Presbytery Assembly
Stated Presbytery Assembly
November 7, 2026 at 10:00 am
Vibrancy Center
3950 Coconut Creek Parkway | Coconut Creek, FL 33066
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Please note that the Stated Assembly originally scheduled for November 14, has been changed and will now take place on November 7 at the Vibrancy Center. Commissioners, teaching elders, and ruling elders are asked to update their calendars and look out for registration details and docket information to be emailed accordingly. We apologize for any inconvenience this change may cause and look forward to gathering together for worship, fellowship, and the essential business of Tropical Florida.
Our November 7th Presbytery Assembly will be at our Vibrancy Center and is expected to be finished by noon – please note that the start time is 10:00 am. All PTF Minister members, Ruling Elder Commissioners, and guests are welcome to register and attend. CLERKS – Please note the Parity Report for you church’s Commissioner allotment.
Registration closes on November 4, 2026.
Docket/Agenda will be available the week of the assembly.
For more info, contact sandra@vibrantpresbytery.org or 954-785-2220.
2026 ASSEMBLY DATES
FEBRUARY 14, 2026
MAY 16, 2026
AUGUST 22, 2026
NOVEMBER 7, 2026
STATED ASSEMBLY REGISTRATION - 11/7/2026
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PAST ASSEMBLY SUMMARIES
August 2026 Assembly
STATED ASSEMBLY | August 22, 2026
Moderator Nic Merchant opened the Assembly with prayer at 10:02 am. Our new commissioners were: Teri Garland Bolinger (First, Pompano Beach), Graylin Gordon (The Community Church, LTBS), Yvonne Hewitt (Palms West, Royal Palm Beach), and Jahaira Treminio (Sunrise, Hialeigh).
GENERAL PRESBYTER AND STATED CLERK REPORT
- That during 2026, the Session Records Review of 2025 minutes and materials is being conducted by the following method: Send the Stated Clerk a digital copy of your minutes along with the completed Session Minute Review Checklist [See Appendix, pp. 11-12] and the Session Minutes Review Form [See Appendix, pp. 13-15]. Once your minutes have been reviewed you will receive an acknowledgement sheet that can be inserted into your Session Minute book. The records review will be conducted by Presbytery representatives. Please remit your digitized records, and completed checklist and reviewer forms. Scanned PDF copies of all documents are preferred (not photographed pages).
- Those churches having completed their 2026 records review of 2025 minutes are: All Nations PC, Central PC, First Boynton Beach, Gardens PC, Peace Covenant PC, and The Sanctuary PC.
SESSIONS ARE REMINDED THAT SUBMITTING RECORDS FOR REVIEW IS A CONSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENT. ALL SESSIONS MUST COMPLETE THE 2025 RECORDS REVIEW.
- Presbytery Assembly date for the remainder of 2026 is November 14.
- In keeping with the action of the Committee on Ministry, acting as the Presbytery, hereby grant and transfer to Rev. Dr. David Massey the role of Moderator for Community Presbyterian Church Deerfield Beach, and The Community Church of Lauderdale by the Sea.
- In keeping with the action of the Committee on Ministry, acting as the Presbytery, hereby grant and transfer to Rev. Dr. Roger Verse the role of Moderator for Glades Presbyterian Church of Boca Raton.
- Congratulations was expressed to the Co-Moderators of the 227th General Assembly: Rev. Marta Pumroy-Cordero and Rev. Dr. Kristopher Schondelmeyer. Gratitude was expressed to our Tropical Florida Commissioners: Elder Nancy Fine and the Rev. Nic Merchant.
- The GA227 Amendments of Constitution are pending, and we are expected to be able to vote on them at the 2027 February Assembly.
- The 2026 Pastors Convocation will be held on October 4-6, 2026 at the Vibrancy Center for all congregation serving ministers.
- Daris shared that the recent past and current workload for the Presbytery staff has been quite full, especially with the departure of past Associate General Presbyter, Geoff McLean, and the completion of the Vibrancy Center. The staff is in the process of catching up with making calls and scheduling appointments.
