THURSDAY MAILING
February 8, 2024
In this edition . . . . February Birthday Greetings Announcements Message from the General Presbyter John Molina-Moore From the Desk of David Baer, Stated Clerk Heather Deacon, Dir. Of Business Affairs LaJuan Quander, NCP Communications Leveling Up Your Church’s Cybersecurity February 15 – On-line Zoom Event The Gathering (National Capital Presbytery) led by New Covenant Trust Company & Presbyterian Foundation February 24 – National Presbyterian Church (registration required) NCP’s Annual Continuing Ed and Gathering Retreat “Leading with Imagination: Flexing your Ordination Vows March 11-13, 2024 – Cambridge, Maryland NCP’s Annual Continuing Ed and Gathering Retreat Fireside Chats with NCP Staff March 11-13, 2024 – Cambridge, Maryland Crooked Steeple Literary Festival Featuring Jeffrey Blout February 24– Falls Church Presbyterian Church Concerts from Kirkwood presents John Bullard on Classical Banjo March 2 – Kirkwood Presbyterian Church On The Road to General Assembly Issue 6 – January 2024 Elizabeth von Trapp Available to Perform at Your Church
February Birthday Greetings
Dina Bickel
Brian Hamilton
Jon Smoot, HR
Henry Brinton
Larry Hayward
William Stuart, HR
Layne Brubaker
Yena Hwang
Molly Blythe Teichert
Byron Buck, HR
Raymond Hylton
Richard Thomas
Koon Im Choi
Sarah Johnson
Casey Wait
Brian Clark
Lynn Jostes, HR
Rose Wayland
Blake Collins
Deborah Kapp, HR
Jerry Wheat, HR
Robbie D’Orazio
Leslie Klingensmith
Scott Wilson
Heather Deacon
Rusty Lynn, HR
Grace Woodward
Karen Doty, HR
Dean McDonald, HR
Bill Yolton, HR
Susan Fellows, HR
Jay Moses
Bill Hale, HR
Katie Ross
From the staff of National Capital Presbytery john, david, dina, heather, lajuan, tara and tempest
Announcements: National Capital Presbytery and Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, Woodbridge, Va, invite you to the ordination/installation service of Samuel Sarpong on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church. Link to online service: https://www.youtube.com/live/Ph6LtRbjutc?si=VGEHe-b19FTpLC8K and Patuxent Presbyterian Church, California, MD invite you to attend the Ordination/Installation service of Robbie D'Orazio on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Patuxent Presbyterian Church. Link to livestream https://www.youtube.com/patuxentpresbyterianchurch The Wilhelmina and Stanley Jashemski Memorial Scholarship Fund - Wilhelmina and Stanley Jashemski, long-time members of Takoma Park Presbyterian Church, sponsored a Sunday school forum in which young adults could explore their faith in an intellectually challenging environment. Their shared commitment to encourage the development of people with potential for inspired, enlightened leadership is reflected in the goals and purposes of the Fund. The Stanley A. and Wilhelmina Jashemski Memorial Scholarship at Takoma Park Presbyterian Church provide financial assistance for students of outstanding intellectual ability as evidenced by prior academic performance, and significant religious commitment as evidenced by formal membership in a religious body, regular participation in its worship life, and active involvement in its service ministry. Information about the scholarship and the application can be found at https://www.takomaparkpc.org/jashemski-scholarship. Applications are due each year on February 15. For questions, please contact Jashemski@takomaparkpc.org SCOTLAND-SAINT MARK EVENT FEBRUARY 25 - The historic relationship of Saint Mark Presbyterian and Scotland African Methodist Episcopal Zion (AME ZION) church will be the topic of a panel discussion on Sunday, February 25 at 3:00 pm in our sanctuary. Lesli Foster, channel USA9, will moderate the discussion titled From Selma to Saint Mark and Scotland: How the Civil Rights Movement Shaped a Congregation and Saved A Community. The event will feature four panelists, some with first-hand knowledge of the events of that time when both churches and community activists like Joyce Siegel and our own Gordon Hawk came together to prevent County officials from condemning the Scotland community to sell it to a private developer. Scotland AME Zion is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the opening of its church sanctuary in 2024. Under the leadership of Pastor Evalina Huggins, the church has launched a $10 million dollar fundraising campaign to preserve the historic wood framed church on Seven Locks Road after a 2019 flood, while adding a new structure adjacent to it. Our surrounding community has become inspired to throw their support behind the church’s rebuilding, led by a generous gift and in-kind support of Mitchell and Emily Rales and the Glenstone Foundation. Saint Markers are encouraged to attend and spread the word about the Feb. 25 event in our sanctuary which is open to the community as well. For more information, contact Pastor Jay or Dick Pavlin Confirmation Retreat - February 23-25 https://www.camphanover.org/confirmation-retreat/ Bring your confirmation class to Camp Hanover for a time of fellowship, fun, and faith at our Confirmation Retreat. Retreat leader Pastor Adam Bowling will guide participants in exploring the theme Imagine, based on Romans 12:9-21, during this exciting event. Save the date!
