EIGHTY-THIRD STATED MEETING
GULF COAST PRESBYTERY - TUESDAY, MAY 9, 2000
WILDWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA

UN-APPROVED  

00-20 CALLTO ORDER & OPENING PRAYER & WORSHIP

The 83^rd stated meeting of Gulf Coast Presbytery was called to order by the moderator, RE William M. Harris, IV at 10:04 a.m. on Tuesday, May 9^th, at the Wildwood Presbyterian Church, Tallahassee, FL. Mr. Harris led in the opening prayer.

00-21 WORSHIP SERVICE

Mr. R. Andrew Newell, a candidate for ordination, preached a sermon based on Matthew 20:1-16.

00-22 ROLL CALL & DETERMINATION OF QUORUM

A quorum was declared to be present with the following commissioners in attendance:

OTHERS: Teaching Elders H. A. Maves, HR; E. J. Foster, RUF, Tallahassee, FL.; M. Kirk, Chaplain, Eglin AFB, Ft. Walton Beach, FL;  M. Schneider, Trinity Independent PC, Valparaiso;  E. Stanton, OB, Waterfront Mission;  J. Tremolo, HR

EXCUSED: TEs J. Bancroft, S. DeVries,  S. Bradford, P. Frick, R. Gardner, D. Gilleran, M. Griffith, T. Hughes, D. Miller, G. Ormerly, J. Riggs, G. Shamblin and REs from Concord Presbyterian Church and Loxley Presbyterian Church.  

ABSENT: TE Jim Craft & TE Ezra Yune,

VISITORS: James Gibbs, Jim Stephens, Keith Fagerheim, Stephen Brooks, John Parker, Dick Olson, Scotty Robinson, & Andy Newell.

00-23 APPROVAL OF PRINTED MINUTES

Minutes from the 82^nd Stated Meeting were approved as printed.

 00-24 COMMUNICATIONS

1.      Minutes from the Commission to ordain and install Mr. Wesley Channell, approved  (Appendix A)

2.      Letter from the Financial Aid Department of Covenant Theological Seminary informing GCP of the CTS Scholarship amount is now $1,950 annually, referred to Ministers and Candidates Committee.

3.      Letter from TE Richard Watson informing GCP of his ministry within the bounds of GCP, referred to the MNA Committee.

4.      Letter from the Pulpit Committee, Mt. Calvary Presbyterian Church, Roebuck, SC, giving information concerning the pastoral vacancy, received as information.

5.      Letter from the Session, Wildwood Presbyterian Church, recommending that Mr. Steven Brooks be received as a candidate of Gulf Coast Presbytery, referred to the Examinations Committee.

6.      Requests for excused absences from TEs J. Bancroft, S. DeVries, P. Frick D. Gilleran, M. Griffith, T. Hughes, D. Miller, G. Ormerly, J. Riggs,  G. Shamblin and RE Commissioners from Concord, Loxley and New Song, granted

00-25 ADOPTION OF DOCKET

The docket was adopted as presented. (Appendix B.)

00-26 INTRODUCTIONS OF VISITORS

Visitors to presbytery were introduced. (See 00-22)

00-27 APPOINTMENTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

The moderator appointed the following commissioners to serve on the Standing Committees of presbytery:

Bills and Overtures: TE Bill Tyson, (chairman), TE Wesley Channel, RE George Fell and RE Earl Smith.

Resolution and Thanks: TE Michael Swain (chairman), Joe Grider, RE R. Wilson, & RE Vince Kane.

00-28 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT – TE R. HORNICK, STATED CLERK

TE R. Hornick presented the report to presbytery. Presbytery adopted the following recommendations:

1. That the following be elected as commissioners to General Assembly:

Bill & Overtures – TE Paul Frick

Covenant College – TE Rick Fennig

Insurance & Annuities – TE Mack Griffith

Mission to the World – TE Bill Tyson

Ridge Haven –TE Bob Hayes

Administration – RE J. D. Scruggs

Christian Education – RE Reed Bell

Covenant Seminary – RE Brent McMahan

Mission to North America –RE Fred Rall

PCA Foundation – RE Ron Kohlin

Floor Clerk – TE George Shamblin

Elder for Communion – RE Charles Underwood 

2.      That the following be elected to Presbytery committees and offices:

RE Bill Luka as Treasurer

RE Bob White - MNA Committee, class of 2002

The report was approved as a whole. (Appendix C)

00-29 EXAMINATIONS – TE J. CAVANAH, II, CHAIRMAN

Mr. Cavanah presented the report to presbytery.

1.  Keith Fagerheim for transfer of candidacy (Central Florida)

            Mr. Fagerhim was introduced to presbytery and then proceeded to present his testimony of Christian experience and call to the Gospel ministry.

