OFFICERS AND STAFF OF THE PRESBYTERY OF MISSISSIPPI

OFFICERS AND STAFF OF THE PRESBYTERY OF MISSISSIPPI

MODERATOR	Ms. Peggie Herrington (2007), 2523 Guedon Road, Church Hill 39120-9460 (442-2066); joenpeg@netdoor.com
VICE MODERATOR	Rev. Charles Bowdler (2007), 620 Briarwood Dr., Jackson 39211 (956-4553; 605-6009); bowdler1@aol.com
STATED CLERK	Rev. John C. Dudley, D.Min. (2010), 710 S. 28^th Ave., Suite A, Hattiesburg, 39402 (582-9135; 268-6225; FAX 582-9136); theelderjohn@yahoo.com
EXECUTIVE PRESBYTER	Rev. William A. dePrater, D. Min. (2009), 710 S. 28^th Ave., Suite A, Hattiesburg, 39402 (582-9135; FAX 582-9136); wadepraterIII@aol.com
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT	Mrs. Beverly Strong, 710 S. 28^th Ave. Suite A, Hattiesburg, 39402 (582-9135; FAX 582-9136)
CAMPUS MINISTRY DIRECTOR	Mrs. Amy Ruff, 115 North 25^th Avenue, Hattiesburg, 39401 (545-1922; 261-0922); amyruff@yahoo.com
HUNGER ACTION ENABLER	Mrs. Sara Brown, 166 Dogwood Trail, Laurel, 39443 (649-8054)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Minutes of the Stated Meeting – October 25, 2007

Roll…………………………………………………………………………………….Pages 2-4

Report of Stated Clerk ……………………………………………………………………..4-10

Overtures ……………………………………………………………………………………..7-9

Presbytery Council ………………………………………………………………………..10-18

Revised Policy on Property ………………………………………………………………12-17

Finance Subcommittee………………………………………………………………………..17

Administrative Commission for Disaster Recovery …………………………………..…...19

Administrative Commission for J.J. White Memorial………………………………………19

Administrative Commission for Grace Chapel …………………………………………20-21

Committee on Ministry ……………………………………………………………………21-22

Agreement with Covenant Presbyterian Church ………………………………………22-23

Nominations Committee ………………………………………………………………….24-27

Other Ecclesiastical Committees…………………………………………………………….27

Program Committees…………………………………………………………………….. 28-30

Review of Session Minutes ………………………………………………………………….30

Bills and Overtures ………………………………………………………………………..30-31

Adjournment …………………………………………………………………………………...31

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.

STATED MEETING

October 25, 2007

The Presbytery of Mississippi met for its eightieth stated meeting at First Presbyterian Church in historic Port Gibson, Mississippi on Thursday, October 25, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. with the Moderator, Elder Peggie Herrington, presiding. The meeting began with the worship service led by Rev. Michael Herrin, pastor of the host church. The sermon, titled “Presbytery – God’s Trust in Us” and based upon Romans 14:1 – 8, was delivered by Rev. David Daniels, the senior-most member of the presbytery. During the worship service the stated clerk presented the following memorials for ruling elders who had died since October 19, 2006 and whose names had been reported to presbytery:

Waverly Artz; First Vicksburg; June 9, 2007

Gerald E. Braddock; First Vicksburg; July 1, 2007

Jim Cantrell; First Ocean Springs; December 8, 2006

Robert L. Carroll; First-Trinity; February 22, 2007

Lamar Carroon; Briarwood; May 19, 2007

J.C. Dixon; Pisgah; April 1, 2007

Negley England; Briarwood; September 20, 2007

Roger Lind; Briarwood; March 30, 2007

Clifton McLeod; Vernal; December 1, 2006

Paul D. Mullendore; Magnolia; October 13, 2006

Eliza Phillips; First Brookhaven; July 12, 2007

Daniel Pipkins; Vernal; October 12, 2006

George Reed; First Ocean Springs; February 22, 2007

Fred Roseman; Diamondhead; February 6, 2007

Robert Dunbar Wade, Jr.; First Port Gibson; July 20, 2007

George Watkins; Diamondhead; January 21, 2007

ROLL

A quorum was present with the following twenty ministers and thirty-one elders enrolled for the meeting:

Churches	Ministers	Elders

Bay St. Louis, First	Rob Butler	Virgil Harris
Bay Springs, Gavin Chapel	vacant	Fannie Triplett
Brookhaven, First	Edwin J. Wolff, CLP	excused
Canton, First	vacant	F.W. McKay, Jr.
Diamondhead, Diamondhead	Chas Jones*	excused
Gautier, Gautier	Chris Bullock*	Pamela Martin
Gulfport, Handsboro	Scott Castleman	Norma Loposser
Gulfport, New Life Community	Scott Castleman	excused
Gulfport, Westminster	George Bendall* Karen Bullock,* Int. Assoc.Pastor	Pearce Sunderland
Hattiesburg, Pineview	T.S.	Sarah Amos
Hattiesburg, Westminster	Steve Ramp	Lola Norris
Heidelberg, Fairview	vacant	Herietta Bender
Heidelberg, McFarland	vacant	without representation
Heidelberg, Pisgah	vacant	without representation
Jackson, Briarwood	Charles Bowdler	Carol Busbee
Jackson, Faith	William Jones	Shirley G. Middleton
Jackson, Fondren	vacant	Helen Boone
Jackson, St. Luke’s	vacant	Sallie Wilson
Kosciusko, Alexander Memorial	vacant	without representation
Laurel, First-Trinity	James Truesdell	Sara Brown
Liberty, Liberty	vacant	Robin Stratton
Liberty, Unity Memorial	vacant	Tom Lewis
Long Beach, Long Beach	Richard Jones, I.P.*	Ruth Lewis
Lucedale, First	James Rackley, S.S.	Margaret Read
Lucedale, Vernal	vacant	Norma Bassett
Madison, Grace Chapel	vacant	without representation
Magnolia, Magnolia	Charles Ray, CLP**	without representation
McComb, J.J. White Memorial	vacant	Becky Morgan
Meridian, Jones Memorial	T.S.	Jerry Snell
Meridian, Prospect	T.S.	Rachel Covington
Meridian, Trinity	Cory Stott	Nelson Hall
Natchez, First	John Larson	Larry Brown
Natchez, Westminster	Marc Mihail	Wallace Willard Peggie Herrington***
Newton, Pilgrim Grove	Mattie Jordan, CLP**	without representation
Ocean Springs, First	Tim Brown*	without representation
Osyka, Osyka	vacant	without representation
Pascagoula, First	Clint Regen*	without representation
Pass Christian, Pineville	T.S.	Vance Sprague
Poplarville, Ruth Memorial	Sally-Lodge Teel, S.S.*	excused
Port Gibson, First	Michael Herrin	John Torrey
Sandersville, United	vacant	without representation
Toomsuba, Toomsuba	vacant	without representation
Vicksburg, First	Tim Erskine	Louis Field Bobby Robinson
Vicksburg, Yokena	David Daniels, S.S.	John Hyland
Wiggins, Wiggins	Bill Pettey, CLP*	excused
=Excused =Absent Without Excuse **=G.11.0101c

Other Ministers Present: Bill dePrater, John Dudley, Andy Hoffecker, Theophilus King, Clarence Roberts, Morris Taylor, and Richard Swayze

Other Ministers with Excused Absence: All honorably retired ministers, except those listed above as being present, George Barnett, Martha Blount, Skip Ehrlich, Joe Martin, and Lynn Miller

Ministers Absent without Excuse: Joe Pack Arnold, Barron Banks, Ron McFarland, and David Ray,

Corresponding Members: none

Other Visitors: George Bates (moderator of Mission Committee), Linda Bates, Jim Cassell, Martha Cherry, Greg Elmore, Susie Lee Harrison, Connie Hartfield, Myra Hester (moderator of Presbyterian Women), Bubba Martin (moderator of Administrative Commission for Grace Chapel), Larry Mills (Belhaven College), Carolyn Newell, Jimmie Person, R.L. Richardson (moderator of the Administrative Commission for Disaster Recovery), Hilda Roberts, Robert St. John, Clark Simmons (Board of Pensions), Linda Soons, Roger Soons, Annie Ruth Thigpen, Nuhad Tomeh (Middle East Council of Churches)

The docket presented by the stated clerk, Rev. John Dudley, was adopted. Ms. Herrington appointed Dr. Steve Ramp and elders Louis Fields and Norma Loposser to the Bills and Overtures Committee. Rev. William Jones was appointed to the Thanks Committee. Rev. Michael Herrin welcomed the presbytery to First 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. The minutes of the Commission to install Rev. George Bendall as pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church of Gulfport were received and admitted to record.

