Call to Presbytery
In accordance with Book of Order Form of Government Chapter XI, Section 2, (G-11.0200) and the Bylaws of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area (Article I), the Presbytery will meet in Annual Stated Session on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, 4:00 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 503 West Sixth Street, Red Wing, MN 55066. Directions to the church follow this notice.
There will be four pre-presbytery events beginning at 2:30 p.m. The topics include: HIV/AIDS, as presented by Peace and Justice Task Force; Environmental issues as presented by Environmental Concerns Task Force; Not so Simple Gifts, a Level II Training Event presented by Advocates in Integrity in Ministry, a standing committee of the Presbytery; and Disaster Assistance, welcoming a guest leader, Martha-Lee Bohn, community Outreach Coordinator, Presbytery of Mississippi Disaster Recovery. Presbyters are encouraged to take advantage of their choice from these opportunities.
At 3:00 p.m., Nancy Grittman, Stated Clerk, will facilitate an orientation session for new clergy and first-time elder commissioners. Look for signs to direct to the session of choice.
At 4:00 p.m., the meeting will be called to order by Moderator Elder JoAnn Simser in the sanctuary. As the Presbytery moves in the direction of economy of paper and labor, please note that the Minutes of the March 14, 2009, meeting will not be in the packets. These minutes are online, available for download, as are all of the packet contents, and Presbyters are encouraged to check these documents, printing only those papers which are of special concern or interest to each person. The Presbytery is planning to move toward discontinuing the printing of packet materials in the next several months. The Presbytery Council would appreciate hearing your comments on this, so that your needs can best be served. A few packets will be printed for use by those without computer availability.
There are several very important issues to come before Presbytery at this annual meeting. A new Moderator and Vice-Moderator will be elected and installed. A new chair of Council will be elected, as will several other new committee personnel. The officers and staff are grateful to those who have completed their terms, and also to those who are beginning terms of service. A short reception for the new Moderator and Vice-Moderator will take place during the dinner hour.
Council will be proposing for the first reading a change to the bylaws which will name the new Mission and Witness Committee, and establish it as a committee with representation on Council.
A very important topic for all, caring for and welcoming returning veterans, will be addressed by the Disabilities Task Force, led by The Rev. Bebe Baldwin, incoming chair of the General Assemblies Task Force on disabilities.
Dinner will be available for 150 at a cost of $7.00 per person. No childcare will be provided. On street parking is available.
Nancy E. Grittman, Stated Clerk
Directions to First Presbyterian Red Wing.
