedale, Vernal	Vacant	without representation
Madison, Grace Chapel	Ned Beckes*	Miller Brock
Magnolia, Magnolia	Charles Ray, CLP	Lauren Lanier
Mccomb, J.J. White Memorial	Vacant	Stewart Robison
Meridian, Jones Memorial	Vacant	without representation
Meridian, Prospect	Vacant	Rachel Covington
Meridian, Trinity	Morris Taylor, I.P.*	A.M. (Bubba) Martin
Natchez, First	John Larson	George Bates
Natchez, Westminster	Brock Watson	Carolyn Mullins
Newton, Pilgrim Grove	Mattie Jordan, CLP	without representation
Ocean Springs, First	Tim Brown*	Russell Thompson
Osyka, Osyka	Vacant	without representation
Pascagoula, First	Roger Green*	without representation
Pass Christian, Pineville	T.S.	Vance Sprague
Poplarville, Ruth Memorial	Sally-Lodge Teel, S.S.*	David St. Louis
Port Gibson, First	Michael Herrin	Jim Person
Sandersville, United	Vacant	without representation
Toomsuba, Toomsuba	Clarence Roberts	Excused
Vicksburg, First	Steven Bryant	Bill Chausse
Vicksburg, Yokena	D.N. Daniels, S.S.*	Bob Friley
Wiggins, Wiggins	Bill Pettey, CLP	Charles Whittington
*=Excused **=Absent Without Excuse

Other Ministers Present: Joe Pack Arnold, Rims Barber, Martha Blount, Annie Bryant, Lionel Cable, Knox Chamblin, John Dudley, Andy Hoffecker, Lynn Miller, David Ray, William Smith, and Richard Swayze

Other Ministers with Excused Absence: All honorably retired ministers, except those listed above as being present, Morris Ehrlich, and Ron McFarland

Ministers Absent without Excuse: Barron Banks and Theophilus King

Corresponding Members: Robert Barnes (Presbytery of Santa Fe), Bert Carmichael (Cherokee Presbytery), Geoffery Gathairu, and David Snellgrove (Presbytery of St. Andrew)

Other Visitors: Dianne Anderson, Norma Bassett, Mrs. Linda Bates, Val Bolmes, Mrs. OK Batte, Frances Braswell, Sara Brown, Curt Burge, Pauline Carter, Scott Castleman, Beth Covington, Tonya Favreau, Sis Fryant, Bill Furr, Berta Gene Griffin, Dan Grimes, Jemye Heath, Morella Henegan, Peggie Herrington, Marvin Hicks, Al Hillman, Dean Holder, C. A. Hollingsworth, Jamie Hubbard, John Hubbard, Stuart Huffman, Todd Johns, Chris Lewis, George B. MacNeill, Marian MacNeill, Cassandra McCardle, Cynthia McCraw, Lou Nell McLeod, Peggy Miller, Rev. Larry C. Mills, Bess Moffatt, E. V. Price, Jr., Jerry St. John, Robert St. John, Judy Sclater, Mary Louis Shaw, Clark Simmons, Nancy Steelz, Lane Stephenson, Bill Stevens, Ernie Strahn, Robert W. Stratton, Annie Ruth Thigpen, Jerry Waddell, John Knox Walker, Jr., Louis Watson, Jean White, William Yount

The docket presented by the Stated Clerk, Rev. John Dudley, was adopted. Rev. Chris Bullock was installed as the new moderator. The Stated Clerk presented a gavel to Dr. A. M. “Bubba” Martin as a token of the presbytery’s appreciation for the excellent job he did as moderator in 2005. Rev. Chris Bullock appointed Rev. Charles Bowdler and Elders Charles Ray and Jimmy X to the Bills and Overtures Committee and Rev. James Truesdell to the Thanks Committee. Rev. Andy Wells welcomed the presbytery to Covenant Presbyterian Church.

REPORT OF THE STATED CLERK

Communications and other matters presented by the stated clerk were handled as indicated:

1. Excused absences were granted as requested and as reflected in the roll for this meeting.

2. Certificates of dismissal for Rev. Ned Beckes and Rev. Lane Stephenson have been received from the Presbytery of St. Andrew.

3. In partial fulfillment of the requirements of G-11.0305a the stated clerk presented the following report on ministerial changes in 2005:

I.	Ministerial Changes 2005
	Ministers on Roll, January 1, 2005	61
	Ministers Deceased	1	(Joe McConnell)
	Ministers Dismissed to Other Presbyteries	4	(Lisa Easterling, Paul Means, Chuck Roberts, Joe Wright)
	Ministers Dismissed to Other Denominations	0
	Permanent Removal from the Roll	1	(Greg Eubanks - G – 11.0406c)
	Ministers Received from Other Presbyteries	3	(Chas Jones, William Jones, Ned Beckes)
	Ministers Ordained by the Presbytery	0
	Ministers Received from Other Denominations	0
	Ministers Restored to the Roll	0
	Ministers on Roll, January 1, 2006	58
	Number of Installations	2	(Chas Jones, William Jones)
	Number of Dissolutions	5	(Lionel Cable, Roe Callaway, Lisa Easterling, Paul Means, Chuck Roberts)
II.	Commissioned Lay Pastors	5	(Mattie Jordan, Bill Pettey, Charles Ray, Wade Spooner, Edwin J. Wolff)
III.	Churches on Roll, January 1, 2005	46
	Additions	0
	Dissolutions	0
	Churches on Roll, January 1, 2006	46
IV.	Certified Christian Educators	1	(Martha Blount)
V.	Inquirers on Roll, January 1, 2006	2	(Scott Castleman, Calvin Triplett)
	Candidates on Roll, January 1, 2006	1	(Sara Melton Craig)

4. The stated clerk commended those sessions that have already completed the annual statistical report and encouraged those sessions that have not yet done so to complete the annual statistical report by the deadline of February 22, 2006.

5. The stated clerk presented as a first reading the revised Standing Rules for the presbytery. Discussion and action on the Revised Standing Rules will take place at the May 2006 meeting of presbytery.

6. The stated clerk reported that during the maternity leave of Christina Courtney, the administrative assistant, he has with the concurrence of the moderator employed Cassandra McCardle as secretary/receptionist and Wally Gregg as bookkeeper.

7. The following overture from the session of Covenant Presbyterian Church was referred to the Committee on Bills and Overtures.

DRAFT OF ABORTION OVERTURE

WHEREAS, resolutions previously passed by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have led to a general belief by members of the Church and the public at large that the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) approves the practice of abortion, even partial birth abortion, going so far as to oppose any limit on abortion (Minutes of the 204^th General Assembly (1992)), Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), pp. 372-373; and

WHEREAS, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) confesses in the Book of Order:

(1) That God created the heavens and the earth and made human beings in God’s image, charging them to care for all that lives. G. 3.0101; and

(2) That the Church of Jesus Christ is the provisional demonstration of what God intends for all of humanity. G. 3.0200; and

(3) That the Church is called to participate in God’s activity in the world through its life for others by, among other things, ministering to the needs of the powerless. G. 3.0300; and

(4) That the Church is called to undertake this mission even at the risk of losing its life, trusting in God alone as the author and giver of life. G. 3.0400; and

WHEREAS, God has revealed through the Scriptures:

(1) That as the author and giver of life, God has known each one of us even before we were formed in the womb, Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 139:13; that God has created each of us, male and female, in His image, in the image of God all people have been created, Genesis 1:27; and that God has set us apart to be his subjects, having made us the objects of His compassion and grace, even before our birth. Psalm 22:10.

