STATED ASSEMBLY | August 24, 2024

GENERAL PRESBYTER AND STATED CLERK REPORT:

That during 2024, the Session Records Review of 2023 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 2024 records review of 2023 minutes are: Central, Community LBTS, First Fort Lauderdale, First Lake Worth, Gardens, Miami Shores, and Riviera.

SESSIONS ARE REMINDED THAT SUBMITTING RECORDS FOR REVIEW IS A CONSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENT.  ALL SESSIONS MUST COMPLETE THE 2024 RECORDS REVIEW.

Reports and reminds the Presbytery of the changes that have been made to the Board of Pensions Medical Plan and the Presbytery policy in reference to those changes, and shares that meetings were held in June to interpret the changes. Should additional help or conversations be necessary please reach out to the General Presbyter and Stated Clerk.  The policy of the Presbytery regarding benefits and coverage for the Minimum Terms of Call/Covenant beginning January 1, 2025, are as follows:

The minimum terms of call shall require full participation for the pastor in the Board of Pensions benefits programs including medical and income protection through the Congregational Pastors Package or Transitional Pastor’s Participation (the Transitional

Pastor’s Participation is available in 2025-2027).  Congregations shall provide a strategy (approved by the COM) to address the coverage of a spouse and/or children to ensure that the spouse and/or children are appropriately covered.
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The minimum terms of covenant for Transitional Pastors, Stated Supply Pastors, or Bridge Pastors serving 20 hours a week or more shall require full participation for the pastor in the Board of Pensions benefits programs including medical and income protection through the Congregational Pastors Package.  Congregations shall provide a strategy (approved by the COM) to address the coverage of a spouse and/or children to ensure that the spouse and/or children are appropriately covered.

The Board of Pensions has provided a useful tool that will help churches arrive the appropriate numbers for their ministers.  That tool can be found on their website, under the Season for Rebuilding section: DECISION GUIDE.

Reports that the annual Pastors Convocation for those serving congregations will be held at the Embassy Suites in Deerfield Beach, September 11-13, 2024. The convocation will explore leadership practices and will consider the concept of Mosaic Leadership.

Reports that the Vibrant Together Development Corporation has developed a process for ministry incubation and has begun work with congregations to consider property repurposing and innovative ministry development.

There will be an Installation Worship Service for Co-Pastors at First Delray Beach, for Rev. Dr. Doug Hood, and Rev. Dr. Greg Rapier on Sunday, September 8^th, at 4:00 pm.

MINUTES
Parity Report
Session Minute Review Checklist
Session Minute Review Form

STATED ASSEMBLY | May 18, 2024

• During 2024, the Session Records Review of 2023 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. 15-16] and the Session Minutes Review Form [See Appendix, pp. 17-19]. 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.  PDF copies of all documents are preferred.
• Those churches having completed their 2024 records review of 2023 minutes are: First Lake Worth and Miami Shores. SESSIONS ARE REMINDED THAT SUBMITTING RECORDS FOR REVIEW IS A CONSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENT.  ALL SESSIONS MUST COMPLETE THE 2024 RECORDS REVIEW.
• Statistical Reporting is complete and once again we successfully made our benchmark of 100% compliance. Well done, clerks!!
• Presbytery Assembly Dates for the remainder of 2024 are August 24, and November 9. The 2024 Parity Report was used to enroll commissioners to today’s Presbytery Assembly.
• The Presbytery that the Board of Pensions has made significant changes to the medical benefits plan that will impact the minister members of the Presbytery. These changes can be found at org under 2025 Benefits Plan.  The Committee on Ministry has adopted policy regarding these changes and it is reported in today’s packet under the reports of the Committee on Ministry.  The Presbytery will be joining with Clark Simmons, the Church Consultant of the Board of Pensions, during the first week of June to help pastors understand these changes.
• The Rev. Ronald Evans (South Louisiana Presbytery) was received as a new member.
• Ms. Karla Dias (Community LBTS) was certified ready to receive a call.
• Mr. Michael Mahan (First Miami) was enrolled as a Candidate under care.
• Mr. Samuel Ortiz was enrolled as an Inquirer  under care.
• As part of the Vibrant Together ministry plan, the presbytery launched into the next segment of IS MISSIONAL, with the topic of Disciple Making.  Using Ezekiel 37:1-14, the conversation considered discipleship through the lens of Dreaming, Disturbing, and Distancing.

MINUTES
Parity Report
Session Minute Review Checklist
Session Minute Review Form

STATED ASSEMBLY | February 10, 2024

• Rev. Danny Morales (New Covenant PC) was installed as the 2024 Moderator for the Presbytery of Tropical Florida, and recognition of Elder Deborah Sadriwalla (Community LBTS) was given as the 2024 Vice-Moderator.  Moderator Danny thanked Elder Debi Davis for her leadership in 2023, and is now the 2024 Past Moderator and Leadership Council Chair.  Tokens of gratitude were exchanged in the form of the PCUSA Moderators Cross and Vibrant Together Moderator Stole.
• During 2024, the Session Records Review of 2023 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 the minutes have been reviewed the clerk 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, with completed checklist and reviewer forms.  PDF copies of all documents are preferred.
  • Those churches NOT having completed their 2023 records review of 2022 minutes are:, Community LBTS, Community DFB, El Cordero, First Hollywood, First Port St. Lucie, First Stuart, First Tequesta, Goodwill, Grace, Hobe Sound Com., Korean Miami, Korean Palm Beach, New Life, Palms West, Peace Covenant, and Trinity. SESSIONS ARE REMINDED THAT SUBMITTING RECORDS FOR REVIEW IS A CONSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENT.  THESE SESSIONS MUST COMPLETE THE 2023 RECORDS REVIEW WITHOUT DELAY.
• The Necrology Report was presented in the packet and acknowledged during worship. “Blessed are those who die in the Lord, they rest from their labors and their good works follow them.”
• Clark Simmons, Regional Representative of the Board of Pensions, brought us greeting from Philadelphia, claiming that the pension is healthy and strong.  Some upcoming changes include the transition to Medicare Advantage Plan for those who qualify, and the Pastor’s Participation will be for minister alone beginning in 2025.  More information will be rolling out in the near future.  Clark acknowledged that the new website for Benefits Connect has had some difficulties recently, but with persistence and patience, everyone will be able to get resolutions to their concerns or questions.  You can reach Clark at 215-275-3079, csimmons@pensions.org.
• Rev. Georges Bitar was received into membership of the Presbytery Tropical Florida from the De Cristo Presbytery, that he may serve as a chaplain with Vitas Hospice Care.
• The Presbytery concur on the Overture of the Presbytery of the Pacific to the 226^th General Assembly to officially recognize the National Caucus of Korean Presbyterian Churches as one of the caucuses of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
• As part of the Vibrant Together ministry plan, the presbytery launched into the next segment of IS MISSIONAL, with the topic of Leadership Development.  Using John 4, the conversation began the difference between mission and missional. The discussion centered on three principals for being missional: God’s Initiative, Rooted in God’s Love, and To Restore and Heal Creation.  The two focused reflection questions were:
  1. Identify and discuss where in John 4:31-42 you see “mission is the result of God’s initiative, rooted in God’s purpose to retore and heal creation.” As a group, formulate a definition of missional based on this passage.
  2. In light of this passage, name activities (use actions words) in which leaders would engage?

MINUTES
Necrology Report
Session Minute Review Checklist
Session Minute Review Form