Minutes of the Commission to Install Rev. George Bendall

Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Gulfport

The commission to install Rev. George Bendall as pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church of Gulfport, Mississippi met on August 12, 2007 at 2:40 p.m. in the pastor’s study with Rev. Dr. Bill dePrater serving as moderator. The moderator opened the meeting with prayer. The following members of the commission, constituting a quorum, were present: Rev Chris Bullock, Rev Karen Bullock, Rev. Dr. Bill dePrater, Rev. Dr. John Dudley, Rev. Clint Regen, Rev. Sally-Lodge Teel and elders Scott Ellzey, Tom McIlwaine, and William Pettey. Elder Jean Summerfield of West Virginia Presbytery was also invited to sit with the commission. Dr. Dudley was elected to serve as the clerk of the commission. The commission reviewed the order of worship for the installation service. It was agreed that the meeting of the commission would be closed with the benediction in the worship service and that the moderator and clerk would review and approve the minutes afterwards. Members of the commission then entered the sanctuary for the installation service.

Rev. Karen Bullock preached the sermon, titled “A Future with Hope” and based upon

Philippians 1:1 – 11. Dr. dePrater then propounded the constitutional questions (G – 14.0405) to Rev. George Bendall. Elder Scott Ellzey directed the constitutional questions (G – 14.0510a) to the congregation. Dr. Dudley then led in the prayer of installation. Rev. Chris Bullock gave a charge to the newly installed pastor, and Ms. Summerfield gave a charge to the congregation. Also leading in the worship service was Rev. Clint Regen. The service was concluded with the pronouncement of the benediction by Rev. George Bendall.

3. The minutes of the Commission to install Rev. Rob Butler as pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Bay St. Louis were received and admitted to record.

Minutes of the Commission to Install Rev. Rob Butler

Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Bay St. Louis

The commission to install Rev. Rob Butler as pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi met on June 3, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. at the church with Rev. Dr. Bill dePrater serving as moderator. The meeting was opened with prayer by Ms. Norma Loposser. The following members of the commission, constituting a quorum, were present: Rev. Dr. Bill dePrater, Rev. Dr. Steve Ramp, and elders Harry Collins, Virgil Harris, Norma Loposser, and Vance Sprague. Dr. Ramp was elected to serve as the clerk of the commission. The commission reviewed the order of worship for the installation service. It was agreed that the meeting of the commission would be closed with the benediction in the worship service and that the moderator and clerk would review and approve the minutes afterwards. Members of the commission then entered the sanctuary for the installation service.

Dr. Ramp preached the sermon, titled “The Generosity of God” and based upon Genesis 18:16 – 23. Dr. dePrater then propounded the constitutional questions (G – 14.0405) to Mr. Butler. Elder Virgil Harris directed the constitutional questions (G – 14.0510a) to the congregation. Dr. dePrater then led in the prayer of installation. Following the prayer Dr. dePrater gave a charge to the newly installed pastor, and Elder Norma Loposser gave a charge to the congregation. Elder Hank Holcomb also participated in the leading of the worship service. The service was concluded with the pronouncement of the benediction by Rev. Rob Butler.

4. The minutes of the Commission to install Rev. Tim Erskine as pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Vicksburg were received and admitted to record.

Minutes of the Commission to Install Rev. Tim Erskine

Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Vicksburg

The commission to install Rev. Tim Erskine as pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Vicksburg, Mississippi met on July 15, 2007 at 3:50 p.m. at the church with Rev. Dr. Bill dePrater serving as moderator. The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev. Dr. Steve Ramp. The following members of the commission, constituting a quorum, were present: Rev. Dr. Bill dePrater, Rev. Dr. Steve Ramp, and elders Louis Field and Bob Friley. Rev. Bob Bullock of Cherokee Presbytery was also invited to sit with the commission. Dr. Ramp was elected to serve as the clerk of the commission. The commission reviewed the order of worship for the installation service. It was agreed that the meeting of the commission would be closed with the benediction in the worship service and that the moderator and clerk would review and approve the minutes afterwards. Members of the commission then entered the sanctuary for the installation service.

Rev. Bob Bullock preached the sermon, titled “In the Sight of God” and based upon

I Timothy 6:11 – 16. Elder Bob Friley then propounded the constitutional questions (G – 14.0405) to Rev. Tim Erskine. Elder Louis Field directed the constitutional questions

(G – 14.0510a) to the congregation. (Name) then led in the prayer of installation.

Dr. dePrater gave a charge to the newly installed pastor, and Dr. Ramp gave a charge to the congregation. Also leading in the worship service were Jay Hall, Schuyler Oaks, and Jessie Oldham. The service was concluded with the pronouncement of the benediction by Rev. Tim Erskine.

5. The minutes of the Commission to install Dr. Marc Mihail as pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church of Natchez were received and admitted to record.

Minutes of the Commission to Install Rev. Dr. Marc Mihail

Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Natchez

The commission to install Rev. Dr. Marc Mihail as pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church of Natchez, Mississippi met on Sunday, July 8, 2007 at 4:40 p.m. at the church. The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev. John Larson. The following members of the commission, constituting a quorum, were present: Rev. Dr. Bill dePrater, Rev. Michael Herrin, Rev. John Larson, Rev. Dr. Steve Ramp, and elders Joan Gandy, Peggie Herrington, Robert St. John, and Wallace Willard. Dr. dePrater was elected to serve as the moderator of the commission, and Rev. Michael Herrin was elected clerk. The commission reviewed the order of worship for the installation service. Rev. John Larson moved that Rev. Michael Herrin be appointed to pronounce the declaration of installation. Dr. Ramp seconded the motion which was approved without dissent. It was moved and seconded that the moderator and clerk meet after the service to approve the minutes. The motion was approved. It was agreed that the meeting of the commission would be closed with the benediction in the worship service. Elder Robert St. John offered a prayer, after which members of the commission entered the sanctuary for the installation service.

Dr. Ramp preached the sermon, titled “The Strange Shape of Ministry” and based upon Acts 15 and 16. Dr. dePrater then propounded the constitutional questions (G – 14.0405) to Dr. Mihail. Elder Robert St. John directed the constitutional questions (G – 14.0510a) to the congregation. Rev. Michael Herrin then led in the prayer of installation after which he declared Rev. Dr. Marc Mihail to be installed as pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Rev. John Larson gave a charge to the newly installed pastor, and Ms. Peggie Herrington gave a charge to the congregation. The service was concluded with the pronouncement of the benediction by Rev. Dr. Marc Mihail

6. Certificates of dismissal have been received for Rev. George Bendall (Presbytery of West Virginia), Rev. Rob Butler (Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley), Rev. Tim Erskine (Cherokee Presbytery), and Rev. Marc Mihail (Presbytery of Alaska).

7. The stated clerk reported that the annual audit for 2006 required by the Book of Order has been completed. Copies are available in the presbytery office.

8. The following overture from the session of Briarwood Presbyterian Church was referred to the Bills and Overtures Committee.