(2) That having been made in the image of God, the Word of God commands us that we shall not kill, Exodus 20:13; that this Commandment requires that we use all lawful endeavors to preserve our own life and the life of others and also forbids us to take our own life or the life of our neighbor unjustly, or to undertake any act that would tend toward the unjust taking of another person’s life. The Shorter Catechism 7.067-7.069.

(3) That God watches out for, protects, and defends the cause of all people, including, the weak, the afflicted, the fatherless, and the oppressed, and God listens to their voiceless cries in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify them no more. Psalm 10:14, 17-18.

(4) That God calls His Church to do these things on behalf of the Kingdom of God so that the will of God might be done on earth, and when doing so, to remember that God also calls us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Proverbs 31:8.

(5) That God charges us as members of his Church not to oppress or to do any wrong or violence to, among others, the fatherless, Jeremiah 7:6 and 22:5; and that between life and death, God has commanded us to choose life so that we may come to love God, follow his Word, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him, as the Lord of our life. Deuteronomy 30:19-20; and

WHEREAS, the Church has spoken out and forbidden the practice of abortion even as it stood in the midst of a society and government that condoned abortion and in doing so, has distinguished itself and set itself apart from virtually all civil governments that down through history have condoned practices of abortion, infanticide, and involuntary sterilization based on a variety of doctrines and beliefs that are a scandal to the compassion and grace that God, as the author and giver of life, has for all his people as well as a scandal to his active work, message, and ministry of reconciliation which God in the name of his son, Jesus Christ, calls us as his Church to undertake in all relationships of life (Excerpts from The Confession of 1967); and

WHEREAS, “The Church comes under judgment of God and invites rejection by man when it fails to lead men and women into the full meaning of life . . . or withholds the compassion of Christ from those caught in the moral confusion of our time.” The Confession of 1967.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the 217^th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.):

1. Affirms that God alone is the “author and giver” of life and reveals in Scripture that the miracle of life begins at the moment of conception. Therefore, the Church opposes the practice of abortion (the premature ending of a pregnancy with the intent to end the life of the embryo or fetus by means of surgical intervention or administration of medications, or any other method that leads to a similar result), except when abortion is necessary (a) to protect the life of the mother as determined by a competent, licensed physician, where the continuation of the pregnancy would, more likely than not, result in either the mother or the unborn child not surviving continuation of the pregnancy; and (b) in cases of rape and incest where there is a finding by a competent, licensed physician that carrying the unborn child to term would, more likely than not, result in serious, long-lasting and debilitating mental and emotional distress of the mother.

2. Acknowledges that individuals are confronted with unwanted pregnancies in a number of circumstances, including: pregnancy of a minor child; pregnancy of those believing they are incapable or unable to provide properly for the care and Christian nurture of the child. The Church lovingly welcomes those individuals and seeks to share their burden with compassion. All members of the Church are urged to minister to those contemplating abortion by prayerfully seeking the guidance of Scripture and offering counsel and assistance to ensure the child receives loving care and Christian nurture.

3. While not condoning abortion, extends the love of Christ to those who have suffered its practice.

Rationale:

Resolutions previously passed by the General Assembly of the PCUSA have lead to a general belief that the PCUSA approves a woman’s right to choose abortion, even partial birth abortion. Comments found on Items 11-01 and 11-02 by the Committee on Social Witness Policy at the 216^th General Assembly, stated, “women have the ability and responsibility for making good moral choices regarding a problem pregnancy”, and “The church should support a woman’s decision regarding a problem pregnancy, whatever her decision may be.” Those resolutions also call for furnishing information and papers on the subject and for counseling.

The PCUSA should stand clearly against the practice of abortion and, as an even greater witness, extend the compassion and ministry of Christ’s church to those people who are considering such a decision or have been affected by its practice.

Note: Some of the above language is from an Overture from the Presbytery of Upper Ohio Valley to the 216^th General Assembly (2004). That overture called for insertion of similar language in the Book of Order, and it was defeated at that General Assembly, and some quotes from the Committee on Social Witness Policy are taken from the “Rationale” in recommending Disapproval of the Overture (Overture 04-5, Item 11-01 found in the minutes of the 216^th General Assembly).

8. The 2006 Presbytery Directory will soon be completed and ready for distribution. (The directory cannot be finished until presbytery takes action on the report of the Nominating Committee at this meeting.)

9. The Presbytery of Kendall has concurred with our overture concerning divestment in Israel adopted at the May 17, 2005 meeting of presbytery.

10. The stated clerk encouraged members of all congregations in the presbytery to help in hosting the 217^th General Assembly which will meet in Birmingham, Alabama June 15-22, 2006.

11. The Synod of Living Waters has approved without exception the minutes of the Presbytery of Mississippi for 2004.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

Rev. Steve Bryant made an announcement concerning links on the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) website to objectionable material. Elder David St. Louis made an announcement concerning “Welcome to the Family,” a workshop focusing on attracting and involving newcomers into our congregations. The workshop is to be held at Ruth Memorial Presbyterian Church on Saturday, March 25, 2006.

Following these announcements, visitors and first-time elder commissioners were introduced. Minister members of other presbyteries were welcomed as corresponding members and granted the privilege of the floor.

RECOGNITION OF DAVID SNELLGROVE

The Stated Clerk presented a gift certificate to Rev. David Snellgrove in honor of his service as the Interim Executive Presbyter from September through December 2005. Mr. Snellgrove served diligently and faithfully in this capacity, providing great guidance to the presbytery in its recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina.

GREETINGS FROM THE BOARD OF PENSIONS

Mr. Clark Simmons, our area representative with the Board of Pensions, spoke briefly concerning the programs offered to ministers and church employees by the Board.

PRESBYTERY COUNCIL

Dr. A. M. “Bubba” Martin presented the following items of the Presbytery Council report.

For Information:

1. Future dates of presbytery meetings:

May 20, 2006 (Saturday) – First Presbyterian Church, Natchez

October 19, 2006 – Diamondhead Community Church, Diamondhead

2. With the purchase of a new copier for the presbytery office, the old copier has been sent to Handsboro Presbyterian Church for the use of the Disaster Recovery Administrative Commission.

3. Presbytery Council declined with thanks the offer of First-Trinity Presbyterian Church that the presbytery office be moved to their facilities in Laurel.

4. The 2006 Presbytery Directory will be distributed shortly after the February meeting to permit time for the committee assignments to be finalized.

5. The draft of the Standing Rules distributed at this meeting will be considered for approval at the May meeting of presbytery.

The following items for action were approved by presbytery.

For Action:

The Council recommends that:

1. Presbytery thank the past Moderator, Dr. A. M. “Bubba” Martin, for his service to the Presbytery of Mississippi during the past year.

2. Presbytery thank the Rev. David Snellgrove for his service to the presbytery as the Interim Executive Presbyter from September to December 2005.

3. Presbytery thank George and Linda Bates, and the members of the Disaster Recovery Administrative Commission, for their efforts to date in disaster recovery.

4. Presbytery approve the action of council in finding that there is no imbalance in presbytery membership for 2006 and that the presbytery is in compliance with the membership requirements of G – 11.0101b of the Book of Order.

