A few of the highlights of our meeting in March 2017 by our Presbytery Pastor, Rev. Hilda Pecoraro:
Beautiful warm weather in Henderson, which was a relief to those coming from the snowbound north. The host church, Henderson Presbyterian Church did an excellent job with the providing of meals and snacks, organization of space and ensuring everyone’s comfort throughout the gathering. Thank you to Pastor Lee Styer, Chairperson Elder Connie Knight and ALL the volunteers!
The First Korean Presbyterian Church of Las Vegas prepared and served lunch on Tuesday. It was a bountiful and delicious Korean meal, which left everyone satisfied and grateful. Thank you to Rev. In Cheol Lim and the members of FKPC!
Rev. Jim Houston-Hencken, (helmet) and Rev. Hutch Hutchison (fuzzy)
We had an entertaining and informative presentation of the proposed Amendments to the Book of Order from the Rev. Jim Houston-Hencken, representing a conservative viewpoint, and the Rev. Hutch Hutchison, representing a more progressive viewpoint. Voting on the proposed Amendments was done by paper ballot. The Presbytery of Nevada voted in favor of all proposed Amendments, with the largest split vote being on item 16-H, approving the new Directory for Worship.
The Presbytery celebrated the work accomplished by the Director of Finance, Elder Vernon Manke who has cleaned up the many funds we had accumulated over the years, and has created an ordered and understandable system for the handling of and reporting on Presbytery funds.
The Presbytery received a request from Community Presbyterian Church of Tonopah to dissolve the church, which is down to 4 members. The Presbytery heard from Pastor Rob Schleef, CRE who has been pastoring this congregation for 16 years and also from Elder Ray Bledsoe, chair of the Administrative Commission charged with the tasks related to the dissolution. The Presbytery granted the request of the congregation with regret and offered a prayer of thanksgiving for the church’s long ministry to the community of Tonopah and to the Presbytery of Nevada.
Moderator Scott Plummer, Community Presbyterian Church of Tonopah Pastor Rob Schleef, and Presbytery Pastor Hilda Pecoraro
The Presbytery made a $5,000 donation to Teen Challenge, a faith-based ministry to persons dealing with addictions. The Las Vegas center houses 18 men and up to 12 interns who have completed the program. We heard an inspiring testimony of the transformational work being done by Teen Challenge from the Director, David Davis. (Note: There is also a Teen Challenge center in Sparks for boys ages 12-7, and one will soon be opening in Lund for girls ages 12-17 who are victims of trafficking.)
We received a report from Pastor John Staples of Amazing Grace, a ministry to the homeless in Las Vegas. John thanked the Presbytery for its on-going support the last 17 years since the creation of Amazing Grace. Weekly worship services, meals and distribution of clothing continue to bring comfort and hope to this often overlooked population.
We received a report from Zach Darrah, Director of FIRM (Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministry) which included a thanks to the Presbytery of Nevada for supporting FIRM for 23 years.
The Special Offering received at the worship service was designated for the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Youth Mission Trip to Baton Rouge, Louisiana this summer to assist victims of flooding. The Offering was $1,341.00!
Rev. Bob Crall preaches before PresbyteryThe Presbytery worship service was led by host pastor the Rev. Lee Styer, along with the choir of Henderson Presbyterian Church. The highlight of the service was a powerful sermon from the Rev. Bob Crall titled, “Christ the Same, Yesterday, Today, Forever.”
Pastor David Rhee, CRE was joyfully received to serve Westminster Presbyterian Church
Pastor David Rhee, CRE was joyfully received as a member of the Presbytery of Nevada. Pastor Rhee was commissioned on January 1, 2017 to serve as pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Let us pray for David and for the wonderful congregation of Westminster.
Bob Kelley, Joan Jeffers, Jeanie Shaw, John Harbison, Joanie Tankersley, Bill Tankersley
Rev. Jeanie Shaw was given permission to labor within the bounds of the Presbytery of Nevada as she serves as part-time Interim Pastor for the Truckee Lutheran/Presbyterian Church. Rev. Shaw continues as a member of the Presbytery of Sacramento where she is also pastor of a new church plant. She brings national experience working with the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Program and coaching new church developers. We praise God for bringing Jeanie to TLPC and ask God’s blessing on her and the congregation.
Rev. Bill Stryker, Honorably Retired
The Presbytery approved a motion from the Equipping Committee to extend the Fall meeting of the Presbytery by 3 hours so that Equipping can plan a program that will provide for spiritual enrichment, strengthening relationships, building community and reflecting on important issues facing the church.
It was a joy to welcome two additional pastors to the Presbytery! The Rev. Ken Eimer – member at large, and the Rev. Bill Stryker, Honorably Retired. Both Ken and Bill bring years of ministry experience, skill and commitment to Christ and his church. We are very blessed to have them as members of the Presbytery of Nevada!
Rev. Ken Eimer – member at large (in white)
Presbytery voted to approve the revised and updated By-laws, Standing Rules and Policies, with sincere thanks to Stated Clerk Joan Jeffers for all her time and effort on this huge project.
Rev. Adrian Doll’s call as Pastor of Green Valley Presbyterian Church was approved and he was enthusiastically received as a member of the Presbytery of Nevada. Rev. Doll’s Service of Installation will be on Sunday, April 23 at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome! Let us keep Adrian, his family and the Green Valley congregation in our prayers.
Rev. Adrian Doll approved as Pastor of Green Valley Presbyterian Church
SAVE THE DATE: Fall Presbytery of Nevada Meeting: September 11-13, 2017 at beautiful Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center on the shores of Lake Tahoe where “the fabric is thin between heaven and earth!”
