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Attendance -65: 27 minister members; 1 commissioned ruling elder; 28 ruling elders; 3 corresponding members; and 6 guests.
The gathering began with a delicious lunch provided by the saints of First Presbyterian Church followed by an activity designated to help all attendees get to know one another, and a facilitated discussion on "Seeking to be Faithful Together: Guidelines for Presbyterians in Times of Disagreement."
Everyone then moved to the sanctuary of the church for a time of worship lead by TE Annie Parker who preached on Genesis 2:15-23 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 and presided at the Sacrament of the Lord's Table alongside CRE Lisa Zimmerman-Machar. During worship, the presbytery proceeded to install TE Annie Parker as Moderator and RE Sue Moran as Vice Moderator.
Following worship, we moved into the business portion of the meeting. The Corporate Officers for 2025 are: President - RE John Graves; Secretary & Registered Agent- TE Barry Chance; Treasurer- Diane Eliser. Twelve of our congregations received the Joseph Bader Award for Evangelism and/or Growth AND TE Frank Lewis received the Celtic Cross from the National Association of Presbyterian Scouters for his decades of service. The Stated Clerk introduced the proposed 13 amendments to the Book of Order sent by the 226th General Assembly. Nine amendments were approved by omnibus motion. Following debate and vote, proposed amendments 24-A, 24-C, & 24-M were approved while 24-F was disapproved. CRE Tim Pollock brought greetings from the Synod of the Covenant. Highlights can be found HERE. The presbytery voted to enroll a new Inquirer. Three Ruling Elders were reported as enrolled as seekers in the Commissioned Ruling Elder training process; and one candidate under care has been certified as ready to receive a call. Rev. Kolya Koretskyy was introduced who, following examination, the presbytery voted to receive as a minister member of Eastminster Presbytery. TE Rusty Cowden shared words on the occasion of the retirement of RE Mary Ann Bromley after 10 years of service as a chaplain at Ohio Living at Lake Vista. Finally, The Resource Committee reported on the mission service projects for 2025 and Presbyterian Youth Triennium and encouraged our congregations to consider participation in both. The gathering ended following the benediction and adjournment at 4:51 p.m.
The Presbytery Gathering was a wonderful occasion filled with friendship, worship, and important discussions and decisions. We are thankful for the chance to deepen our connections with our friends in Eastminster, celebrate the growth of our congregations and those responding to God’s call, and the joy of retirement. Friendships play a vital role in our lives, offering companionship, support, and happiness. Honoring God within our friendships means living out the principles of loyalty, love, and kindness as outlined in the Bible. These relationships are gifts, designed to enrich our lives and draw us closer to God. As we cultivate our friendships throughout 2025, we aim to honor God in every interaction and allow God's love to radiate through us.
The designated offering was the Salem Community Pantry. This is a "choice pantry" meaning shoppers select groceries in the same way they would while shopping at any other grocery store. We will continue to accept offering donations until March 31 through the Presbytery Payment Portal (scroll to the Presbytery Meeting Offering giving line) OR Treasurers can send a check to Eastminster Presbytery / PO Box 14439 / Poland, OH 44514. Indicate "March 11 offering" or "Salem Food Pantry" in the memo line.
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