5. Presbytery approve the employment of Cassandra McCardle and Wally Gregg as secretary/receptionist and bookkeeper, respectively, during Christina Courtney’s maternity leave.

6. Presbytery approve the Stated Clerk to consider an alternative means of distributing the minutes of presbytery and to report to the April meeting of council.

7. Presbytery approve the authority of the Moderator to call a meeting of the council following the meeting of the 2006 General Assembly.

8. Presbytery approve Elder Pete Bloss as the Advocate for the Presbytery of Mississippi Overture #1 to the 2006 General Assembly.

Rev. Michael Herrin gave the report of the Finance Subcommittee. The following end of the year statements for the Ecclesiastical Budget and the Benevolence Budget were received as information.

ECCLESIASTICAL BUDGET REPORT TO PRESBYTERY (PER CAPITA)

JANUARY THROUGH DECEMBER 2005

Ordinary Income/Expense Income 1101 Per Capita Assessment	Jan - Dec 05	Budget	$ Over Budget	% of Budget
1101A PBY Per Capita	50,562.20	55,323.28	-4,761.08	91.4%
1101B SYN Per Capita	15,707.33	23,396.06	-7,688.73	67.1%
1101C GA Per Capita	23,851.94	35,998.91	-12,146.97	66.3%
Total 1101Per Capita Assessment	90,121.47	114,718.25	-24,596.78	78.6%
1100 Presbytery Funds
1140 COM Income
1141 CLP Program Income	20.00
1142 Pastor's Retreat Income	3,400.00	6,000.00	-2,600.00	56.7%
Total 1140 COM Income	3,420.00	6,000.00	-2,580.00	57.0%
Total 1100 Presbytery Funds	3,420.00	6,000.00	-2,580.00	57.0%
Total Income	93,541.47	120,718.25	-27,176.78	77.5%
Expense ECCLESIASTICAL BUDGET 2100 PER CAPITA 2101 Synod Per Capita 2102 GA Per Capita	15,707.33 23,851.94	23,396.06 35,998.91	-7,688.73 -12,146.97	67.1% 66.3%
Total 2100 PER CAPITA	39,559.27	59,394.97	-19,835.70	66.6%
2400 COUNCIL EXPENSE
2401 Council Administrative	3.798.78	2,500.00	1,298.78	152.0%
2400 Council Expense - Other	210.58
Total 2400 COUNCIL EXPENSE	4,009.36	2,500.00	1,509.36	160.4%
2420 PRESBYTERY MEETINGS
2421 Stated Clerk Housing (JCD)	11,305.06	11,305.00	0.06	100.0%
2423 Stated Clerk Pen/Med (JCD)	6,984.24	6,815.00	169.24	102.5%
2425 Stated Clerk-Expenses	30.00	500.00	-470.00	6.0%
2426 Presbytery Meeting/Minutes	1,428.48	1,350.00	78.48	105.8%
Total 2420 PRESBYTERY MEETINGS	19,747.78	19,970.00	-222.22	98.9%
2450 OFFICE RENT	24,000.00	24,000.00	0.00	100.0%
2500 ECCL COMMITTEES
COM
2501 COM-Administrative	956.11	3,000.00	-2,043.89	31.9%
2502 CLP Expense	0.00	2,500.00	-2,500.00	0.0%
2504 Pastor's Retreat Expense	7,333.16	5,500.00	1,833.16	133.3%
Total COM	8,289.27	11,000.00	-2,710.73	75.4%
PM COMMITTEE
2505 Prep for Ministry Admin	1,911.24	2,500.00	-588.76	76.4%
Total PM COMMITTEE	1,911.24	2,500.00	-588.76	76.4%
TRUSTEES
2508 Trustees-Administrative	10.11	350.00	-339.89	2.9%
Total TRUSTEES	10.11	350.00	-339.89	2.9%
PJC
2510 PJC-Administrative	0.00	500.00	-500.00	0.0%
Total PJC	0.00	500.00	-500.00	0.0%
NOM COMMITTEE
2514 Nominations-Administrative	318.04	700.00	-381.96	45.4%
Total NOM COMMITTEE	318.04	700.00	-381.96	45.4%
COR
2516 Representation-Administrat	0.00	100.00	-100.00	0.0%
Total COR	0.00	100.00	-100.00	0.0%
ADMIN COMMISSIONS
2550 Adm Commission #1	292.28	500.00	-207.72	58.5%
Total ADMIN COMMISSIONS	292.28	500.00	-207.72	58.5%
Total 2500 ECCL COMMITTEES	10,820.94	15,650.00	-4,829.06	69.1%
Total ECCLESIASTICAL BUDGET	98,137.35	121,514.97	-23,377.62	80.8%
Total Expense	98,137.35	121,514.97	-23,377.62	80.8%
Net Ordinary Income	.4,595.88	-796.72	-3,799.16	576.9%
Net Income	-4,595.88	-796.72	-3,799.16	576.9'/6

BENEVOLENCE BUDGET REPORT TO PRESBYTERY (UNIFIED)