February 8, 2024 - Thursday Mail
Then the apostles and the elders, with the consent of the whole church, decided to choose men from among their members and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leaders among the brothers. - Acts 15:22
Dear Friends, At the last Stated Meeting, the Presbytery established an Administrative Commission to work with one of our congregations. I thought I’d take a step back this week and talk about what an Administrative Commission is, and how it can be useful to our ministry in the Presbyterian Church. Let me start with an example of an Administrative Commission that the presbytery forms for a vital but routine purpose. Ordaining ministers and installing them in pastoral positions in our churches is an action of the presbytery. Now, the presbytery could carry out these responsibilities during a stated meeting, but these actions take place in a full service of worship, and it wouldn’t be practical to try to wedge these services into the docket. The presbytery could call a special meeting for this purpose, requiring the attendance of all its commissioners, ministers, and other enrolled members, but given the number of installations and ordinations needed each year, it would be burdensome to conduct them in this way. What is needed instead is a way to vest the authority of the presbytery in a smaller group of people for a specific, limited purpose. The Book of Order provides just such a tool in the Administrative Commission—you can find its provisions in G-3.0109(b), along with some examples of how presbyteries (and other councils) can make use of this instrument of our polity. An Administrative Commission: • • •
… acts in the name of the council that appointed it. So, the decisions of an Administrative Commission appointed by NCP are considered decisions of the presbytery itself. … must have the scope of its powers and any restrictions stated specifically by the appointing council. So, an Administrative Commission can only act with the authority that was explicitly granted to it. … must report its decisions to the appointing council. When an Administrative Commission of NCP reports to the presbytery, the presbytery may then rescind or amend decisions it has made, or, in the absence of any such action, let its decisions stand. In this way, the commission remains accountable for its use of the council’s authority.
One power that a presbytery might grant to an Administrative Commission is the power to assume original jurisdiction from the session of a particular church, so that they govern the church in place of the session (G3.0303(e)). Not all commissions have this authority—or even need it in order to do the work they are asked to do—but it can be necessary in circumstances where the session is unable to carry out its responsibilities. Did you know that a session, as well as a presbytery, can appoint an Administrative Commission? The Book of Order requires that a commission appointed by a session be comprised of at least two ruling elders and a minister in an installed or temporary relationship with the church (in other words, a pastor or associate pastor).
It suggests that one purpose of a commission might be to receive or dismiss members—so, for example, the session might ask a pastor and two elders to conduct a membership class and grant them the authority to act on behalf of the session to examine and receive the new members. If you’re a pastor or clerk looking to make use of an Administrative Commission and want to brainstorm, or if you’re just curious to know more, please reach out! Grace and Peace, Rev. David Baer, Stated Clerk
Greetings! Check out our recent promo on NCP’s social media platforms about our upcoming continuing education retreat! It relates to our Fireside Chats and has a Venn Diagram sharing the relationship between property and volunteerism. We don’t usually talk about those two subjects together, but it’s time that we start. Our denomination (and our churches) was created with laity at the cornerstone. Our Elders, Deacons, Trustees, Treasurers, Committee Members – all volunteers. We looked out into our congregations and tried to match talents with needs. That attorney was more than willing to do some pro-bono work to make sure the preschool lease was in order. The 4th grade schoolteacher aptly oversaw the Sunday School program. Our finance committee was chaired by the elder with a CPA. I could go on, but I suspect you know what I’m talking about. As our churches shrink and age, it becomes harder and harder to do what we’ve always done – at least, it’s harder to do it the way that we’ve always done it. Increasingly, we are filling that void with paid services – we pay the attorney to draft and review the lease, the treasurer becomes a paid position, there aren’t enough folks to volunteer for the grounds cleanup day or to plant the spring flowers, so the landscaping company does it. As our expenses increase, we look for ways to do more - but