Overture from Briarwood Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

To the Presbytery of Mississippi

Whereas we are living in times of tremendous change in the mainline church and society, and

Whereas for the year 2007 the presbytery had an $80,000.00 shortfall in contributions to the benevolence budget, and

Whereas the Synod of Living Waters gave the Presbytery of Mississippi a grant of $80,000.00 to cover our 2007 budget deficit, but such funds will not be available for 2008, and

Whereas Covenant Presbyterian Church, one of the presbytery’s largest congregations, has been dismissed to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, and

Whereas J. J. White Memorial Presbyterian Church, another one of the presbytery’s larger congregations, has lost approximately half its membership due to a defection of members who are in the process of forming a Presbyterian Church in America congregation in McComb, and

Whereas Grace Chapel, the presbytery’s congregation with the greatest innate potential for growth because of the demographics of Madison County, has voted to disaffiliate from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and become a part of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, and

Whereas a number of our congregations depend on the presbytery for financial support;

Therefore, the Session of Briarwood Presbyterian Church respectfully overtures the Presbytery of Mississippi to form a task force at its October 2007 stated meeting, comprised of the Moderator, the Vice Moderator, and the chairpersons of the presbytery’s ecclesiastical and program committees, to explore all the options available to the presbytery, including, but not limited to: staffing models, the scope of the presbytery’s work, and the presbytery’s possible connections with St. Andrew Presbytery and South Alabama Presbytery, and that the task force report to the presbytery at the February 2008 stated meeting.

Respectfully requested on this 25^th day of August in the year of our Lord 2007.

9. The following overture from the session of First Presbyterian Church of Port Gibson was referred to the Bills and Overtures Committee.

Resolution on the Property of

Bethel Presbyterian Church

Whereas the Presbytery of South Mississippi, at its stated meeting on May 22, 1962, made the Bethel Presbyterian Church “an outpost of the Port Gibson Presbyterian Church,” and

Whereas the session of the First Presbyterian Church of Port Gibson transferred the members of the Bethel Presbyterian Church to the roll of the First Presbyterian Church of Port Gibson on December 4, 1962, and

Whereas the session of the First Presbyterian Church of Port Gibson holds two worship services at Bethel Presbyterian Church every year, and

Whereas the First Presbyterian Church of Port Gibson has overseen the maintenance of the property of the Bethel Presbyterian Church for over 40 years, recently painting the interior and the exterior of Bethel’s sanctuary, and

Whereas the Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church of Port Gibson will in all likelihood need to take out a loan to replace the roof and the steeple on the Bethel Presbyterian Church in the near future,

The Presbytery of Mississippi hereby

Resolves that the congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Port Gibson is empowered to act as legal successors to the trustees of the Bethel Presbyterian Church.

10. The following overture from the Task Force on the Form of Government appointed by council was referred to the Bills and Overtures Committee.

The Presbytery of Mississippi overtures the 218^th General Assembly to

Receive the report and recommendations of the Form of Government (FOG) Task Force, and

Entrust the proposed FOG revision to the church for at least a two-year period of study, discernment, and consideration of the advisability of further action.

Rationale

The Form of Government Task Force was established by the 217^th General Assembly to prepare a revised Form of Government (FOG) for the church’s consideration. The Task Force was directed to issue its report to the church no later than September 1, 2007, to allow sessions, presbyteries and synods ample time to study the proposed FOG and, if necessary, suggest amendments to it. This simply has not provided enough time for governing bodies to comprehend fully, let alone critique effectively this lengthy and important document before the deadline for introducing business related to constitutional changes.

For example, the Mississippi Presbytery Council met on September 27, and appointed a committee of four to study the proposed Foundations and FOG and make a recommendation to the presbytery, which was to meet on October 25. During their necessarily swift study of the proposed Foundations and FOG, different members of the committee came to widely disparate conclusions, ranging from a desire to vote down the whole project, to a desire to significantly rework the documents. More time to study both documents would probably have yielded greater agreement, but more time simply was not available if the Presbytery was to be able to take action.

There is simply no need to rush the acceptance of what even the members of the Task Force recognize as a radical change in our church’s governance. A period of study and discernment of at least two years in length will cost us nothing, and will undoubtedly result in a stronger Form of Government that will serve the church well for years to come.

11. The following overture from the session of First Presbyterian Church of Vicksburg was referred to the Bills and Overtures Committee.

Resolved, that the Presbytery of Mississippi support and concur with the overture to the 218^th General Assembly from Cherokee Presbytery requesting the adoption of the following authoritative interpretation of G-6.0108 of the Book of Order:

A governing body is not permitted to ordain or install a candidate for deacon, elder, or minister of the Word and Sacrament after determining that the candidate has departed, without repentance, from the standards for ordination expressly provided in the Book of Order. Such unrepentant departure is a failure to adhere to the essentials of Reformed polity, and is a negative answer to the required constitutional question: “Will you be governed by our church’s polity?” Provisions of the Book of Order are signified as being standards by the use of the term “shall,” “is/are to be,” “requirement,” or equivalent expression.

12. A request from the session of Toomsuba Presbyterian Church for a waiver from the requirements of G-14.0201a was granted.

REPORT FROM THE MIDDLE EAST COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

Rev. Jim Truesdell introduced Rev. Nuhad Tomeh, Presbyterian Church (USA) missionary who works with the Middle East Council of Churches in Beirut, Lebanon. Mr. Tomeh spoke of the work of the council in ecumenical relations and in relief efforts with Iraqi refugees. He concluded his remarks with an eloquent plea for Christians to serve as peacemakers.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

Following announcements, visitors and first-time elder commissioners were introduced. No minister members from other presbyteries attended this meeting of presbytery.

PRESBYTERY COUNCIL

Rev. Charles Bowdler, vice moderator of presbytery, moderated the meeting while Ms. Herrington presented the following report of the presbytery council.

For Information:

1. The next stated meeting of presbytery will take place, Deo volente, on Saturday, February 23, 2008. At present we have no invitation from a congregation.

2. Council approved the lease agreement between Westminster Presbyterian

Church, Hattiesburg, and the Presbytery of Mississippi for the house located at

107 North 25^th Avenue, Hattiesburg.

3. The council has asked Rev. Michael Herrin, Rev. John Larson, Dr. Steve Ramp, and Dr. John Dudley to review the proposed revision of the Form of Government.

For action:

Council recommends:

1. That 6.2.9 of the standing rules be relocated to Article 22 in the operational procedures. This will in effect transfer the responsibility of planning the annual pastors renewal weekend from the Committee on Ministry to the Christian Nurture Committee. If approved, 6.2.9 would be stricken, and 22.1.10 would read as follows: “To plan and organize a Pastors Renewal Weekend to be held annually the weekend after Easter.

Attendance at this event is strongly encouraged for pastors actively serving congregations, and this Sunday does not count as vacation time.“ (second reading)

2. That the responsibility for training commissioned lay pastors be transferred from 6.2.8 of the standing rules to 22.1.11 of the operational procedures. If approved, 6.2.8 would read: “The Committee on Ministry will supervise the service of commissioned lay pastors in accordance with G-14.0801.” 22.1.11 would read: “To supervise the training of commissioned lay pastors in accordance with G-14.0801. Presbytery’s training program for commissioned lay pastors is found in Article 25.” (second reading)

3. That the second sentence in Appendix X of the presbytery manual be stricken. Appendix X deals with presbytery trust funds. The second sentence reads as follows: “All interest earned by these funds shall be transferred to the program budget and used to defray the normal operating expenses of the presbytery office and its program committees.” (second reading)

4. That every request for salary support for presbytery staff be approved by presbytery council before being submitted.

5. That the amount of $5,000, authorized by presbytery at the called meeting of August 27, 2007, for the cost of preparing the new presbytery office be increased by $5,000, provided that the presbytery staff proceed parsimoniously.