JANUARY THROUGH DECEMBER 2005

	Jan - Dec 05	Budget	$ Over Budget	% of Budget
Ordinary Income/Expense
Income
1100 Presbytery Funds
1102 Presbytery Unified	145,924.91	177,000.00	-31,075.09	82.4%
1104 Notes Receivable	991.90	1,700.00	-708.10	58.3%
1105 Grant Funds
Mission Partnership Funding	3,857.00	3,857.00	0.00	100.0%
Grant-HAE	4,490.00	4,490.00	0.00	100.0%
Grant-Hispanic Ministry	10,000.00	10,000.00	0.00	100.0%
Grant USM CM	6,600.00	6,600.00	0.00	100.0%
Total 1105 Grant Funds	24,947.00	24,947.00	0.00	100.0%
1106-10 CNC Income
1106 Kaleidoscope Income	2,767.00	3,800.00	-1,033.00	72.8%
1107 Pby Youth Retreats	5,800.00	4,500.00	1,300.00	128.9%
Total 1106-10 CNC Income	8,567.00	8,300.00	267.00	103.2%
1113 Miscellaneous Income	9,200.03
1114 In & Out Income	10,156.50
1116 Rental Income	6,000.00	6,000.00	0.00	100.0%
1150 interest Income	1,222.72	2,000.00	-777.28	61.1%
1152 Transfers From Non-Restr	0.00	1,000.00	-1,000.00	0.0%
1153 Transfers from Restricted	0.00	10,000.00	-10,000.00	0.0%
Total 1100 Presbytery Funds	207,010.06	230,947.00	-23,936.94	89.6%
Total Income	207,010.06	230,947.00	-23,936.94	89.6%
Expense
ECCLESIASTICAL BUDGET
2400 COUNCIL EXPENSE
2411 Ord of Women Task Force	113.80	500.00	-386.20	22.8%
2412 COLA	2,500.00	2,500.00	0.00	100.0%
2413 EP Search Committee	1,867.44	10,000.00	-8,132.56	18.7%
2414 Interim EPSC	264.46	1,000.00	-735.54	26.4%
2415 Peace, Unity & Purity	1,064.83	1,000.00	64.83	106.5%
Total 2400 COUNCIL EXPENSE	5,810.53	15,000.00	-9,189.47	38.7%
Total ECCLESIASTICAL BUDGET	5,810.53	15,000.00	-9,189.47	38.7%
BENEVOLENCE BUDGET 2200-14 PAYROLL EXPENSE
2200 Non-Exp Payroll Exp-FICA
Off Admin Salary	8,116.19	6,660.00	1,456.19	121.9%
Admin Asst Salary	25,906.00	25,880.00	26.00	100.1
2200 Non-Exp Payroll Exp-FICA - Other	4,816.13	3,696.00	1,120.13	130.3%
Total 2200 Non-Exp Payroll Exp-FICA	38,838.32	36,236.00	2,602.32	107.2%
2201 Employer 403(b) Plan	270.00	298.25	-28.25	90.5%
2202 Non-exempt Pension/Ins
Off Admin Life Ins. Pmts	-93.96
2202 Non-exempt Pensions/Ins - Other	12,317.11	12,450,00	-132.89	98.9%
Total 2202 Non-exempt Pension/lns 2216A TEMPORARY SEC/REPT EXP 2216B TEMPORARY BOOKKEEPER 2203-2210	12,223.15 1,400.00 150.00	12,450.00	-226.85	98.2%
2205 Salary/Exec Presbyter-Exemp	1,189.15	19,040.30	-17,851.15	6.2%
2206 Housing Exec Presb Exemp	1,189.16	19,040.30	-17,851.14	6.2%
2207 SECA-Exec Presbyter	2,265.75	2,488.90	-223.15	91.0%
2208 Penslon/Med-Exec Presbyter	427.98	11,805.00	-11,377.02	3.6%
Total 2203-2210	5,072.04	52,374.50	-47,302.46	9,7%
2212 Camp Min Salary	15,772.90	15,773.00	-0.10	100.0%
2200-14 PAYROLL EXPENSE - Other	8,950.83
Total 2200-14 PAYROLL EXPENSE	82,677.24	117,131.75	-34,454.51	70.6%
2300 OFFICE EXPENSES
2320 Interim Exec Presbyter Exp	4,516.61
2302 Office Postage	2,526.23	2,500.00	26.23	101.0°x6
2303 Office Utilities	3,083.49	2,500.00	583.49	123.3%
2304 Office Telephone	2,494.81	4,000.00	-1,505.19	62.4%
2305 Auto/Travel/Cont Educ.
Travel Exec Presbyter	324.87
Travel Other Misc.	1,512.62
2305 Auto travel/Cont Educ. - Other	0.00	12,000.00	-12,000.00	0.0%
Total 2305 Auto/Travel/Cont Educ.	1,837.49	12,000.00	-10,162.51	15.3%
2306 Office Supplies	5,837.66	5,000.00	837.66	116.8%
2307 Accounting Services	3,500.00	3,500.00	0.00	100.0%
2309 Ins/Equip/Furn./Rep
Equip Purchase/Lease
Equipment Lease &Maintenance	2,447.03
Maintenance Agreements	606.53	1,500.00	-893.47	40.4%
Repairs, etc.	105.93
Equip Purchase/Lease - Other	10,593.00	10,593.00	0.00	100.0%
Total Equip Purchase Lease	13,752.49	12,093.00	1,659.49	113.7%
Insurance Expense	3,185.40	4,000.00	-814.60	79.6%
2309 Ins/Equip/Furn/Rep - Other	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.0%
Total 2309 Ins/Equip/Furn/Rep	16,937.89	16,093.00	844.89	105.3%
2310 Office Miscellaneous
Finance & Service Chgs	203.86
2310 Office Miscellaneous - Other	147.73
Total 2310 Office Miscellaneous	351.59
2311 Office Assist & Cleaning	1,500.00	1,500.00	0.00	100.0%
Total 2300 OFFICE EXPENSES	42,585.77	47,093.00	-4,507.23	90.4%
2312 Misc. In/out Income	11,105.95
2313 Presbytery Website	448.45	446.00	2.45	100.5%
2600 PROGRAM COMMITTEES
MISSION
2608 Mission-Administrative	9,716.57	750.00	8,966.57	1,295.5%
2609 Mission-Hispanic Ministry	6,480.00	10,000.00	-3,520.00	64.8%
2611 Mission-Promotion	2,173.36	250.00	1,923.36	869.3%
2613 Mission-HAE	4,490.04	4,490.00	0.04	100.0%
2614 Mission-Hung Comm.
2614B Self-Dev of People Comm.	917.50
2614 Mission-Hung Comm. - Other	466.56	500.00	-33.44	93.3%
Total 2614 Mission-Hung Comm.	1,384.06	500.00	884.06	276.8%
2615 Mission-Synod Water Project	0.00	1,000.00	-1,000.00	0.0%
2616 Brazil Mission Partnership	0.00	3,000.00	-3,000.00	0.0%
2616C CHA Brazil Students Expense	1,276.64	1,000.00	276.64	127.7%
Total MISSION	25,520.67	20,990.00	4,530.67	121.6%
CHURCH EXTENSION
2617 CEC-Administrative	1,158.12	1,000.00	158.12	115.8%
2618 CEC-Pastoral Support	182.82	5,000.00	-4,817.18	3.7%
2620 CEC-Training Events	0.00	500.00	-500.00	0.0%
Total CHURCH EXTENSION	1,340.94	6,500.00	-5,159.06	20.6%
CHRISTIAN NURTURE
2622 CNC-Administrative	357.22	800.00	-442.78	44.7%
2623 CNC-Youth Retreats	8,020.40	5,000.00	3,020.40	160.4%
2626 CNC-Kaleidoscope Event	9,110.81	7,000.00	2,110.81	130.2%
2627 CNC-Older Adult Ministry	0.00	200.00	-200.00	0.0%
2630 CNC-Campus Min & Young Ad	0.00	200.00	-200.00	0.0%
2631 CNC-Resource Center	503.37	2,000.00	-1,496.63	25.2%
2632 Synod Voice Page	3,700.00	6,700.00	-2,000.00	64.9%
Total CHRISTIAN NURTURE	21,691.80	20,900.00	791.80	103.8%
Total 2600 PROGRAM COMMITTEES	48,553.41	48,390.00	163.41	100.3%
Total BENEVOLENCE BUDGET	185,370.82	213,060.75	-27,689.93	87.0%
2800 SPECIAL CHURCH ACCT
2804 Spec Church-Misc	1,580.00
2800 SPECIAL CHURCH ACCT - Other	1,316.86
Total 2800 SPECIAL CHURCH ACCT	2,896.86
Total Expense	194,078.21	228,060.75	-33,982.54	85.1%
Net Ordinary Income	12,931.85	2,886.25	10,045.60	448.1%
Net Income	12,931.85	2,886.26	10,046.60	448.1%

Presbytery then approved the following Benevolence Budget for 2006.