with less. Often, that means looking at ways to leverage our property. Who can we rent space to? When we start renting space, we need someone to liaison with the tenants, manage the use agreements, track the rising expenses, etc. so we look to the property committee. We put the call out for more volunteers. More volunteers on the property committee means less volunteers for ministry opportunities. Do you see the pattern? We know something must change – but what? And how? These are the conversations that we’ll be diving into during our continuing education retreat – specifically at our fireside chats. Honest dialogue, opportunities to share and learn, practices that can inform and transform. I can’t wait to participate! Registration closes February 13 and there are only a few spots left! Blessings, Heather
The DC-Metro chapter of The Church Network presents:
Leveling Up Your Church’s Cybersecurity Thursday, February 15, 2024 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET Online Zoom event: REGISTER: tinyurl.com/5n7u5kub PRESENTER:
Travis Phipps Director of Technology, Enable Ministry Partners Cybersecurity attacks and breaches are real threats for churches, and we’re only seeing them increase in frequency as technology becomes more integrated into our lives. Being prepared and having a plan is the best way to combat a cybersecurity attack. Learn how to take your church to the next level of awareness, prevention, and responsiveness for cybersecurity. Travis Phipps is the director of technology at Enable Ministry Partners. He helps manage Enable’s team of engineers and works closely with them to oversee Enable’s technology strategy and direction for all clients. Enable Ministry Partners was formed with the specific intent to change lives by serving those who serve. They provide churches with their Ministry EnablementSM solution, a unique blend of comprehensive technology services, church management software consulting, data analytics, cybersecurity services, and business continuity solutions. Presented by the DC-Metro Chapter of The Church Network, an inter-denominational professional association to connect, develop, and strengthen church leaders in administration. www.thechurchnetwork.com/DCMetro
National capital Presbytery
The Gathering "Dreaming for Tomorrow While Funding Today"
led by New Covenant Trust Company & Presbyterian Foundation
Saturday, February 24, 2024 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
National Presbyterian Church (The Parlor) 4101 Nebraska Avenue, NW, DC (light refreshments provided)
Sessions include: • Aligning Your Investments with Your Values • Maximizing Funding for Ministry through Wise Asset Allocation and Spending Formula Strategy • Finance and Investment Committee Governance and Policy register HERE by February 16
ADING WITH IMAGINATION: FLEXING YOUR ION VOWS
NCP'S ANNUAL CONTINUING ED GATHERING & RETREAT
Keynote Speaker: LAKISHA R. LOCKHART
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Assistant Professor of Christian Education, Union Presbyterian Seminary
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Lakisha R. Lockhart's research interests are in the areas of religious education; practical, liberation, and Womanist theologies; ethics and society; multiple intelligences; embodied faith and pedagogies; theological aesthetics' theopoetics; creativity, imagination, and play. Her teaching takes seriously the benefits and necessity of play, movement, aesthetics, creative arts, and embodiment. For Lockhart, the body is a locus for doing theology and theological reflection. Boston College, Ph.D. Vanderbilt University, M.A. Wesley Theological Seminary, M.Div. Claflin University, B.A. Cost: $350 per person (single occupancy) $225 per person (double occupancy) Register HERE (Registration closes on February 13, 2024)
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Monday, March 11
4:00PM
Official Check-in (welcome to use facility prior to check-in)
6:30PM
Welcome Reception Heavy Hors d'oeuvres
8:00PM
Fireside Chats - Led by Staff
Tuesday, March 12 7:30AM
Morning Vespers
8:00AM
Breakfast Buffet
9:00-12:00PM Program w/Lakisha Lockhart 12:00PM
Lunch - Sponsored by the Board of Pensions
1:00-3:00PM
Free Time
3:30PM
Afternoon Snack
3:30-5:30PM
Program w/Lakisha Lockhart w/breakout rooms
6:30PM
Dinner - Sponsored by Presbyterian Foundation
8:00PM
Fireside Chats - Led by Staff
Wednesday, March 13 8:00AM
9:00AM
Breakfast (on your own)
Crooked Steeple Literary Festival FEATURTING
JEFFREY BLOUNT
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 24 2PM AT
READING, RECEPTION & BOOK SIGNING $20 SUGGESTED DONATION
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225 E. BROAD ST. FALLS CHURCH, VA
Concerts from Kirkwood presents
John Bullard on Classical Banjo Saturday, March 2 at 3 pm Kirkwood Presbyterian Church 8336 Carrleigh Parkway West Springfield, VA 22152 Bach, Banjos kirkwoodpres.com
and the Hero’s Journey
Free Admission Donations Appreciated