6. That items 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 of Appendix A, II. Policy Statement from the Original Property Policy adopted November 30, 2006 be stricken and that the following statements be adopted as items 8, 9, 10, and 11:

8. Recognizes that those churches which exercised the property exemption

(G-8.0701) that was available in the eight year window after reunion (which

action is duly recorded in the minutes of the Presbytery of Mississippi) have

the ability to sell, lease, mortgage, or otherwise encumber any of their real

property without further written permission of the presbytery.

9. Recognizes that those churches which exercised the property exemption

(G-8.0701) that was available in the eight year window after reunion (which

action is duly recorded in the minutes of the Presbytery of Mississippi) have

the ability to acquire real property subject to an encumbrance or condition

without further written permission of the presbytery.

10. Resolves, in dealing with questions involving real property, subject to the

requirements of the Book of Order, to fairly consider the history, claims, and

needs of each particular congregation, including the interests of those who

wish to leave the PCUSA and any minority that remains loyal to the PCUSA.

11. Resolves that nothing contained in this policy statement shall abrogate

the authority and responsibility of presbytery under Chapter 8 of the Book of

Order.

7. That the annual report of Presbyterian Women be received with thanks and printed in the minutes of this meeting.

8. That the gracious invitation of First Presbyterian Church of Brookhaven, received during this meeting, to host the February 23, 2008 meeting of presbytery be accepted

Action items 1 – 3 and 5 – 8 were approved.

Action item 4 was amended to read “That presbytery council be informed of every request for salary support for presbytery staff.” This item as amended was approved.

It should be noted that Dr. Steve Ramp presented background information on action item 6. The presbytery expressed its appreciation to Dr. Ramp for his diligence and perseverance in working with members of the council and members of the synod’s Special Committee on Administrative Review to bring the matter of our policies with respect to property to a happy conclusion.

The Property Policies of the Presbytery of Mississippi as Amended follows.

Property Policies of the Presbytery of Mississippi

Originally Adopted on November 30, 2006

and

Amended on October 25, 2007

I. Purpose of this Statement of Policy

The Presbytery of Mississippi desires to retain all of its congregations as sister churches based on our organic spiritual unity found in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Our unity rests in Jesus Christ, not in real estate. Quoting Isaiah 66:1-2, Stephen admonished his critics, “Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made with hands” (Acts 7:48). It has ever been thus in Israel and in this Presbytery. Property should neither hold us together nor pull us apart.

Matters concerning property within the bounds of the Presbytery of Mississippi would be largely academic, were it not for current events in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). In April of 2006, the Trustees of Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery filed an affidavit placing a claim on all the real property belonging to congregations within the bounds of that presbytery. This was a strategy recommended in a paper entitled “Church Property Disputes” which was produced for the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly. Many congregations throughout the Presbyterian Church thus believe they have reason to fear coercive action by their presbyteries. The First Presbyterian Church of Baton Rouge, for example, has asked the courts of Louisiana to issue a declaratory judgment that the congregation alone owns its property, and the Presbytery of South Louisiana has concurred with that request.

It is solely to allay such fears that the Presbytery reiterates and reaffirms its historic stand with respect to property issues. The Presbytery offers this Statement of Policy to its particular churches as the definitive statement on how this Presbytery interprets and intends to enforce the Book of Order with respect to real property.

II. Revised Policy Statement (This section supersedes original Section II)

The Presbytery of Mississippi hereby:

1. Desires all its particular churches to remain in fellowship with each other under the jurisdiction of the presbytery;

2. Resolves that pure preaching of the gospel and right administration of the sacraments are constitutive of the church, that our unity, purpose, and mission are found in Jesus Christ and nowhere else, and that decisions affecting ownership of property are subordinate to, and should support, our spiritual unity in Christ;

3. Resolves that the Great Ends of the Church found in G-1.0200 summarize the mission of this presbytery and explain the purpose for the existence of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.);

4. Resolves that whenever particular churches of this presbytery pursue the Great Ends of the Church they are in fact using their property for the benefit of this presbytery and of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.);

5. Trusts its particular churches to make their own decisions concerning how best to use their property to accomplish the Great Ends of the Church;

6. Resolves that property has not been, is not, and shall not be a basis for our unity or an opportunity for division among us;

7. Recognizes that many of its particular churches believe they hold clear title to their own property;

8. Recognizes that those churches which exercised the property exemption (G-8.0701) that was available in the eight year window after reunion (which action is duly recorded in the minutes of the Presbytery of Mississippi) have the ability to sell, lease, mortgage, or otherwise encumber any of their real property without further written permission of the presbytery;

9. Recognizes that those churches which exercised the property exemption (G-8.0701) that was available in the eight year window after reunion (which action is duly recorded in the minutes of the Presbytery of Mississippi) have the ability to acquire real property subject to an encumbrance or condition without further written permission of the presbytery.

10. Resolves, in dealing with questions involving real property, subject to the requirements of the Book of Order, to consider fairly the history, claims, and needs of each particular congregation, including the interests of those who wish to leave the PCUSA and any minority that remains loyal to the PCUSA.

11. Resolves that nothing contained in this policy statement shall abrogate the authority and responsibility of presbytery under Chapter 8 of the Book of Order.

III. Theological Reflection and Rationale

1. The Church is founded by Jesus Christ and should embrace his methods and his values. The Holy Spirit is building the church “upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20). Jesus established the church by calling and gathering the apostles to himself. He trained, taught, and commissioned them to preach, teach, make disciples, baptize, and celebrate the Lord’s Supper with the risen Lord. Our Book of Order recognizes that it is Christ who calls the Church into being, giving it all that is necessary for its mission, edification, and service.

2. Jesus did not call or train the church to deal with real property. When we turn to what Jesus had to say, this is what we find:

When a man asked Jesus to settle an estate with his brother, Jesus replied: “Man, who has made me a judge or divider over you” (Luke 12:14)? Jesus refused to get involved with the property issue. Instead, Jesus used this occasion to warn people not to covet and place one’s trust in larger barns.

When the sons of Zebedee were vying for power, Jesus said, “You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you” (Mark 10:42-44).

“Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20).

3. The Goal of the Church is not ownership but discipleship. “It belongs to Christ alone to rule, to teach, to call, and to use the Church as he wills, exercising his authority by the ministry of women and men for the establishment and extension of his kingdom” (G-1.0100(b)). Thus, the goal of the church is not to acquire, own, manage, buy, or sell real property. The goal of the church is to extend Christ’s reign on earth.

4. According to John Calvin, the marks of the church are the preaching of the gospel and the right administration of the Sacraments. Real estate is not and never has been one of the marks of the church. In the early church, congregations did not own real estate. People met in houses, often in secret. Our Book of Order and its historic principles of Church Government are derived from the example of the apostles and the practice of the primitive Church. This includes their attitude towards property.

5. The church is called to exercise spiritual discipline, not worldly power. St. Paul cautions the church at Corinth: The weapons of our warfare are not worldly [physical] but spiritual (II Corinthians 10:4). In the Institutes of the Christian Religion John Calvin carefully describes the spiritual character of ecclesiastical jurisdiction. The spiritual power of the church—to resist offenses and eliminate scandal—should be “completely separated from the right of the sword” (Institutes IV.xi.5). The church does not exercise “power through fines or prisons or other civil penalties,” but through the power of the Word. This power is exercised by preaching, admonishing and use of “the final thunderbolt:” excommunication (Institutes IV.xi.5).

Calvin thundered against the church’s attempt to usurp and wield civil power. He cites with approval Ambrose’s statement: “To the emperor belong the palaces; to the priest the churches” (Institutes IV.xi.8). He also cites Bernard, who admonished Pope Eugenius to refrain from making decisions regarding property: “What seems the greater honor to you: to forgive sins or to divide estates? There is no comparison. These base and earthly things have their own judges, the kings, and princes of the earth. Why do you invade another’s border?” He again cites Bernard: “This is the form of apostleship: lordship is forbidden; ministry is bidden” (Institutes IV.xi.11).