            Motion made and approved to enroll Mr. Fagerheim into the rolls of Gulf Coast Presbytery pending the receipt of his transfer from Central Florida Presbytery. Questions from BCO 18:3 were put to the candidate and an appropriate charge was given to Mr. Fagerheim by Bob Hayes from II Timothy and offered prayer for him.

2.  Andy Newell for transfer of candidacy from Palmetto Presbytery.

Mr. Newell was introduced to presbytery and proceeded to present his testimony of Christian experience and call to the ministry.

Motion made and approved to enroll Mr. Newell into the rolls of Gulf Coast Presbytery, pending the receipt of his transfer from Palmetto Presbytery. Questions from BCO 18:3 were put to the candidate and an appropriate charge was given Mr. Newell by J.R. Foster from Romans 1:16-17 and offered prayer in his behalf.

SPECIAL ORDER – 12:35 AM - SHARING & PRAYER GROUPS                      

Presbytery divided into small groups for the sharing of prayer requests and conversational prayer.

00-30 PRESBYTERY RECONVENED

The Moderator called presbytery to order following lunch and led in prayer reconvening presbytery at 1:45 p.m.

00-31 EXAMINATIONS (CONTINUED)

3.  Stephen Brooks for candidacy

Mr. Brooks was introduced to presbytery and proceeded to present his testimony of Christian experience and call to the Gospel ministry.

Motion made and approved to enroll Mr. Brooks into the rolls of Gulf Coast Presbytery.  Questions from BCO 18:3 were put to the candidate and an appropriate charge was given Mr. Brooks by Chuck Ryor from I Corinthians 15:58 and offered prayer for him.

4.  Andy Newell’s examination for licensure

            TE Michael Schneider examined Mr. Newell in the area of Theology.  After questions from the floor, this portion of the exam was arrested.

TE Michael Schneider examined Mr. Newell in the area of English Bible. There were no questions from the floor. This portion of the exam was arrested.

TE Jim Cavanah examined Mr. Newell in the area of polity. This portion of the exam was arrested.

The sermon preached by Mr. Newell during the morning worship service was approved.

            The examination for licensure was sustained as a whole. The moderator posed the questions found in BCO 19:2 which were answered in the affirmative. Moderator Harris offered prayer for Mr. Newell. Mr. Newell was licensed by the Presbytery to preach the Gospel within the bounds of Gulf Coast Presbytery.

            The representative of the New Philadelphia Presbyterian Church, Quincy, FL was present to prosecute a call to Mr. Newell as stated supply of said church.  Mr. Newell accepted the terms of the call and TE M. Schneider offered prayer for him and his church. (Appendix D)

00-32 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION – TE R. FENNIG, CHAIRMAN

TE R. Fennig presented the report to presbytery and opened with prayer.

Mr. Fennig notified the presbyters of the following events:

·        Pensacola Theological Institute – July 31-August 4

·        Emerald Coast Men’s Retreat – September 22-23

·        Convocation on Revival – October 31-November 2

The report was received as information.

00-33 MINISTERS & CANDIDATES  – TE B. EVANS, CHAIRMAN

TE C. DeBardeleben led in prayer and presented the annual report on Candidates, Licentiates, and Chaplains to presbytery. The following was received as information:

·        Candidates Under Care

·        Presbytery Interns

·        Minister’s Laboring Out-of-Bounds 

·        Chaplin’s report

Presbytery adopted the following recommendations:

1. That Keith Kahlbau be approved to receive the full amount of the GCP Scholarship at Covenant Theological Seminary.

2. That the Committee meet with TE Ezra Yune concerning his laboring out-of-bounds without the consent of presbytery. (The committee will report at the Fall Stated Meeting.)

The report was approved a whole. (Appendix E)

00-34 MISSION TO NORTH AMERICA - RE C. FELLERS, CHAIRMAN

RE C. Fellers presented the report to presbytery. Presbytery adopted the following recommendations:

1. That the Northeast Mission Church be dissolved in accordance with BCO 13-10 effective July 30^th and that the congregation be informed of this action on May 28^th.  The motion was approved and B. Evans offered prayer for the Northeast group.

2. That GCP concur with Warrior Presbytery that TE Richard Watson be allowed to labor within our bounds as organizing pastor of Kings Bay Presbyterian Church in Panama City Beach, FL in accordance with BCO 13:2.  The motion was tabled with the stipulation that the Stated Clerk obtain clarification from Mr. Watson, Warrior Presbytery, and any other parties deemed necessary, and that he report back to us no later than the October 2000 Stated meeting of Presbytery.              

Prayer was offered for the work of TE Watson and the work at Kings Bay Mission Church.