PROPOSED 2006 BENEVOLENCE (PROGRAM) BUDGET

INCOME	2005 Budget	2006 Budget
Presbytery Unified Giving	$176,000.00	$176,000.00
Grant Funds:	$4,490.00	$4,490.00
Hunger Action Enabler	$5,000.00	$5,000.00
Mission Partnership Funding	$10,000.00	$10,000.00
Laurel Hispanic Ministry	$1,700.00	$1,700.00
Notes Receivable
Fees from Programs:
Kaleidoscope	$3,800.00	$3,800.00
Youth Retreats	$4,500.00	$4,500.00
USM Campus Ministry (Synod)	$6,600.00	$6,600.00
Rental Income	$6,000.00	$6,000.00
Interest	$2,000.00	$2,000.00
TOTAL PBY INCOME	$220,090.00	$220,090.00

EXPENSES	2005 Budget	2006 Budget
Staff: Executive Presbyter Salary	$25,000.00	$23,333.00
Housing	$25,000.00	$11,667.00
SECA	$3,268.00	$2,450.00
Pension, Medical, etc.	$15,500.00	$10,850.00
Total Executive Package	$68,768.00	$48,300.00
Office Administrator
Salary	$6,660.00	$0.00
FICA	$509.50	$0.00
403-B Donation	$260.00	$0.00
Pension & Medical	$3,725.00	$0.00
Total Office Admin Package	$11,154.50	$0.00
Administrative Assistant
Salary	$25,880.00	$28,880.00
FICA	$1,980.00	$2,209.00
Pension & Medical	$8,725.00	$9,085.00
Total Admin. Assistant Package	$36,585.00	$40,174.00
Campus Ministry Director
Salary	$15,773.00	$15,773.00
FICA	$1,522.00	$1,522.00
Total Campus Min Director Package	$17,295.00	$17,295.00
Total Staff Expense	$133,802.50	$105,769.00
Office Expense:
Postage	$2,500.00	$2,500.00
Utilities	$2,500.00	$2,500.00
Telephone	$4,000.00	$4,000.00
Office Supplies	$5,000.00	$5,000.00
Accounting Services	$3,500.00	$3,500.00
Auto, Travel, Continuing Education	$12,000.00	$12,000.00
Equipment, Furnishing, Repairs	$1,500.00	$1,500.00
Insurance	$4,000.00	$4,000.00
Presbytery Website	$310.00	$527.40
Office Assistance & Cleaning	$1,500.00	$1,500.00
Total Office Expense	$36,810.00	$37,027.40
Mission Committee:
Administrative	$750.00	$750.00
Promotion	$250.00	$250.00
Brazil Mission Partnership	$3,000.00	$3,000.00
Brazil Exchange Student Support	$1,000.00	$1,000.00
Hunger Action Enabler	$4,490.00	$4,490.00
Hunger Subcommittee	$500.00	$500.00
Synod Water Project	$1,000.00	$1,000.00
Laurel Hispanic Ministry	$10,000.00	$10,000.00
Total Mission Committee	$20,990.00	$20,990.00
Church Extension Committee
Administrative	$1,000.00	$1,000.00
Pastoral Support	$5,000.00	$25,000.00
Training Events	$500.00	$500.00
CLP Training Support	$0.00	$5,000.00
Total CDC Committee	$6,500.00	$31,500.00
Christian Nurture Committee:
Administrative	$800.00	$800.00
Youth Retreats	$5,000.00	$5,000.00
Camp Partnership	$4,500.00	$0.00
Junior Camp	$0.00	$4,500.00
Kaleidoscope	$7,000.00	$7,000.00
Older Adults	$200.00	$200.00
Campus Ministry & Young Adults	$200.00	$200.00
Resource Center	$2,000.00	$2,000.00
Synod Voice Page	$3,300.00	$3,300.00
Total Christian Nurture Comm.	$23,000.00	$23,000.00
TOTAL COMMITTEE EXPENSES	$50,490.00	$75,490.00
Alternate Commissioner Expenses	$0.00	$3,000.00
GRAND TOTAL EXPENSES	$221,102.50	$221,186.40
*Funded by Grants Funded by Grants

It is anticipated that we will receive in 2006 support from sources beyond the presbytery to help with the Benevolent Budget in general and the package for the Executive Presbyter in particular.

Dr. A. M. “Bubba” Martin reported that the Executive Presbyter Search Committee anticipates presenting a recommendation to presbytery at the May 2006 meeting.

Neither the Task Force on the Peace, Unity, and Purity of the Church nor the Task Force on the Celebration of Women’s Ordination had a report.

COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY

Rev. Jim White presented the following report of the Committee on Ministry:

Rev. Lane Stephenson, pastor-elect at J. J. White Memorial Presbyterian Church, was examined for membership in the presbytery. Mr. Stephenson related his Christian experience and was then examined on his views on the sacraments, theology, and polity. The examination having been sustained as satisfactory, Rev. Lane Stephenson was enrolled as a member of the Presbytery of Mississippi. The following terms of call were approved:

Salary	$32,500
Social Security Supplement	7,878
Housing	18,000
Medical/Pension/Disability	15,655
Automobile (as used)	7,200
Professional expenses	2,400
Continuing Education (as used)	4,800
Vacation	4 weeks
Continuing Education	2 weeks

The following installation commission was also approved:

Rev. James W. White, Jr., Rev. Michael Herrin, and Elders Charles Ray, Stewart Robinson, Lauren Lanier, Henry Lewis, and Tim Easley.

The installation is to take place February 26, 2006.

RECOGNITION OF JUDY SCLATER, ORGANIST FONDREN

The presbytery recognized Judy Sclater, organist at Fondren Presbyterian Church, upon her obtaining the status of Certified Church Musician (G-14.0800 ff). Ms. Sclater briefly addressed the presbytery.

COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY

(Continued)

Rev. Jim White presented the following items for information:

1. The Committee on Ministry has dismissed the following ministers to the presbyteries listed:

Paul Means to the Presbytery of the Mid-South

Harrison Morgan to Flint River Presbytery

Terry Swicegood to Grand Canyon Presbytery

Joe Wright to Mission Presbytery

2. The committee concurred with the request of First Presbyterian Church, Bay St. Louis, to approve the request of Rev. Ted Hanawalt that his pastoral relationship with the congregation be dissolved in order that he be able to accept the call of the Thalia Trinity Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach, VA, and that he be dismissed to the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia. In addition, Rev. Richard Jones, HR, has been hired as interim pastor.

3. The committee received correspondence from Rev. Leon Bracey, former pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church, Jackson, announcing his return to Mississippi and his willingness to serve up to two congregations in a part-time capacity.

4. The committee received correspondence from Suzanna (Suzi) Springler, DCE at the Parkway Presbyterian Church in Metairie, LA. Due to the illness of her father, she has relocated to Clinton, MS, and is seeking a full-time position within driving distance of Clinton. A copy of her Personal Information Form is available from Rev. Jim White (601-982-3232; jwwhite3220@earthlink.net).

5. The committee heard an update on the status of Rev. Jessie Jacobs, a Presbyterian Church in America minister who wishes to transfer to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). He re-took the ordination exams on January 27-28 and the Bible Content Exam on February 3.

6. The committee interviewed Rev. William Yount, a Presbyterian Church in America minister who wishes to return to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). He is the former librarian at Reformed Theological Seminary and is currently the head of the Hinds County Library in Clinton, MS. He was given provisional permission to take the ordination exams in August, pending further discussions with the Committee on Ministry.

7. The committee approved the classification of minister members of the presbytery as listed at the end of this report.

8. The committee expressed tremendous gratitude to Rev. Chris Bullock for his work in arranging the 2006 Pastors’ Renewal Retreat for April 20-23 at the Sandestin Resort near Destin, FL. Funding for this retreat was secured from donors outside the bounds of this presbytery and is designed to provide a real retreat for ministers in the Presbytery of Mississippi after a very tough year. The committee noted the kind and generous invitation of St. Andrew Presbytery to all church professionals and spouses to be their guests at their renewal retreat the weekend after Easter at Lake Tiacata at no cost. Further, the committee received a preliminary invitation from a presbytery in Missouri to host our retreat at Branson, MO, next year.