Calvin also recalls a time, under Pope Gregory, when priests and bishops confiscated land. “Gregory then called a council of bishops together, inveighed stoutly against that profane custom, and asked whether they would anathematize the cleric who tried to occupy some possession by inscribing a title on his own initiative; similarly, a bishop who either ordered it done or let it go unpunished. All declared, ‘Anathema’” (Institutes IV.xi.14).

6. The Church should always operate out of love and fairness, so as to build up and not injure the faith of its members. Calvin discusses the fact that the church’s rule-making authority is subject always to the requirement that it not violate love. The church in Jerusalem decreed that the Gentile Christians should observe certain dietary laws, etc., (Acts 15:20). Calvin comments: “This is no new law laid down by the apostles, but the divine and eternal command of God not to violate love” (Institutes IV.x.21). Calvin concedes that constitutions are necessary to keep peace and order, but they must be “founded upon God’s authority, drawn from Scripture, and, therefore, wholly divine” (Institutes IV.x.30). When Jesus is silent on a point, the church may impose rules for order and decorum, but they should be tested by the law of love. “But love will best judge what may hurt or edify; and if we let love be our guide, all will be safe” (Institutes IV.x.30). “[W]e are mutually bound, one to another, to nourish mutual love” (Institutes IV.x.31).

7. In applying the law of love, the Presbytery should honor local custom. “Nevertheless, the established custom of the region, or humanity itself and the rule of modesty, dictate what is to be done or avoided in these matters” (Institutes IV.x.31).

8. In accordance with the mission of the church – to extend the reign of Christ in the world by pursuing the Great Ends of the Church – decisions by the church should be made with a view to the up-building of the witness of the local congregation. Fighting over title to real property damages faith and destroys the witness of the church.

9. In Mississippi, land and identity are deeply intertwined. This Presbytery has always regarded real property as part of the local congregation’s core identity. During the 1970s, a number of congregations in Mississippi elected to withdraw and join other Reformed denominations. These were difficult and heartbreaking decisions. Some of the decisions to leave were fueled by anxiety over what would become of the church property if they remained with the denomination. Many of the congregations who chose to remain in the PCUS believe that, when they exercised the exemption clause provided in G-8.0701, they retained their property free of any denominational claims. Feelings about ownership of real property run very deep in this Presbytery and we have learned, by hard experience, to err on the side of grace in dealing with such matters.

10. For the past twenty years, it has been the policy of this Presbytery not to use real property as a weapon or bargaining chip. Although the Presbytery has an encouraging role to play, especially in the formation of new congregations, it continues to be the responsibility of the congregations themselves to pay for their buildings and to maintain them, in order that the mission of the Church might be carried out in particular places.

11. This statement is in no way intended to abrogate the Presbytery’s role in determining what happens to the property of a congregation which is dissolved or in schism or which seeks to be dismissed from the Presbyterian Church, (U.S.A.). Instead, this statement seeks to reassure all the particular congregations of the Presbytery of Mississippi that, while they remain in fellowship with us, their property is safe for them to use and develop as they see fit.

12. This statement is an attempt to be faithful to the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Because of incomplete records, the Presbytery has long assumed that all its congregations that were formerly members of the PCUS did exercise the clause in G-8.0701 that allowed them to be exempt from needing the permission required in G-8.0501 and 0502. G-8.0501 does not stipulate that the permission given to particular churches to sell, mortgage, or encumber real property, or to buy property subject to encumbrances or conditions, must be done on a case-by-case basis. Likewise, there is no stipulation in G-8.0502 that permission to lease property must be given on a case-by-case basis. By granting the permission required in G-8.0501 and 0502 to all its particular churches, the Presbytery thus seeks to treat all of them equally and fairly.

13. Although this Presbytery can build a culture of trust within its bounds, it cannot act on behalf of higher governing bodies. It is possible that, while the Presbytery calls for love and justice to be demonstrated where it comes to congregational property, higher governing bodies may continue to claim ownership of the property belonging to the congregations of the Presbytery. Only the courts of the state of Mississippi can make final determinations concerning the validity of such claims. As a matter of pursuing the love and justice of Jesus Christ, the Presbytery of Mississippi will not interfere with any of its particular churches which desire to act to clear their titles of any claims made on them by the higher governing bodies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

IV. Conclusion

In making this statement, the Presbytery expresses its trust in its congregations, and earnestly desires that its congregations would trust that this Presbytery will do nothing detrimental to the health or strength of any of its particular churches. We take this position in compliance with the Book of Order, and solely for the furtherance of the great ends of the church. It is our belief that, in this place and at this time, the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ is best demonstrated by avoiding conflict over property issues. This is not a new position for our Presbytery. It is how we have handled such matters in the past, and how we intend to continue to deal with them as we move forward.

FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEE

In the absence of Rev. Chris Bullock, moderator of the Finance Subcommittee of council, Dr. Bill dePrater presented the proposed Ecclesiastical Budget for 2008 along with the recommendation of the Finance Subcommittee that presbytery per capita for 2008 be set at $11.81. The Ecclesiastical Budget for 2008 was adopted, and the recommendation concerning the presbytery per capita was approved. Dr. dePrater also presented the proposed Benevolence Budget for 2008. This proposed budget will be considered at the February 2008 stated meeting of presbytery.

[NOTE – Both the approved Ecclesiastical Budget for 2008 and the proposed Benevolence Budget for 2008 appear as appendices in the printed minutes of this meeting. Anyone who needs copies of these budgets may request them from the presbytery office.]

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

Ms. Myra Hester, moderator of Presbyterian Women, presented the following report.

Presbyterian Women

Presbytery of Mississippi

Presbyterian Women are in the middle of our Fall Cluster Gatherings now. We have met twice, Cluster D in Port Gibson on September 8 and Cluster B at Jones Memorial in Meridian on September 13. We will meet at Briarwood in Jackson for Cluster C on September 29 and at Handsboro for Cluster A on October 6. At each meeting Norma Loposser, PW Spiritual Leadership Developer, gives an introduction and overview of the Horizon Bible Study for this year by Carol Bechtel, “Above and Beyond: Hearing God’s Call in Jonah and Ruth” Dr. Bill dePrater is a part of the programs this year, updating us on news of the Presbytery of Mississippi and the greater church. In addition, this year we are offering workshops for all leaders in the congregations given by the PW Presbytery Coordinating team leaders who were trained at the PW Synod Gathering in Franklin, Tennessee in June. This is proving to be an exciting and informative time as all get to ask questions, make suggestions, and exchange ideas.

In June, Diane Blakenhorn, Search Committee; Linda Soons, Cluster B Leader; Patty McKinley, Historian; Jane Bloss, Treasurer; Peggy Miller, Together in Service (Synod); Sara Brown, Together in Service (Presbytery); and Myra Hester, Moderator attended the PW Synod Training held in Franklin, Tennessee. After the training, we were joined by Betty Arnold, Aserelene Pickett, and Rhoda Pickett for the PW Synod Gathering, Gathering at the Well of Living Water. Special guests and speakers included Catrelia Hunter, PW Churchwide Moderator; Mary Weber, Moderator of PW in the Synod of Living Waters; Steve Young with Living Waters for the World; and Dee Koza from Dothan, Alabama. We were treated to a preview of the new Living Waters for the World film and had the first look at Watermarks by Phil Leftwich.

The annual Alabama/Mississippi Womens Conference was held at Belhaven College in Jackson in July. Almost a hundred women attended the four days of workshops and Bible Study. Rev. Janice Catron gave the introduction and overview of the Horizons Bible study “Above and Beyond: Hearing God’s Call in Jonah and Ruth.”