The report was approved as a whole.  (Appendix F)

00-35 MISSION TO THE WORLD – TE D. ROBERTS, CHAIRMAN

TE D. Roberts opened with prayer and presented an oral report to presbytery encouraging the work of short-term missions among the churches of our Presbytery.

Mr. Roberts introduced Dr. John Parker, who reported on his activities as a medical missionary with MTW in Ecuador.

The report was approved a whole and TE Roberts closed the report with prayer for world missions.

00-36 ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE REPORT

RE V. Kane opened with prayer and presented the Administrative Committee report to the presbytery.

Recommendations 1, 2 and 3 were adopted.

The report was approved as a whole.  (Appendix G)

00-37 NEW BUSINESS

Presbytery accepted the invitation of the First Presbyterian Church, Niceville to host its 84^th Stated Meeting, October 10, 2000.

00-38 REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

A. Bill & Overtures

Presbytery tabled the committee’s report on the Madison Overture to the General Assembly until the October stated meeting. (The Moderator will re-appoint the committee for the Fall Stated Meeting.

B. Resolution and Thanks

Presbytery adopted the following report of the Resolution and Thanks Committee:

(Philippians 1:3-5)  “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you with all joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.” 

Whereas: The people of Wildwood Presbyterian Church have provided their beautiful facility for the 83^rd stated meeting of Gulf Coast Presbytery; and 

Whereas: The music staff of Wildwood provided their talents to enhance and enable our worship of Almighty God; and 

Whereas: The noontime meal provided by Wildwood Church was both delicious and nourishing. 

Therefore, be it resolved that we, the Teaching and Ruling Elders of Gulf Coast Presbytery, give thanks to God and to the ministers, staff and members of Wildwood Presbyterian Church for a profitable meeting and an enriching time of Christian Fellowship. 

00-39 ADJOURNMENT AND CLOSING PRAYER

Presbytery adjourned at 3:48 p.m. (EST) by Moderator RE B. Harris led in the closing prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

TE R. Hornick, Stated Clerk

RH/jcg

(Appendix A)

Minutes of the Commission of Gulf Coast Presbytery

To Ordain and Install Wesley Channell

            The Commission appointed by Gulf Coast Presbytery to ordain and install Mr. Wesley Channell as Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, met at the church at 3:00 p.m., December fourth, 1999. The following members were present: Ruling Elders Charles Dettling, James Corman, Robert Johnson, Dennis Bilbo and Teaching Elders Paul Frick, Rick Fennig and Steven Wallace. Also present was TE Michael MacAughlty, quest of the commission.

            The meeting was called to order and prayer was offered by Mr. Frick. Mr. Frick was elected Chairman and Mr. Johnson as Secretary. The order of service was reviewed and approved and the commission retired to the Sanctuary for the worship service at 3:00 p.m. Mr. Frick presided and Mr. Dettling propounded the Constitutional Questions to Mr. Channell. Mr. Corman posed the questions to the Congregation. Mr. Bilbo read the Scripture and Mr. Frick preached a sermon, using as his text Acts 2:42-47. Mr. Frick led in the ordination service with prayer and the laying on of hands setting Mr. Channell apart to the Gospel Ministry. Mr. Dettling led in a prayer of installation. Then Mr. Michael MacAughlty delivered a charge to Mr. Channell and Mr. Wallace charged the congregation.

            The Reverend Wesley Channell pronounced the benediction following the singing of a closing hymn, and the members of the church came forward to greet their newly ordained and installed Pastor.

            The minutes having been read and approved, the closing benediction would close this portion of the commission’s business.

Respectfully submitted, 

Robert Johnson  //s// 

(Appendix B) 

PROPOSED DOCKET
GULF COAST PRESBYTERY – 83rd STATED MEETING

May 9, 2000 – 10:00 AM CDT/11:00 AM EDT

WILDWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

1.      Call to Order and Opening Prayer 

2.      Worship Service 

3.      Roll Call & Determination of a Quorum 

4.      Approval of Printed Minutes 

5.      Communications 

6.      Adoption of Docket 

7.      Introduction of Visitors 

8.      Appointment of Standing Committees 

9.      Permanent Committee Reports 

1. Executive – TE R. Hornick, Stated Clerk
2. Examinations – TE J. Cavanah, II
3. Christian Education – TE R. Fennig
4. Ministers and Candidates – TE R. Evans
5. Mission to North America – RE C. Fellers
6. Mission to the World – TE G. Roberts
7. Administration – RE V. Kane

SPECIAL ORDER – 12:30 EDT– SHARING AND PRAYER GROUPS

SPECIAL ORDER – 12:45 – 1:30 – LUNCH 

10.  Old Business 

11.  New Business

1. Time & Place of 84th Stated Meeting – Tue., October 10^th – First PC, Niceville

12. Reports of Standing Committees 

13. Adjournment and Closing Prayer 

(Appendix C) 

Executive Committee Report

Tuesday, May 9, 2000 

I.                     MEETINGS 

The Executive Committee met via conference call on Thur., April 26^th at 1:30 PM. 

