A few of the highlights of our meeting in September 2017 by our Presbytery Pastor, Rev. Hilda Pecoraro:

Ryan in Klit

A special thanks to Bedford Holmes, Ryan McKenzie and the staff of Zephyr Point for taking such good care of us. In addition we were blessed by our gracious host church for this meeting, Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church. The members worked with Registrar Karen Stokes to welcome us, to shuttle people up and down the mountain, and – most importantly – they provided a wonderful array of snacks to keep us well nourished throughout the meetings.

We thank the Rev. Joanie Tankersley for planning and leading intervals for spiritual formation throughout the Presbytery meeting. We were able to spend time in prayer, singing, sharing and reflection – as well as conduct the business of the Presbytery. In addition, the Tuesday evening worship service offered everyone the opportunity to move through stations set up for Communion, Offering, Confession, Anointing and Prayer. A special thanks to the Rev. Jim Houston-Hencken for a powerful sermon, Ryan McKenzie for the music, the Equipping Committee for their support and all who participated in the Service.

Rev. Al Fry “honored”

Thanks to the Rev. Jim Houston-Hencken for preparing a humorous and lovely tribute to the Rev. Al Fry, who retired this past year (his 6th time retiring!) from First Presbyterian Church, Virginia City. Al is the longest serving living member of the Presbytery of Nevada, having been enrolled in 1963. Al was dubbed “Alban the Wise” with all the rights and privileges pertaining to that title and was honored for his long and faithful service to the Lord Jesus Christ and the Presbytery of Nevada!

The Special Offering received at the Worship Service was designated for the Lamoille Community Presbyterian Church’s stained glass window restoration. The Offering totaled $1,800.00.

Rev. Jeanie Shaw

The Presbytery approved a Nevada Presbytery Adult Mission Trip to Beaumont, Texas (click here for flyer) under the leadership of the Rev. Jeanie Shaw, to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. The dates for the trip are October 15-21, 2017, and we are hoping for a team of 25 members. The trip will be coordinated through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Please contact Jeanie at revjeanshaw@yahoo.com ASAP if you would like more information and to sign-up for the trip.

The Presbytery approved a motion from the Mission Outreach Committee to establish a Task Force, consisting of at least one member from each Presbytery committee, that will: focus on issues of church decline, identify the common issues that create growth and develop strategies and resources to be used in our congregations. A suggested name for the Task Force is “Fuel for the Future.” Those interested in participating in the Task Force met briefly following the Tuesday afternoon recess. The Task Force will report to Council and to the Presbytery.

With great joy, the Presbytery approved the appointment of the Rev. Philip Park as Stated Supply Pastor for the First Korean Presbyterian Church in Las Vegas. The Presbytery was grateful to welcome Pastor Park back into the membership of the Presbytery of Nevada, remembering his faithful service to Reno Korean Presbyterian Church from 1996-2004.

Rev. Philip Park Welcomed

The Committee on Ministry reported that it has approved $5,000 toward the Lamoille Community Presbyterian Church stained glass window restoration project. They also approved over $10,000 to assist with various projects at the Community Presbyterian Church of Hawthorne.

The Presbytery approved the following actions brought by the Trustees:

• a $17,500 grant to First Presbyterian Church, Elko for roof repair.
• A $2.00 increase in the 2018 Per Capita, making it $42.00.
• The 2018 Budget was approved, with thanks to our Director of Finance Vern Manke.

The Equipping Committee encouraged local churches to support Presbyterian Disaster Assistance in providing aid to the thousands of people affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Jose. They also informed the Presbytery that the Spring Presbytery meeting will include required Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training.

The Presbytery Officers for next year include: Moderator: Rev. Bob Kelley, Vice-Moderator: Elder Lynn Zenier, Chair of Trustees: Elder Ray Bledsoe, Chair of Council: Elder Scott Plummer. All outgoing officers and committee members were thanked for their service.

The host church for the Spring 2018 meeting is Mountain View Presbyterian Church. The dates for the meeting are to be determined.

Photos by Christy Ramsey, more photos in the website Gallery