The new year has begun for our local PWs. Bible study and Circle meetings have started. And plans are being made for Fall Festivals, for Casseroles to the Coast, and for meeting our PW Synod Moderator’s challenge of beginning new mission projects locally and telling our stories to others by way of the new PW Synod Website and Horizons magazine.

Respectfully submitted,

Myra Hester, Moderator

Presbyterian Women

Presbytery of Mississippi

REPORT FROM THE BOARD OF PENSIONS

Mr. Clark Simmons, our area representative with the Board of Pensions, gave a brief report. He announced that there will be no increase in dues for participation in the benefits program of the Board of Pensions in 2008. He also reminded members of presbytery of the optional benefits – such as dental and 403b plans – offered by the Board of Pensions.

REPORT ON LIVING WATERS FOR THE WORLD

Mr. Bob Friley reported on the ever-increasing work and outreach of Living Waters for the World. He announced that Rev. Will Howie, founder of Living Waters for the World, has recently been interviewed by Cable News Network (CNN) as a possible recipient of the American Hero award.

ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION FOR DISASTER RECOVERY

Mr. R.L. Richardson reported on the activities of the Administrative Commission for Disaster Recovery. The work has expanded in recent months to include construction of new homes. In this endeavor the Administrative Commission is working closely with members of the Amish and Mennonite communities. A detailed financial statement for the first three quarters of 2007 was included in a mailing to all ministers and clerks of session before this meeting of presbytery. Copies of the financial statement are available from the presbytery office.

ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION FOR

J.J. WHITE MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Dr. Steve Ramp reported on the progress of those at J.J. White Memorial Presbyterian Church in McComb who have maintained the church as a Presbyterian Church (USA) congregation and as a vital and important part of the presbytery. Dr. Ramp encouraged all members of all congregations in the presbytery to attend a Service of Worship and Unity at J.J. White Memorial Presbyterian Church on Sunday, November 11, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. Rev. Scott Castleman and Ruling Elder William Winter will preach at this service, new elders will be ordained, and the Eucharist will be celebrated.

RECESS FOR LUNCH

Prior to the recess for lunch it was moved that the offering received during the morning worship service remain open and that the total offering be given to the Mission Committee to send to a congregation or presbytery affected by the fierce fires that have brought so much devastation to our brothers and sisters in California. This motion was approved. Rev. Scott Castleman then led the presbytery in prayer. Members of the presbytery and visitors were then transported to Chamberlain Hunt for the noontime meal.

ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION FOR

GRACE CHAPEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Dr. Bubba Martin presented the report of the Administrative Commission for Grace Chapel as follows.

Not quite two months ago the Presbytery of Mississippi appointed an Administrative Commission for Grace Chapel Presbyterian Church (USA) consisting of Rev. Charles Bowdler, Rev. Marc Mihail, Rev. Scott Castleman, and Elders Bob Friley, Robin Roberts, James Craig, and yours truly, Bubba Martin. I was elected the Moderator of the Commission.

Not much has happened to bring this matter to a conclusion. Just two days after presbytery met in August, Grace Chapel’s attorneys filed a Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order against the presbytery in the Chancery Court of Madison County. So the commission’s first item of business was to hire a lawyer. Our attorney, Mr. Jimmy Robertson, of Jackson, filed a Notice of Removal to the US District Court in Jackson and is now seeking to have the litigation dismissed.

Because of the litigation it has not been possible for us to arrange a meeting with the members of Grace Chapel, but we have had two meetings with members of their session. We tried to make contact with the members of Grace Chapel through a mail-out, but that was not satisfactory. Most of the confusion at the moment is due to the fact that the attorneys for Grace Chapel are trying to convince the Court that we are attempting to take over the property of Grace Chapel – which we are definitely not trying to do. The commission believes that we can bring this matter to a quicker conclusion as soon as property issues are laid to rest and the litigation is dismissed from civil court.

In an attempt to expedite this process, and upon recommendation of legal counsel, the Administrative Commission for Grace Chapel makes the following recommendation to presbytery in the form of a motion;

MOTION – That the word “property” be deleted from the resolution of presbytery passed on August 27, 2007 in the third paragraph which created and empowered the Administrative Commission for Grace Chapel. The Resolution would then read:

Resolved, that an administrative commission be and is hereby appointed to assess the situation; to assume original jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to Grace Chapel including, without limitation, assets, membership, and governance of the church; to retain legal counsel and to take such legal actions as may be advisable or necessary to protect the interest of the presbytery or the church; to exercise any and all powers and responsibilities of a session (G-10.0102); to develop recommendations to the presbytery as to the future status of Grace Chapel Presbyterian Church (USA) and appropriate actions to be taken by the presbytery.

In addition, and upon the recommendation of legal counsel, the Administrative Commission for Grace Chapel makes the following recommendation to presbytery in the form of a motion:

MOTION – That the Presbytery of Mississippi authorizes the Administrative Commission for Grace Chapel to prepare a Quitclaim Deed from the Presbytery of Mississippi in favor of Grace Chapel Presbyterian Church (USA) to be signed by the Stated Clerk and a Trustee of the Presbytery of Mississippi for all properties made a part of the Final Declaratory Judgment in the matter of Grace Chapel Presbyterian Church (USA) v. Presbytery of Mississippi, Civil Action No. 2007-272, filed in the Chancery Court of Madison County, MS on March 23, 2007.

This concludes my report. If there are other questions or comments, I will attempt to respond to them.

The two motions presented by the Administrative commission for Grace Chapel were approved. Rev. John Larson requested that his negative vote on the second motion be recorded in the minutes of this meeting.

COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY

Dr. Steve Ramp presented the report of the Committee on Ministry.

For Information

1. Lynn Miller has been appointed to serve as liaison to the Pastor Nominating Committee of First Presbyterian Church in Canton.

2. The Committee on Ministry supports the decision of the Administrative Commission for J.J. White Memorial Presbyterian Church to hold a Service of Worship and Unity at the church on November 11, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. We need to fill the sanctuary and join together to make this a very meaningful time in our presbytery. Former Governor William Winter will speak.

3. The Committee on Ministry intends to reinstitute triennial visits and improve communication with sessions and congregations. The committee solicits your suggestions.

4. The Committee on Ministry calls attention to Appendix VII in the Presbytery Manual.

For Action

The Committee on Ministry recommends that:

1. Rev. Lane Stephenson be dismissed to Grace Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America in accord with his request

2. Rev. Morris “Skip” Ehrlich be dismissed to the Presbytery of New Covenant so that he may accept the call of First Presbyterian Church of Texas City, Texas to serve as pastor

3. Dr. Reid Whittington’s service as temporary supply of Prospect Presbyterian Church be extended for one year

4. Ms. Norma Lopossser be approved to serve as commissioned lay pastor of Pisgah Presbyterian Church for a period of three years and be authorized to perform the following functions: administer the Lord’s Supper, administer the Sacrament of Baptism, moderate the session under the supervision of and when invited by the moderator of the session appointed by presbytery, have voice and vote in meetings of presbytery (such vote to be counted as an elder commissioner for purposes of parity), and perform a service of Christian marriage when invited by the session or other responsible committee

5. Rev. Wendell Manuel be approved as interim pastor for bridge ministry with emphasis in preaching at Fondren Presbyterian Church

Action items 1 – 5 were approved.

Dr. Ramp then presented a proposed agreement between the session of Covenant Presbyterian Church of Jackson and the Presbytery of Mississippi in which the presbytery grants permission to the congregation to continue to use the name “Covenant Presbyterian Church” and the session pledges to donate to the presbytery the sum of $45,000 over the next two years. Presbytery approved the agreement and set aside one half of the gift from Covenant Presbyterian Church for new church development and the other half for pastoral support. The text of the Agreement follows.