- Human Resources Committee Chair, Kim Robles, shared that a new position has been established, Presbyter for Vibrant Life, to assist with the work of the Presbytery. Your prayers for the right person are greatly appreciated.
- Board of Pensions Regional Director, Clark Simmons, shared the following changes:
- Congregational Pastors Package dues for 2027 are 19.75% of effective salary for Member-only PPO medical coverage (subject to minimum and maximum dues), plus 10% of effective salary for income protection benefits, paid entirely by the congregation.
- Medical coverage for family members is available to all members enrolled in the Congregational Pastors Package, and congregations may share in the cost. Dues for child(ren), spouse, and family [spouse and child(ren)] are established as national, community-rated, fixed pricing and are the same regardless of the number of children enrolled. A new subsidy will cover 50% of the national, community-rated cost of medical coverage for children.
- Effective Jan. 1, 2027, eligibility for the Congregational Pastors Package will extend to include ministers of the Word and Sacrament and ruling elders who are elected to serve in mid council leadership.
- Transitional Pastor’s Participation, originally scheduled to sunset at the end of 2027, has been extended through 2029. This extension gives congregations and ministers already enrolled in this package two more years to transition to the Congregational Pastors Package.
- More information is found on the website: https://pensions.org/what-we-offer/church-plans/updates.
COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY
Rev. Elizabeth Pankey-Warren was granted the status of Retired in the Presbytery of Tropical Florida.
WORSHIP
Worship began with a panel discussion: Crystal Botha (First PC, Tequesta), René Endara (Fitness), and Rev. Tricia Young (First PC, Fort Lauderdale). It also included the dedication of the newly purchased piano, which was played by concert pianist, Crystal Botha (First PC, Tequesta). Using the motif of the piano’s restoration journey, Daris paralleled the renewal concept with our personal journeys. Worship concluded with the Lord’s Supper.
MINUTES
Parity Report
Session Minute Review Checklist
Session Minute Review Form
May 2026 Assembly
STATED ASSEMBLY | May 16, 2026
As this was the first assembly at the newly renovated Vibrancy Center, the hymn singing was filled with gratefulness and worship. Moderator Nic Merchant opened the Assembly with prayer at 10:03 am. Our new commissioners were: Natalie Marahaj (First WPB) and Martha Parker (First Tequesta).
GENERAL PRESBYTER AND STATED CLERK REPORT
- A reminder concerning the annual statistical reporting that help produce the Parity Report. Clerks should be making sure that sessions elect the appropriate number of commissioners for each assembly.
- That during 2026, the Session Records Review of 2025 minutes and materials is being conducted by the following method: Send the Stated Clerk a digital copy of your minutes along with the completed Session Minute Review Checklist and the Session Minutes Review Form. Once your minutes have been reviewed you will receive an acknowledgement sheet that can be inserted into your Session Minute book. The records review will be conducted by Presbytery representatives, so please remit your digitized records, and completed checklist and reviewer forms. Scanned PDF copies of all documents are preferred (not photographed pages).
- Those churches having completed their 2025 records review of 2024 minutes are: All Nations PC and The Sanctuary PC.
WORSHIP
Worship was focused on the Lord as our Chief Cornerstone. There was movement from the inside seated area to outside the building. Daris, Nic and Deborah Sadrwilla (Leadership Council Chair) ceremoniously accepted the keys to the building, proclaiming: “Let us enter in, breathing new life into this space and place.” All re-entered the building singing hymn: “Here in this Place (Gather in Us). Once inside all proclaimed the following:
“From abandoned and vacant, God has called us into a place now dedicated and alive by His Spirit.”
“What once stood abandoned and empty has, by God’s grace, been made dedicated and alive for His glory.”
“God transforms what is abandoned and vacant into something dedicated and alive – filled with His presence and purpose.”
Acts 1:1-11 was read, followed by the hymn: “Let Us Build a House,” a Litany of Dedication, a Prayer of Dedication, and the Lord’s Supper.
COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY
CPM Chair, Rev. Dr. David Massey, invited Mr. Luis Carranza and Ms. Lakeisha Aquino individually to be examined by the Presbytery, to be received as Inquirer Under Care for the Ministry of Word and Sacrament.
MINUTES
Parity Report
Session Minute Review Checklist
Session Minute Review Form
February 2026 Assembly
STATED ASSEMBLY | February 14, 2026
Moderator Deborah Sadriwalla opened the Assembly with prayer at 9:30 am. Our new commissioners were: Stephen Anderson (First, Delray Beach), Bill Bathurst (First, Delray Beach), Rafael Efrece (Sunrise PC), Penny Eyer (First, Pompano Beach), Deborah Morgan (Lakeside PC), John Nord (First, Fort Lauderdale), and Kim White (First, Fort Lauderdale).
Rev. Nic Merchant (First, Fort Lauderdale) was installed as the 202 Moderator for the Presbytery of Tropical Florida, and recognition of RE-Nancy Fine (First, Delray Beach) SPOTLIGHT was given as the 2026 Vice-Moderator. Moderator Merchant thanked Deborah Sadriwalla for her leadership in 2025, and he recognized her as the 2026 Leadership Council Chair. Tokens of gratitude were exchanged in the form of the PCUSA Moderators Cross and Vibrant Together Moderator Stole.
GENERAL PRESBYTER AND STATED CLERK REPORT
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- Those churches having completed their 2025 records review of 2024 minutes are: All Nations PC, Central PC, First PC-Delray Beach, First PC-Fort Lauderdale, First PC-Pompano Beach, First PC-Stuart, First PC-Tequesta, First Spanish PC, Gardens PC, Glades PC, Lakeside PC, Miami Shores PC, Myrtle Grove PC, New Covenant PC, Peace PC, Pinecrest PC, The Sanctuary PC, Sunrise PC, and Sunset PC.
- Those churches that have yet to complete their 2025 records review of 2024 minutes are: Ascension Peace PC, Community LBTS, Community PC, El Cordero, First Miami, First PC-Boynton Beach, First PC-Hollywood, First PC-Lake Worth, First PC-WPB, Goodwill PC, Hobe Sound PC, Korean Miami, Korean PB, New Life PC, Palms West PC, Peace Covenant PC, Plantation PC, Riviera PC, and Trinity PC.
SESSIONS ARE REMINDED THAT SUBMITTING RECORDS FOR REVIEW IS A CONSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENT. ALL SESSIONS MUST COMPLETE THE 2025 RECORDS REVIEW.
- Statistical Reporting is underway for congregations. Session clerks please complete those reports. The deadline is due on February 16th! You can still submit it online. We are again working toward 100% reporting. We accomplished this for 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and we can do it again in 2026!
- Presbytery Assembly Dates for the remainder of 2026 are May 16, August 22, and November 14. The annual Parity Report will be issued prior to the May Assembly.
- Reminds Clerks of Session and Treasurers that the 2026 Terms of Call Report is due by February 27th.
- The Necrology Report is presented today in the packet [See Appendix p. 20]. “Blessed are those who die in the Lord, they rest from their labors and their good works follow them.”
- In light of social unrest in our nation, the Church should consider its position in the Public Square:
- How do you understand the church’s role as a witness in the public square?
- How is your church’s identity expressed in the public square?
- As a Session Member, what challenges do you face when it comes to your church and its witness in the public square?
- As a Pastor, what challenges do you face when it comes to your church and its witness in the public square?
- What would it take for your congregation to have a sense of clarity around its shared witness in the public square?
VIBRANT TOGETHER: GETTING UP IN THE BALCONY
- AGP Geoff McLean lead a discussion with RE-Deborah Sadriwalla (2025 Moderator), and Rev. Nic Merchant (2026 Moderator) with a series of leadership skill building questions. This information can be found on the Presbytery website.