II.                   ISSUES DISCUSSED 

A.     Communications

B.     Committee Reports

C.    Docket

D.    Nominations 

III.                  RECOMMENDATIONS 

A.     That the docket be approved as presented. 

B.     That the following be elected to Committee of Commissioners for the 28^th General Assembly.  

NOMINATIONS FOR COMMITTEE OF COMMISSIONERS

Gulf Coast Presbytery 

TEACHING ELDERS 

            Bills & Overtures – Paul Frick, 7436 St. James Place, Pensacola, FL 32506 

            Covenant College – Rick Fennig, 22985 Co. Rd. 12, Foley, AL 36535 

            Insurance & Annuities – Mack Griffith, 2350 US Hwy 98, Fairhope, AL 36532 

            Mission to the World – Bill Tyson, 2807 Arnold Palmer Ct., Shalimar, FL 32579 

            Ridge Haven – Bob Hayes, 2350 Frankford Ave., Panama City, FL 32405 

RULING ELDERS 

            Administration – J. D. Scruggs, PO Box 121, Madison, FL 32341 

            Christian Education – Reed Bell, 97 Shoreline Drive, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 

            Covenant Seminary – Brent McMahan, 721 Rockland St., Cantonment, FL 32533 

            Interchurch Relations –   

            Mission to North America – Fred Rall, 381 Santa Rosa Blvd.

Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548 

            PCA Foundation – Ron Kohlin, 1693 Bretton Cove, Niceville, FL 32578 

Floor Clerk (RE or TE) – George Shamblin, 615 Sweetleaf Ct., Cantonment, FL 32533 

Elder for Communion – Charles Underwood, 1253 Mosswood Chase,

Tallahassee, FL 32312

 (Appendix  D) 

The New Philadelphia Presbyterian Church being on sufficient grounds well satisfied of the ministerial qualification of you, Roger Andrew Newell, and having good hopes from our knowledge of your labors that your ministrations in the Gospel will be profitable to our spiritual interests, do earnestly call you to undertake the pastoral office in the said congregation, promising you, in the discharge of your duty, all proper support, encouragement and obedience in the Lord. That you may be free from worldly cares and avocations, we hereby promise and oblige ourselves to pay you the total benefits package of $40,000.00 a year in regular monthly payments (the distribution of this sum as to salary, insurance, retirement, etc. will be determined by mutual agreement between you and the Session of said church) including four (4) weeks vacation during the time of your being and continuing the regular pastor of this church. 

In testimony where of, we have respectively subscribed our names this ninth day of April, A. D. 2000. 

Attest: I, M.Timothy Elder, having moderated the congregational meeting which extended a call to Roger Andrew Newell, for his ministerial services, do certify that the call has been made in all respects according to the rules laid down in the Book of Church Order, and that the persons who signed the foregoing call were authorized to do so by vote of the congregation. 

//s// M. Timothy Elder

 (Appendix E)

Ministers and Candidates Committee

Partial Report on Candidates, Interns, and those laboring Out of Bounds

Gulf Coast Presbytery

May, 2000 

Candidates Under Care: 

Martin King: working with youth in Stanley, North Carolina and has transferred candidacy to Central Carolina Presbytery to pursue ordination. 

Stanley Layton:  Pursuing studies at RTS Jackson, where he continues his studies in preparation for ministry.  Currently employed by Reformed University Ministries working 10 hours per week as an intern at Belhaven College.  Hopes to pursue a call with RUM after graduation, perhaps at USA in Mobile.  Will be working at Christ Presbyterian in Mobile as a pastoral intern this summer, completing all intern requirements. 

Sid Phillips: Continues preaching weekly at Grace Fellowship Church, and working as a furniture refinisher.  Requests prayer for church growth and for his family and father as they recover from the recent death of his mother.   

Craig Barrows: No report 

Presbytery Interns: 

Brett Carl: No report

David Cias: No report

Heath Kahlbau: No report 

Ministers laboring out-of-bounds: 

Doug Miller: Continues regular ministry at Gordon Oaks Nursing Facility chapel services for over 40 residents for worship and 15-25 for Bible Study.  Continues ministry to internationals teaching Ephesians and Ecclesiastes.  Also leads men’s prayer breakfast on Tuesday mornings.  Presently investigating ministry with Ministries in Action, working with French speaking people in the Caribbean, and looks forward to ministry possibilities there.