AGREEMENT

This Agreement between the Presbytery of Mississippi (Presbytery) and Covenant Presbyterian Church (Covenant), acting by and through its session is entered into this 25th day of October, 2007

W I T N E S S E T H:

Whereas Covenant was organized as a congregation under the Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS) and has many fond memories and associations with both the PCUS and PC(USA); and

Whereas in the 1960s the PCUS contributed $23,000 to Covenant to help it cover expenses in its early life; and

Whereas Covenant requested to be dismissed by the Presbytery to a non-geographic transitional presbytery of the New Wineskins Association of Churches; and

Whereas on August 27, 2007 the Presbytery did dismiss Covenant on the conditions that: a) Covenant facilitate the transfer of members wishing to join other churches and b) that Covenant relinquish the name Covenant Presbyterian; and

Whereas the members of Covenant who voted against dismissal have not indicated a desire or need to use the name “Covenant” to form a new church, which appears to be unlikely; and

Whereas the members of Covenant who voted to request dismissal would like to keep the name “Covenant” and maintain ties of friendship, support, and goodwill with the Presbytery; and

Whereas the Presbytery wishes to maintain a good relationship with Covenant and hopes that one day Covenant will return to the PCUSA;

Now, therefore, in consideration of the premises, and for the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, the parties agree as follows:

1. In 2008, Covenant, in honor of Dr. Howard and Betty Nichols, Dr. Guy and Tay Gillespie, and the other charter members of Covenant, and in recognition of the moneys advanced for Covenant’s benefit forty years ago, will pay to the Presbytery the sum of $23,000.

2. In 2009, Covenant will pay to the Presbytery the sum of $22,000 which is based on the per capita and benevolence contributions paid by Covenant to the Presbytery in 2006 and 2007.

3. In exchange for the promise to pay the Presbytery $45,000, the Presbytery hereby waives the condition requiring Covenant to relinquish the name “Covenant Presbyterian” in connection with the congregation located in Jackson, Mississippi.

4. The parties covenant to pray for each other and to maintain the bonds of fellowship and kinship in Christ.

5. This Agreement is subject to approval by the Presbytery and the session of Covenant.

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE

Rev. Michael Herrin presented the report of the Nominations Committee as follows.

I. The committee recommends that the presbytery fill the following offices:

Council:

Presbytery Moderator (2008): Jerry Goode (First-Trinity Laurel)

Presbytery Vice Moderator (2008): Michael Herrin (First Port Gibson)

At large class of 2010: Earl Edris (First Vicksburg)

At large class of 2011: Roy Williams (First Pascagoula)

Trustees:

Moderator: Trish Melvin (Fondren)

Class of 2011: Mac Forsyth (West. Hattiesburg)

Class of 2011: Chip Westbrook (Westminster Gulfport)

Committee on Representation:

Class of 2011: Karen Bullock (Westminster Gulfport)

Class of 2011: Mattie Jordan (Pilgrim Grove)

Class of 2011: Aserelene Pickett (Pineview)

Committee on Preparation for Ministry

Class of 2011 Marc Mihail (Westminster Natchez)

Class of 2011 Andy Hoffecker (at-large)

Committee on Ministry

Class of 2011 Chas Jones (Diamondhead)

Class of 2011 Tim Erskine (First Vicksburg)

Class of 2011 Beth Wild (JJ White)

Class of 2011 Sally-Lodge Teel (Ruth Memorial)

Class of 2011 Roy Williams (First Pascagoula)

Class of 2009 Rob Butler (Bay St. Louis)

Class of 2010 Steve Ramp (Westminster Hattiesburg)

Church Extension Committee

Class of 2011 George Bendall (Westminster Gulfport)

Class of 2011 Bernice MacIntosh (Vernal)

Class of 2011 Bill Pettey (Wiggins)

Class of 2011 Frank Cuervo (Diamondhead)

Christian Nurture

Class of 2011 Cassie Alston (Fondren)

Class of 2011 Scott Castleman (Handsboro/New Life)

Class of 2011 Martha Cherry (Pineview)

Mission Committee

Class of 2011 Jimmy Vessell (First Vicksburg)

Class of 2011 Whitney Rawlings (JJ White)

Class of 2011 Pam Martin (Gautier)

Class of 2009 Norma Bassett (Vernal)

Hunger Committee

Class of 2011 – Carolyn Burch (Fondren)

Committee on Self-Development of People

Sara Amos (Pineview)

Synod Commissioners:

Alternate Minister Commissioner to Synod: Cory Stott (Trinity Meridian)

Alternate Elder Commissioner to Synod: Sallie Wilson (St. Luke)

Youth Advisory Delegate to General Assembly: Lauren Leist (First-Trinity Laurel)

It was announced that Jim Goode had made known that he was unable to accept the nomination to serve as moderator of presbytery at this time. Elder Bobby Robinson (First Vicksburg) was nominated to serve as moderator for 2008. Opportunity was given for nominations from the floor for any and all positions to be filled. There being none, the nominees were elected by acclamation.

II. The committee recommends that the presbytery hold the following elections

(required by Standing Rules 7.3.6, 7.4.3, and 7.5.3)

For Minister Commissioner to Synod:

Rob Butler (Bay St. Louis) or Michael Herrin (First Port Gibson)

For Minister Commissioner to General Assembly:

Lynn Miller (at-large) or Clint Regen (First Pascagoula)

For Alternate Minister Commissioner to General Assembly:

Scott Castleman (Handsboro/New Life) or John Larson (First Natchez)

For Elder Commissioner to General Assembly:

Myra Hester (Briarwood) or Jim Cheney (First Vicksburg)

For Alternate Elder Commissioner to General Assembly

Nash Noble (Fondren) or Bill Pettey (Wiggins)

The election was held by written ballot. The following were elected:

Minister Commissioner to Synod – Rev. Michael Herrin

Minister Commissioner to General Assembly – Rev. Clint Regen

Alternate Minister Commissioner to General Assembly – Rev. Scott Castleman

Elder Commissioner to General Assembly – Myra Hester

Alternate Elder Commissioner to General Assembly – Bill Pettey

III. The committee recommends that the presbytery divide into clusters and elect the following members of the nominations committee:

Southwest Cluster:

Layman (class of 2009)

Laywoman (class of 2010)

Minister (class of 2011)

Gulf Coast Cluster:

Laywoman (class of 2011)

Jackson Cluster:

Laywoman (class of 2009)

Minister (class of 2010)

Layman (class of 2011)

Meridian/Laurel/Hattiesburg Cluster:

Minister (class of 2011)

The Southwest Cluster elected the following:

Todd Boolos (First Vicksburg; 2009)

Peggie Herrington (Westminster Natchez; 2010)

Rev. John Larson (2011)

The Jackson Cluster elected the following:

Shirley Middleton (Faith; 2009)

Rev. Bill Jones (2010)

Bill McKay (First Canton; 2011)

The Gulf Coast Cluster elected Alice Duckett (First Ocean Springs; 2011).

The Hattiesburg/Laurel/Meridian Cluster elected Rev. Jim Truesdell (2011).

The presbytery then elected Ms. Peggie Herrington as moderator of the Nominations Committee for 2008 (i.e, for the year that ends with the February 2009 stated meeting of presbytery).

THANKS COMMITTEE

Rev. William Jones expressed the appreciation of the presbytery to Rev. David Daniels for the faithful message that he presented in the sermon during the morning worship service, to Rev. Michael Herrin and the elders and members of First Presbyterian Church for their gracious hosting of the meeting, and to the students and teachers of Chamberlain Hunt Academy.

OTHER ECCLESIASTICAL COMMITTEES

In the absence of Rev. Tim Brown, moderator of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, Rev. Jim Truesdell presented Mr. Chris Barnhardt who desires to become an Inquirer for the Gospel Ministry. Mr. Barnhardt spoke briefly on his Christian experience and the events and factors that have led him to consider a call to ministry. After opportunity for questions from members of the presbytery, the recommendation to enroll Mr. Barnhardt as an Inquirer was approved, and Rev. Jim Truesdell led in prayer.

The committee provided the following information on our inquirers and candidates.