MINUTES
Necrology Report
Up in the Balcony Presentation
Session Minute Review Checklist
Session Minute Review Form
November 2025 Assembly
STATED ASSEMBLY | November 8, 2025
Moderator Deborah Sadriwalla opened the Assembly with prayer at 9:36 am. Our new commissioners were: Steve Anderson (First-Delray Beach), Jennifer Buce (First-Delray Beach), Jan Nolander (First-Fort Lauderdale), Tony Parkinson (First-Fort Lauderdale), Suzanne Walters (Peace Covenant PC), and Wynetka Reynolds (Peace Covenant).
GENERAL PRESBYTER AND STATED CLERK REPORT
- That during 2025, the Session Records Review of 2024 minutes and materials is being conducted by the following method: Send the Stated Clerk a digital copy of your minutes along with the completed Session Minute Review Checklist and the Session Minutes Review Form. Once your minutes have been reviewed you will receive an acknowledgement sheet that can be inserted into your Session Minute book. The records review will be conducted by Presbytery representatives, so please remit your digitized records, and completed checklist and reviewer forms. Scanned PDF copies of all documents are preferred (not photographed pages).
- Those churches having completed their 2025 records review of 2024 minutes are: All Nations PC, Central PC, First PC-Fort Lauderdale, First PC-Pompano Beach, First PC-Stuart, First PC-Tequesta, First Spanish PC, Gardens PC, Glades PC, Miami Shores PC, Myrtle Grove PC, New Covenant PC, Peace PC, Pinecrest PC, and Sunset PC.
SESSIONS ARE REMINDED THAT SUBMITTING RECORDS FOR REVIEW IS A CONSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENT. ALL SESSIONS MUST COMPLETE THE 2025 RECORDS REVIEW.
- 2026 Presbytery Assembly Dates are February 14, May 16, August 22, and November 14.
- Not-Your-Average Boundaries Training is scheduled for Monday, November 17, 2025, at First-Pompano Beach, from 10:00 am-5:00 pm, led by LeaderWise. This training is for ministers – those who are not attending and are no longer compliant, will need to complete Safe Gatherings by this date. Please note: THIS IS A REQUIREMENT UNDER THE CONSTITUTION AND SHOULD NOT BE SEEN AS AN OPTIONAL EVENT. Sessions, please encourage your minister to participate!
- The 2026 Presbytery Assembly on February 14 will take place at the Vibrancy Center, located at 3950 Coconut Creek Parkway, Coconut Creek, FL 33066.
- Minister members are reminded that they should complete the Call to Health as offered by the Board of Pensions in order to experience a reduced deductible in 2026. That due date is November 7, 2026.
- COM has acted as the Presbytery to establish a 2.5% COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) for minimum terms of call for 2026. The COM recommends that all calls and covenants receive the 2.5% adjustment.
- The 2026 Per Capita will be set at $28.81, with allocations to: Presbytery $25.55, Synod $2.00 (+ $.50), and General Assembly $11.26 (+$.42).
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSIONS
- Chair Dee Grachek shared that the AC for First Miami has been occupied most of the year with challenges with neighbors concerning the development. The Flagler Chapel has been redeveloped to service the community better and for future fellowship gatherings. Outreach to community, since the pandemic, is on a upswing. Currently, the AC has been working on precise job descriptions for employees and volunteers.
- Chair Paul Bayerl shared that First PC-Lake Worth continues to maintain its food program, even having interactions with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement earlier this year. The church’s financials are low but stabilized under the AC’s watchful eye. The future of this church is uncertain, but the AC is committed to walk alongside the members and to maintain a witness in their community.
VIBRANT TOGETHER: THE WISDOM OF THE FIG TREE (Including Worship)
GP/SC Daris Bultena shared from the Gospel of Luke 16: 6-9, the parable of the fig tree, and used a piece of sanctified art by Lisle Gwynn Garrity, call Where the Fruit Lies. Group discussion questions were asked:
MINUTES
Parity Report
Session Minute Review Checklist
Session Minute Review Form
Presbytery of Tropical Florida
3950 Coconut Creek Parkway
Coconut Creek, FL 33066