9. The committee expressed its gratitude to Rev. David Snellgrove for his service to the presbytery as interim executive presbyter at an extremely critical time in its life and work following the devastation of Katrina.

The following recommendations of the Committee on Ministry were then approved:

1. That the request of the session of First Presbyterian, Lucedale, and Rev. James V. Rackley that his relationship with the congregation as pastor be dissolved and that he be named stated supply of the congregation.

2. That the request of Rev. Lynn Miller, Rev. Jim White, and the session of Fondren Presbyterian Church, Jackson, MS, that her relationship as parish associate at Fondren be dissolved.

3. That Edwin J. Wolff be continued as commissioned lay pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Brookhaven for three years in keeping with his request and the request of the session of the congregation. In this regard, the committee recommends that ordinarily commissioned lay pastor relationships be approved annually for the first two years of the relationship but that consideration be given to longer extensions thereafter. The maximum extension allowed by the Book of Order (G-14.0801c) is three years.

4. That the commissioned lay pastor relationship between Wade Spooner and the United Presbyterian Church in Sandersville, MS be dissolved. Mr. Spooner has returned to Georgia to pursue business interests.

5. That the pastoral relationship between Rev. Brock Watson and Westminster Presbyterian Church of Natchez be dissolved pending the vote of the congregation and that Rev. Brock Watson be dismissed to John Calvin Presbytery.

6. That the following changes in the terms of call for Rev. William H. Jones be approved:

	2005	2006
Salary	$24,214.00	$24,940.42
Social Security Supplement	1,852.37	1,907.94
Housing Allowance	10,000.00	11,200.00
Medical/Pension/Disability	10,606.34	11,980.99
Automobile (as used)	200.00	600.00

In accord with the provisions of G – 11.0407, the Committee on Ministry recommends that the following categories of membership be approved as of January 1, 2006 for the continuing members of the Presbytery of Mississippi.

I. Active Members

A. In Service Within Congregations of This Church (G – 11.0406a; 11.0409)

George Barnett	Edward Hanawalt	Steve Ramp
Ned Beckes	Michael Herrin	Clarence Roberts
Charles Bowdler	Chas Jones	Sally Lodge Teel (Stated Supply)
Tim Brown	William Jones	Jim Truesdell
Steve Bryant	John Larson	Brock Watson
Chris Bullock	Geoffrey McLean	Andrew Wells
Roger Green	James Rackley	Jim White

B. In Other Service to This Church (G – 11.0406a; 11.0410)

John Dudley (Stated Clerk)

Joseph Martin (College Professor)

C. In Service Beyond the Jurisdiction of This Church (G – 11.0406a; 11.0411)

Joe Pack Arnold (Counselor)

Andrew Hoffecker (Seminary Professor)

Ron McFarland (Prison Chaplain)

D. Honorably Retired (G – 11.0406a; 11.0412)

Rims Barber Emett Barfield	David Daniels James Hardy	Cecil Ryland William Smith
Edward Berry	Norma Jones	Richard Swayze
Frank Brown	Paul Kendall	Morris Taylor (Pastor Emeritus)
Annie Bryant	John Kirstein	Calvin Triplett
Lionel Cable	Gordon Lyle	Newton Wilson
Roe Callaway	Su McLain	Robert Wilson
David Caldwell	Cecil Moore
Knox Chamblin	Harrison Morgan

II. Members-At-Large (G – 11.0406b; 11.0413)

Barron Banks	Theophilus King	Terry Swicegood
Martha Blount	Lynn Miller
Morris Ehrlich	David Ray

These classifications are as of January 1, 2006. On January 10, 2006 the Committee on Ministry dismissed Ted Hanawalt to the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia, Harrison Morgan to Flint River Presbytery, and Terry Swicegood to the Presbytery of Grand Canyon.

THANKS COMMITTEE AND RECESS FOR LUNCH

Rev. Jim Truesdell expressed the gratitude of the presbytery to Dr. A. M. “Bubba” Martin for his inspiring message in the worship service and to the pastor, elders, members, and staff of Covenant Presbyterian Church for the splendid way in which they hosted this meeting. Mr. Truesdell then led the presbytery in prayer, giving thanks to God for his providential care over us.

The presbytery reconvened at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Covenant Presbyterian Church, Jackson.

ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION FOR DISASTER RECOVERY

Dr. George Bates, Moderator of the Administrative Commission for Disaster Recovery presented the following report:

Introduction:

Since the last presbytery meeting in October the Administrative Commission has met once and held two telephone conference calls. It was decided to conduct further business by conference call unless judgment requires a meeting of the commission.

Progress in recovery is occurring every day, sometimes in small amounts and sometimes in larger amounts. The success in hosting volunteer teams and in getting funding for recovery programs has made all the difference in what we have been able to do. Ecumenical opportunities have emerged that we had no notion of in the beginning. Staff and volunteers of all faiths have truly concentrated on commonalities and put aside any differences which may have existed.

Examples of Ecumenical Work

a. First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs has formed a relation with and hosted several volunteer teams from a Moravian Church in Mt. Airy, NC.

b. Westminster Presbyterian Church has hosted two Hillel groups (Jewish college students).

c. The Presbytery of Mississippi has joined with the Lutheran-Episcopal Relief Agency to operate a warehouse for storing and distributing relief supplies and materials.

d. Your presbytery representative participates in meetings and activities of The Gulf Coast Interfaith Disaster Task Force.

Funding

Received

a. Initial Presbytery Disaster Assistance $200,000

b. Presbytery Disaster Assistance Grant to each church @ $10,000 110,000

c. Outreach Foundation Grant 113,000

d. Presbytery Disaster Assistance Construction Grant 500,000

e. Contributions from churches, presbyteries, individuals, etc. +/-500,000

f. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Grant for Pastor’s Retreat 6,000

Pending

a. Grant proposal to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to complete repairs and renovations to churches

1,746,000

Staff

Disaster Recovery Coordinator: George T. Bates

Assistant to the Disaster Recovery Coordinator: Linda B. Bates

Site Managers-Westminster: Pearce Sunderland

Long Beach: Chris Barnhart

Ocean Springs: Rob Lee*

Gautier: Susan Duffee-Braun

Pascagoula: Brad Lewis*

Bay St. Louis: Sam Thompson*

Floating: John Foutch

*Not on presbytery payroll

Partnerships

Partnerships with other churches and presbyteries have proven to be vital in the recovery effort. Relationships formed through partnerships have brought about return volunteer teams and contributions of funds and goods. Prayers of partners have lifted the spirits of church members and have shown them that other folks DO care. The Disaster Recovery Coordinator is in position to match potential partners with churches and is attempting to balance the number of partnerships.

Volunteer Teams to Date

Seven Churches have been hosting volunteer teams. Early on, Diamondhead also hosted teams. Below is a summary of their activities.

