Discounted Services for churches insursed by Insurance Board

Those churches insured by the Insurance Board should look into these services.  See the "basic background check" for $5 and the possibility of electrical inspections and property appraisals.

The other insurers of churches in the presbytery may have similar services.

SUBSIDIZED:

Background Checking – Every sophisticated organization, especially those serving children, conducts background checks of employees and volunteers. The Insurance Board provides services subsidized at 50% of our negotiated rate for current, active participants. A "basic" background check costs your church only $5. See Safe ConductTM Workbench. All churches and related entities of the United Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ (Christian Church), and Presbyterian Church (USA) can take advantage of this program (non-program participants enjoy our discounted rate, but not a subsidized rate).

Electrical Inspection by TEGG – If your church is more than 30 years old, you can be sure there are defects in your electrical service that can and may result in serious shocks or fires. Invest $225 in an electrical inspection and receive $500 back in free repairs of any defects identified as "critical" or "severe."  (This service may not be available in some areas.)

Property Appraisal – You have a fiduciary responsibility to assure that your insurance limits are adequate for your church. A professional appraisal is recommended for very large churches, historic churches and many built prior to 1950. They often contain craftsmanship, construction methods, stained glass and pipe organs rarely used in modern churches. Industrial Appraisal Company (IAC), a specialist in church appraisal, provides a discount to Insurance Board program participants. To receive an estimate on the cost of an appraisal, go to this link and make your request: Appraisal Service Estimate

Presbyterian Church (USA) Adopts Historic Ordination Standard

The requisite number of presbyteries have approved the proposed amendment to the Book of Order replacing the 30-year old ordination standard that called out for special mention sexual fidelity for elders, deacons, and ministers to one partner, with a more general standard of suitability for service.

The amendment removes the constitutional requirement that all ministers, elders, and deacons live in “fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness.”

The new language is:
“Standards for ordained service reflect the church’s desire to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life (G-1.0000). The governing body responsible for ordination and/or installation (G.14.0240; G-14.0450) shall examine each candidate’s calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability for the responsibilities of office. The examination shall include, but not be limited to, a determination of the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.4003). Governing bodies shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates.”

Congregations, for elders and deacons, and presbyteries, for ministers, will have to judge candidates for suitability for service.

More, including frequently asked questions and worship resources.

Some thoughts worth quoting

http://blog.gajunkie.com/2011/05/07/if-amendment-10-a-passes-does-the-pcusa-have-local-option.aspx

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Pentecost Offering material available

Your church should have received the package of material for the Pentecost offering, June 12.   The package includes materiials for children and youth, resources for worship, and practical pieces.

The Pentecost Offering provides a direct way to meet the needs of children at risk, youth, and young adults. Congregations are encouraged to keep 40 percent of the Offering to support ministry with children at risk in their communities. The General Assembly’s portion (60 percent) provides leadership development opportunities for Presbyterian youth and young adults and supports children-at-risk programs at the national level. Since 1998, Presbyterians of all ages have raised over $7 million for these ministries that benefit younger members of God’s family

More information is available at www.pcusa.org/pentecost
More information in Spanish at www.pcusa.org/pentecost/spanish 

Follow all the PC(USA) special offerings  on facebook at Presbyterian Church (USA) Special Offerings

Calendars for 6/11 - 12/11 Available for order

I will accept orders for 6/11 - 12/12 planning calendars through April 26. The price will be &10.35, delivered.

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Eastern Oregon Presbytery On Amendments to Book of Order

The Eastern Oregon Presbytery voted on Saturday April 9 to approve the new Form of Government, Belhar Confession and proposed amendment 10-A.

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PC(USA) Middle Governing Body Comission Seeks Your Views

The first directive of the 218^th’s mandate to the Middle Governing Body Commission is “to consult with sessions, presbyteries, synods, and the wider church on the mission and function of middle governing bodies.”  The Commission is doing this through onsite visits to the 16 synods, brief presentations from middle governing body staff, focus groups which include presbyteries and online surveys.  The data gathering portion of their work extends until June 1 of this year.  To that end we are asking for your help. 

 

There is a general survey for the “public” and, if you wish, you can mention this in your presbytery publications or even post a link on your website.  That link is www.pcusa.org/mgbchurchwidesurvey. 

The Commission wishes it could visit in each presbytery but cost and time prohibit such visits.  Several focus groups are being planned that are targeted at presbyteries and at various constituencies within presbyteries.  If your presbytery feels strongly that they wish to talk directly to the Commission, we can arrange for a one hour conference call with two commission members.  Just let me know.

Thanks so much for your help in this task which, I believe, is a crucial one for the whole church.  You can learn more about the MGB Commission on its website http://oga.pcusa.org/mgbcommission/index.htm