Chris Barnhardt: The Committee on Preparation for Ministry met with Mr. Barnhardt and discussed his sense of call, vocation, and theological training. He is pursuing an M. Div. at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. Long Beach Presbyterian Church sponsors Mr. Barnhardt.

Martha Cherry: Ms. Cherry is currently pursuing ordination exam requirements while she serves Pineview Presbyterian Church.

Tom Robinson: Mr. Robinson had submitted required information as an applicant to the Committee on Preparation for Ministry to become an inquirer in the Presbytery of Mississippi. After prayer and discernment Mr. Robinson has withdrawn his request to become an inquirer and is pursuing ministry in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Joan Gandy: Ms. Gandy’s interview was held via conference call. She is continuing to pursue her goals and theological studies at Columbia Theological Seminary. First Presbyterian Church of Natchez sponsors Ms. Gandy.

There was no report from the Committee on Representation or from the Trustees.

PROGRAM COMMITTEES

In the absence of Ms. Leigh White, moderator of the Christian Nurture Committee, Mr. R.L. Richardson presented the following report.

Junior Camp, held July 17-22, 2007 at Percy Quin State Park, was a wonderful experience for all who participated. Thirty-five boys and girls from our presbytery attended. A group of brothers and sisters in Christ from Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church in Sacramento, California served as cabin counselors and activity leaders. Other adults and youth from churches in our presbytery served as additional counselors, leaders, and support crew. Each day the campers worshiped through joyful music; participated in small group Bible discovery, learning, and spiritual activities; exercised their creativity through art projects; and played games together. We all had a great time! What a joy it was to see how the children and counselors grew during the week…as a community and as followers of Christ.

Our campus ministry coordinator, Amy Ruff, reported that she has ten regular members from the University of Southern Mississippi, and she meets with them every Tuesday and Thursday at the Jones House next to Westminster Presbyterian Church in Hattiesburg.

Our Youth Council, made up of youth representatives from churches in our presbytery, is planning a Jr./Sr. High Youth Retreat to be held November 16 – 18 at Percy Quin State Park in McComb. The theme is “Rockin’ Reunion Tour,” and our youth and adult leaders have met to plan and coordinate the program and activities. Reed Rodgers, from First Presbyterian Church, Vicksburg, will be the music leader; and our featured speaker will be Rev. Clint Regen from First Presbyterian Church, Pascagoula. The cost will be $50 per youth. Flyers and information on the retreat were sent to each church in the presbytery. Deadline to register is Wednesday, October 31^st.

Plans for Kaleidoscope, our presbytery-wide leadership training event, are well under way. Kaleidoscope will be held February 8 – 9, 2008 at First Trinity Presbyterian Church in Laurel. The theme will be Living the Mission, and Bill Young, of Frontier Fellowship, will be our keynote speaker. Brochures for Kaleidoscope will be mailed out to all churches in our presbytery after Christmas. Joan Gray, the current moderator of the General Assembly, will be our keynote speaker for 2009.

Due to the presbytery office moving to a smaller location, our presbytery resource center is down-sizing. Books and resources that are not being moved to the new location will be available for those interested at Kaleidoscope.

In the absence of Rev. Chris Bullock, moderator of the Church Extension Committee, Rev. Michel Herrin presented the following report.

For information:

The Church Extension Committee approved requests for $17,000 in pastoral aid support for the three congregations that submitted request forms. This amount is part of the Benevolence Budget for 2008.

The committee has established a seminary debt repayment ministry for the presbytery which should attract recent seminary graduates to our presbytery to serve small-membership congregations. The committee has received one request for assistance thus far.

For action:

The committee recommends that the moderator of presbytery appoint a task force to work with Pilgrim Grove Presbyterian Church and develop a plan for strategic growth. This recommendation was approved.

Dr. George Bates presented the following report of the Mission Committee.

The Mission Committee wishes to emphasize to all congregations that the partnership between our presbytery and the Presbytery of the Northeast of the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil has been renewed for a period of five years. This is an exciting relationship which has been of great benefit to both of the partner presbyteries. The moderator of this committee, George Bates, wants to come to your church to discuss the partnership with your congregation. He will be contacting each church to arrange a date.

We have forty children attending the Linda Bates Pre-School who need sponsors for the coming year. Can your church sponsor one or more children in this very poor neighborhood for $750? Also, there are many families still without clean water in their homes. Can you sponsor the installation of a cistern for one or more of these families for $650?

In connection with the partnership, a mission trip to Northeast Brazil is being planned for early June 2008. If you are interested in being a part of this group and would like more information, please let George know. The agenda includes visits to the Central Office of the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil in São Paulo, the IPIB seminary in Forteleza, and the Sertão I & II projects in the state of Paraiba.

The presbytery is embarking on cooperative activities with the Society of St. Andrew, an organization which has as its purpose the gleaning of food crops which would otherwise be wasted and distributing them to other organizations which work with underserved people. Beginning in the spring of 2008, we will be seeking farmers in South Mississippi that may have crops to distribute and congregations to provide work teams which will actually go out to these farms and do the harvesting. These activities will be carried out as a part of the Hunger Action Program of the presbytery. Sara Brown will provide more detailed information upon request.

Irvin Bullock, the regional representative of the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program, will attend the next meeting of the Mission Committee to inform us about the activities and benefits of that program.

Ms. Sara Brown reported that the Hunger Subcommittee is promoting the Society of St. Andrew and Bread for the World. The former group seeks to glean the fields of our country and to feed the hungry in our land while the latter group works for the passage of bills before congress that address hunger. Ms. Brown also reported that presbytery’s Committee for the Self-Development of People has received training and is now certified. The committee is planning meetings in different parts of the presbytery to inform people concerning the procedure for applying for a grant through the committee.

REVIEW OF SESSION MINUTES

The minutes of the sessions of the following congregations were reviewed by members of the Committee on Ministry and were approved without exception: First Brookhaven, First Canton, Gautier, Handsboro, Westminster Gulfport, Westminster Hattiesburg, Fairview, Briarwood, Faith, Fondren, St. Luke’s, First-Trinity, Long Beach, First Lucedale, Magnolia, J.J. White Memorial, Prospect, Trinity, First Ocean Springs, Osyka, Pineville, First Port Gibson, First Vicksburg, Yokena

BILLS AND OVERTURES

Mr. Louis Fields presented the report of the Bills and Overtures Committee.

Overture from the session of Briarwood – The committee recommended that the overture be amended by deleting the words “and the presbytery’s possible connections with St. Andrew Presbytery and South Alabama Presbytery.” The amendment was approved. The overture as amended was then adopted.

Overture from the session of First Presbyterian Church of Port Gibson – The committee recommended the adoption of the overture. An amendment was offered to add the words “and that the trustees of presbytery are authorized and directed to execute a quitclaim deed to the First Presbyterian Church of Port Gibson thereby conveying to it the property of Bethel Presbyterian Church.” The amendment was approved. The overture as amended was then adopted.

Overture from the Form of Government Task Force – The committee recommended the approval of the overture. Presbytery approved the committee’s recommendation.

Overture from the session of First Presbyterian Church of Vicksburg – The committee recommended the approval of the overture. A motion was made to postpone consideration of the overture to the February 2008 stated meeting. The motion failed to receive a second. The overture was then approved.

INVITATION FOR MAY 2008 MEETING

The pastor and ruling elders from First Presbyterian Church of Vicksburg extended an invitation to host the May 2008 stated meeting of presbytery. The invitation was accepted with thanks.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, presbytery was adjourned with prayer by Rev. Charles Bowdler at 3:00 p.m. to meet in its next stated meeting at First Presbyterian Church of Brookhaven on Saturday, February 23, 2008.

Ms. Peggie Herrington, Moderator ATTEST: ______________________

Dr. John C. Dudley, Stated Clerk John C. Dudley, Stated Clerk