Church	Number of Teams	Number of Volunteers	Activities
Bay St. Louis	108	1100	clean/spray/gut 170 dry wall/h&f 60 new roofs 30
Diamondhead	20	240	debris removal 60
Long Beach	15	240	renovate church 1 clean/spray/gut 6 dry wall/h&f 5 new roofs 11
Pascagoula	19	260	debris removal 40 clean/spray/gut 20 dry wall/h&f 20 elec. rewiring 10
Gautier	33	363	debris removal 57 clean/spray/gut 45
Ocean Springs	70	725	debris removal 77 clean/spray/gut 60 dry wall/h&f 25
Handsboro	17	120	debris removal 16 clean/spray/gut 10 new roofs 5
Westminster	61	948

As of February 4, 2006 over 5,325 volunteers from Presbyterian congregations have served the Lord in relief efforts on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE

Rev. Michael Herrin presented the report of the Nominations Committee. The following people were elected to the committees indicated:

Rev. Rims Barber – Committee on Representation, Class of 2007

Rev. George Barnett – Committee on Representation, Class of 2008

Trish Melvin – Trustees, Class of 2009

Rev. Tim Brown – Preparation for Ministry, Class of 2009

Bobby Robinson – Committee on Ministry, Class of 2009

Jim Bell – Mission, Class of 2009

Norma Loposser – Kaleidoscope

David St. Louis – Church Extension, Class of 2009

The presbytery then met in clusters to elect members of the Nominations Committee. The following were elected:

Southwest Cluster – Harry Young, Class of 2009 (Elder, J. J. White Memorial)

Hattiesburg/Laurel/Meridian Cluster – Sam Buchanan, Class of 2009 (Elder, Pineview)

Jackson Cluster – Rev. Martha Blount, Class of 2007

Alice Ewing, Class of 2009 (Elder, Covenant)

Coast Cluster – Russell Thompson, Class of 2007 (Elder, Ocean Springs)

Rev. Jim Rackley (2009)

PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY

Rev. John Larson reported for the Committee on Preparation for Ministry. The presbytery approved the committee’s recommendation that Sarah Melton Craig be removed from the roll of candidates. (Ms. Craig had requested such action.)

Presbytery then examined Scott Castleman, an inquirer from Covenant Presbyterian Church, with respect to his Christian Faith, forms of Christian service undertaken, and motives for seeking the ministry. The examination was approved and Scott Castleman was received as a candidate, giving affirmative response to the questions contained in G-14.0305f. Presbytery waived the time requirement of G-14.0303e for Scott Castleman. (See G-14.0313c.)

Neither the Committee on Representation nor the Trustees presented a report.

CHRISTIAN NURTURE COMMITTEE

Dr. George Bates presented the following report:

Another successful Kaleidoscope event was held this past weekend at First-Trinity, Laurel.  Approximately 150 people from all over the presbytery were in attendance.  Dr. Darrel Guder of Princeton Seminary provided excellent insight into the missional church.  Many thanks to members of our host church who did an excellent job of hosting the event.

After a lapse of three years, Presbytery Junior Camp will resume this summer at Percy Quin State Park near McComb.  The camp will be for rising fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh graders. The dates are July 17 - 22.   Brochures and registration forms are available on the registration desk.  Please take several home with you and distribute them to families with children in this age range.  A grant has been received from Church World Service to help sponsor the camp.  The first eighty children to register will receive scholarships which cover 100% of the cost!  The "Camp Noah" curriculum developed by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will be used.  This is a great opportunity for a week of fun and learning.

CHURCH EXTENSION COMMITTEE

Rev. Michael Herrin presented the following report:

1. Since the Presbytery of Mississippi adopted a new aid policy at its last stated meeting, the Church Extension Committee was able to grant aid to three congregations for the year 2006, two of which have called Commissioned Lay Pastors. The Church Extension Committee heartily endorses the Commissioned Lay Pastor program as a good way for small-membership congregations to meet their pastoral care needs.

2. The Church Extension Committee was specially tasked at the October 2005 meeting of presbytery to “work with the Pilgrim Grove church to seek to rehabilitate it.” The committee met with the congregation in December, and the congregation agreed to redouble its efforts to keep their mortgage payments current and to work to increase attendance at worship. Commissioned Lay Pastor Mattie Jordan agreed to provide pastoral care for the congregation for the year 2006, and the Church Extension Committee agreed to provide aid to the congregation for pastoral support. The Church Extension Committee is hopeful that Pilgrim Grove will thrive under this arrangement.

3. The Church Extension Committee has recommended to the Council that $5000 of the funds designated for pastoral support in the 2006 budget be redesignated for Commissioned Lay Pastor training support. In this way, the Church Extension Committee hopes to encourage all those Presbyterians who are interested in serving as Commissioned Lay Pastors to undergo the necessary training. Since the Committee on Ministry is currently tasked with providing this training, interested persons should contact the Committee on Ministry and express their interest. Once a class of trainees has been assembled, those needing financial aid can then apply to the Church Extension Committee by contacting the committee moderator.

4. The Church Extension Committee is excited about the possibilities of New Church Development and redevelopment along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Church Extension Committee is convinced, however, that the key to successful development and redevelopment projects is to find the right pastoral personnel to gather and then shepherd congregations.

MISSION COMMITTEE

Mr. Bob Friley presented the following report:

George Bates, Bob Friley, and Joe Martin attended the New Global Mission Conference at Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, October 20-22, 2005. Your Mission Committee was part of the workshop agenda for this conference, and it was an unqualified success. While in Atlanta, we had the opportunity to meet with Rev. Erivan Júnior, president of the presbytery of the Northeast (IPI) from Brazil. We discussed plans for the continuation of our partnership. Members from our presbytery will be traveling to Brazil later this year to finalize the new agreement.

Jango Miranda from our partner presbytery in Brazil was also part of our program. Jango and his wife Sandra traveled to Mississippi as our guests on October 28-November 1 and visited our churches that were damaged by Katrina. We met with many of the pastors, and it was awesome to witness the prayerful exchange between pastors of different countries and cultures. Rev. Dick Swayze traveled with our team. Rev. Sally-Lodge Teel hosted us while in Gulfport. As always, God was in our midst. George and Linda Bates hosted Jango and Sandra during other portions of their visit. Jango spoke at Westminster Presbyterian Church while in Natchez.

The Cistern Project with the Presbytery of the Northeast in Brazil remains a very important project of this presbytery. We urge congregations to continue to support this project. Current cost of a cistern has risen to over $400, and we are lagging in our promised support of fifty new cisterns a year. Please help us meet this important goal. This project will continue under our new agreement.

The pre-school at São Sebastião which began with thirty children, now is benefitting over forty children. In addition to the educational aspect, these children and their families also receive the benefit of clean water through a purification system that was installed by our Mission Team in June 2004. A new church building at São Sebastião will begin construction soon. The cost of supporting one child remains at approximately $20 per month.

Closer to home, Verniece Goode continues to expand and coordinate the Spanish ministry in Laurel.

Bill Young, director of Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship, will be in Jackson March 26 – 28. Covenant Presbyterian Church in Jackson will host Mr. Young on Sunday, March 26. A reception is being planned in his honor on Sunday evening at the church. Everyone is invited to attend. On Monday, March 27 a luncheon with Mr. Young is being planned for area pastors and invited guests. Our Mission Committee will meet at Belhaven at 10 a.m. prior to the luncheon. The meeting will take place in the Joy Lackey Conference Room on the second floor of the Student Center at Belhaven College. The lunch will be in the same room. Bill will speak in the chapel on Tuesday March 28, at 11:00 a.m. Anyone who can attend is invited to do so.

Several of our churches are involved with other mission work, mostly in Mexico and Central and South America. Please continue to pray for this important work.

HUNGER SUBCOMMITTEE

Ms. Sara Brown, presbytery’s Hunger Action Enabler, presented the following report:

1. The Living Waters for the World offering has been renamed. It is now the Clean Water offering. This offering will be received February 19, 2006. Please send your congregation’s offering to the presbytery office.

2. One Great Hour of Sharing packets should have been received at all churches. This offering is to be received on Easter, April 16, 2006. Each year a portion of this offering is used for disaster relief. The Mississippi Gulf Coast and other areas affected by Katrina have already benefited from the 2005 One Great Hour of Sharing offering.

3. Certificates for One Great Hour of Sharing will be presented at this meeting.

4. Information on Blanket Sunday is on the display table in the foyer. Blankets were sent to the coast through Church World Service.

ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION ON ORANGE GROVE

Rev. Chas Jones reported on behalf of the Administrative Commission on Orange Grove:

The Orange Grove Administrative Commission was appointed by presbytery to deal with the situation at Orange Grove, and the commission has been active in recent weeks seeking the means to encourage the revitalization of the congregation. A proposal has emerged that we submit for presbytery’s approval and action. The proposal is to provide a full-time pastor for the yoked congregations of Orange Grove and Handsboro churches.

This proposal has the unanimous support of the Orange Grove Administrative Commission, the Administrative Commission for Disaster Recovery, and the sessions of Orange Grove and Handsboro. The two commissions have worked together to produce the necessary funding for this position, based upon both congregations contributing $7,500 each for the next three years and the Administrative Commission for Disaster Recovery contributing out of the funds at its disposal the sum of $30,000 per year for the next three years. This would create a total compensation package of around $45,000 per year plus the use of the manse at Handsboro for the pastor called to this position. It is anticipated the position would become self-funding after that time, as new practical and spiritual growth is generated in both locations as the result of this proposal.

In approving this proposal, presbytery would be taking action to help stimulate the long-term recovery of this part of the coast, giving a full-time pastor the opportunity to minister in an area of the presbytery that has not received the services of a full-time pastor for many years.

Accordingly, the Orange Grove Commission proposes the following to presbytery:

• That presbytery approve in principle the yoking of Orange Grove and Handsboro churches under a full-time called pastor and remit this matter to the Committee on Ministry for their oversight and action.
• That the session of Orange Grove, currently numbering four members, be granted a waiver by presbytery to set aside rotation of elder classes, in accordance with G14.0202(b).
• That the emergency arrangements made with Rev. George Barnett (Long Beach) to conduct worship at Orange Grove and moderate the session there be continued until a full-time pastor is called and begins service.
• That the services of Rev. Curt Burge, temporary supply at Handsboro, be continued until a full-time pastor is called and begins service.
• That the Orange Grove Administrative Commission remain in place until a full-time pastor is called and begins service.

The five recommendations of the commission were approved.

BILLS AND OVERTURES COMMITTEE

Rev. Charles Bowdler presented the report of the Bills and Overtures Committee. The committee recommended approval of the overture from the session of Covenant Presbyterian Church. A motion was made to amend the overture by deleting the words “and debilitating” from the last line of the first paragraph under “Now Therefore Be It Resolved”. The motion failed. Presbytery then approved the recommendation of the Committee on Bills and Overtures.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS TO SYNOD

The following written reports of presbytery’s commissioners to synod were received as information:

SYNOD REPORT

by Morris Taylor

The twenty-fourth stated meeting of the Synod of Living Waters was held January 30-31, 2006, at Grace Presbyterian Church in Trussville, Alabama, near Birmingham. Rev. Chris Jones, host pastor, led the opening worship service and Holy Communion. The synod elected as moderator Rev. Thomas Pickering, pastor of Cordova Presbyterian Church in the Presbytery of the Mid South. Elder Patrick Smith of First Presbyterian Church, Sheffield, Alabama, was elected Vice Moderator. The synod concurred with the Executive Committee=s hiring of Janet Hilley as Interim Editor of the Voice and Steve Young as Living Waters of the World Administrator.

The highlight of the meeting was George Bates= report on hurricane relief efforts. The synod voted to give $22,000 to Mississippi Presbytery for use on the Gulf Coast.

At the dinner meeting, the synod said farewell to Jane Hines, Director of Communication, who is retiring March 1, 2006. Jane=s long-time service to the synod was celebrated by Emett Barfield, Warner Durnell, Betty Meadows, and Morris Taylor.

The morning worship service January 31 was led by our moderator Tom Pickering. Synod committee reports were received. Dr. Bubba Martin extended an invitation to the synod to meet next year in one of our churches on the coast.

SYNOD REPORT

by Greg Elmore

The Synod of Living Waters met at Grace Presbyterian Church in Trussville, Alabama January 30-31, 2006.

Rev. Chris Jones, host pastor, led the opening worship service which included the celebration of Holy Communion.

The outgoing moderator, Ruth Collins, introduced new commissioners, executive presbyters, corresponding members, and visitors.

Rev. Tom Pickering, pastor of Cordova Presbyterian Church in the Presbytery of the Mid South, was installed as the new moderator. Elder Patrick Smith of North Alabama Presbytery is the new vice-moderator.

Rev. Terry Newland gave the report of the synod executive/treasurer. He noted that the synod finished 2005 $22,000 above budget.

Elder Dr. George Bates, accompanied by his wife Linda, gave the report of the Administration Commission for Disaster Recovery of the Presbytery of Mississippi. It was a heart-warming presentation and very well received. After this report Rev. Morris Taylor moved that the $22,000 synod surplus be given to the relief efforts of the Presbytery of Mississippi. This motion was approved.

Dr. Bubba Martin invited synod to meet on the Gulf Coast for the January 2007 meeting. No decision was made inasmuch as synod has also received an invitation to meet in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

After dinner in the fellowship hall, Rev. Emett Barfield and Rev. Warner Durnell honored Jane Hines as retiring editor of the Presbyterian Voice. Rev. Morris Taylor announced the Jane Hines Scholarship that is being funded as a tribute to her many years of faithful service to the synod.

Once again the minutes of the Presbytery of Mississippi were approved without exception.

I thank the presbytery for the honor and privilege of serving as commissioner to synod.

REVIEW OF SESSIONAL RECORDS

Rev. Jim White reported on the review of sessional records conducted by the Committee on Ministry. The minutes of the following sessions were approved without exception:

First Brookhaven, First Canton, Diamondhead, Orange Grove, Westminster Hattiesburg, Briarwood, Covenant, Faith, Fondren, Saint Luke’s, Liberty, Unity Memorial, Long Beach, First Lucedale, Grace Chapel, Magnolia, J. J. White Memorial, Jones Memorial, Prospect, Trinity, First Natchez, Westminster Natchez, Osyka, Pineville, Ruth Memorial, First Port Gibson, Toomsuba, Yokena, Wiggins

The minutes of the following sessions were approved with exceptions:

Gautier, Vernal, First Vicksburg

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, presbytery was adjourned with prayer by Rev. William Jones at 2:20 p.m. to meet in its next stated meeting at First Presbyterian Church in Natchez on Saturday, May 20, 2006 at 9:00 a.m.

Rev. Chris Bullock, Moderator

Rev. John C. Dudley, Stated Clerk

ATTEST: _________________________________

John C. Dudley, Stated Clerk