Foothills Presbytery Committee Directory

Rev. Chris Berardi

Rev. Peggy Swann

Ex-Officio Members: Rev. Mary Morrison, Elder Bill Sibley, Ms. Donna Templeton,

Rev. George Wilkes

Composition: Moderator of Council, Moderator of Presbytery, Vice Moderator of Presbytery, Moderators of 9 Presbytery Teams: Mission, New Church Development, Governing Body, Finance, Unity and Community, Education, Inspiration and Support, Campus Ministry, Congregational Transformation, Moderator of COM, Moderator of CPM, Moderator of Committee on Representation, Moderator of Nominations Committee.

Representatives elected by each of the following: Youth Council, Racial Ethnic Cabinet, Presbyterian Women, Outdoor Ministry Program Board. Presbytery Program Staff, ex officio 6. Total of 20 voting members and 6 ex-officio members.

The Council coordinates the meetings of Presbytery, and acts as instructed by Presbytery between meetings. It provides for communication among the teams, committees and commissions of Presbytery and interprets their work to the Presbytery. The Council functions as the Corporate Board of the Presbytery. By virtue of their election to Council, Council members are also elected to the Corporate Board. The Chair of Council serves as Chair of the Corporate Board.

Council Responsibilities:

Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit…

• 1. Provide for the worship of Presbytery.
• 2. Set the agenda of Presbytery meetings and make arrangements for Presbytery meetings.
• 3. Interpret and communicate the budget of Presbytery.
• 4. Facilitate communications among the teams, commissions, and committees of the Presbytery and from the teams, commissions and committees to the Presbytery.
• 5. Ensure a fair and clear decision-making process that is consistent with the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
• 6. Encourage maximum participation in Presbytery meetings.
• 7. Act on behalf of Presbytery between meetings as Presbytery deems appropriate and as instructed by Presbytery.
• 8. Make editorial changes to Presbytery’s manual which do not materially change its intent and interpretation.
• 9. Act on Presbytery’s behalf to approve requests from congregations to buy, sell or encumber property.
• 10. Function as the corporate board of Foothills Presbytery, Inc. with the authority to acquire property for Presbytery and to hold the same at the direction of Presbytery.
• 11. When the Presbytery shall purchase property and make deferred payments, the Council shall have the authority to execute a security deed to secure any unpaid balance of the purchase money and to execute all necessary papers in connection with such transaction.
• 12.Continually look for ways to think creatively about the areas of responsibility assigned to the Council, and when appropriate recommend and implement such changes within the structure of the Presbytery.

Ex-Officio Members: Rev. Andy Casto Waters, Rev. Bill Gause, Rev. Dottie Metropol 

Campus Ministry Team

Composition:  12 persons elected by Foothills Presbytery.  Campus ministers also serve ex officio.

The Campus Ministry Team coordinates the outreach ministry of the Presbyterian Church (USA) on the campuses of universities and colleges within the bounds of Foothills Presbytery.

Responsibilities:
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit…

2. 1) Develop and promote a vision for campus ministry in the Presbytery.
3. 2) Oversee and support the campus ministries within the bounds of Foothills Presbytery.
4. 3) Advocate, empower and encourage close cooperation between local congregations and campus ministry programs.
5. 4) Communicate regularly with local campus ministry committees.
6. 5) Participate in state-wide Campus Ministry Cabinet.
7. 6) Continually look for ways to think creatively about the areas of responsibility assigned to the team and when appropriate recommend and implement such changes within the structure of the Presbytery.

Composition: 22 persons elected by Foothills Presbytery. Ex-officio: Executive Presbyter/Stated Clerk; Associate for Vocation and Education.

The Committee on Ministry “serves as pastor and counselor to the ministers and Certified Christian Educators of the Presbytery, facilitates relations between congregations, ministers and the presbytery, and settles difficulties on behalf of the presbytery when possible and expedient.” (G-11.0501a)

Responsibilities:
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit…

1.Work with Congregations in a manner consistent with the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
a)Visit with each session of the Presbytery at least once every three years (G-11.0502c).
b)Relate to congregations regarding pastoral leadership as outlined in the whole of G-11.0502.
c)Promote the peace and harmony of the churches of the Presbytery, especially in regard to matters arising out of the relations between ministers and churches, seeking to mediate and reconcile those involved (G-11.0502i).
d)Follow procedures outlined in G-11.0502j in its relation to churches within which there may be difficulties.
e)Relate to congregations regarding educational ministry leadership as outlined in the whole of G-14.000.
f)Counsel sessions and personnel committees on job descriptions, compensation and benefit standards (G-10.0102n, G-11.0103f, G-11.0103n).

2.Work with Ministers in a manner consistent with the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

a)Relate to ministers serving congregations as outlined in the whole of G-11.0502.
b)Relate to each member Minister annually reporting on his or her call and changes in terms of the respective call (G-11.0502a,b,h).
c)Promote the peace and harmony of the churches of the Presbytery, especially in regard to matters arising out of the relations between ministers and churches, seeking to mediate and reconcile those involved (G-11.0502i).
d)Select Committee on Ministry members to serve on Presbytery’s Examinations Commission.

3.Work with Christian Educators in a manner consistent with the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

a)Relate to Christian Educators as outlined in the whole of G-14.0700.
b)Include interviews with certified Christian Educators in all formal visits (G-11.0502c) and work with congregations, especially in those situations in which the head of staff position has become vacant.
c)Encourage educators to seek certification, provide guidance through the Educator Certification advisor, and encourage sessions to make continuing education funds and time available to educators seeking certification (G-14.0730a).
d)Provide support to certified Christian Educators (G-14.0730b) through a service of recognition and establishing compensation and benefit standards as defined in G-11.0103n and access to the Committee on Ministry (G-11.0503).
e)Serve as pastor and counselor to certified Christian Educators, including support and mediation in conflict situations (G-11.0501).

4.Work with Commissioned Lay Pastors in a manner consistent with the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

a) Approve commissions of Commissioned Lay Pastors and authorize functions that they are to perform in accordance with G-14.0562.
b) Assign a minister of Word and Sacrament as a mentor and supervisor (G-14.0564) and when necessary consult with the Inspiration and Support Team concerning continuing education of Commissioned Lay Pastors.

5.Work with the Inspiration and Support Team to fulfill other responsibilities in relation to ministers, Christian educators, and Commissioned Lay Pastors, including pastoral care.

6.Coordinate and partner with the Sexual Ethics Team as needed.

7.Continually look for ways to think creatively about the areas of responsibility assigned to the committee and when appropriate recommend and implement such changes within the structure of the Presbytery.

Mrs. Nancy Dykes
Rev. John Hallman
Rev. Joseph Gaston
Dr. Bill Burns
Rev. Dottie Metropol
Mr. Gene McLeod
Rev. Peggy Swann, Co-Moderator
Mr. David Quattlebaum 

Ms. Peggy Clark

Composition: 12 members elected by Presbytery.

The Committee on Preparation for Ministry provides direction for those who are to be ordained as ministers of the Word and Sacrament. The Committee enters into covenant relationship with those preparing to become ministers and is engaged in such relationship through the phases of inquiry and candidacy. (G-14.0400)

Responsibilities:
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit…

1) Interview persons recommended by their sessions for inquiry and decide whether to enroll them as inquirers, reporting the Committee’s action to the next stated meeting of presbytery.

2) In cooperation with the session and the inquirer, determine the length of the phase of inquiry and determine whether the inquirer should apply to become a candidate.

3) Confer with inquirers, review the inquiry phase, and make recommendation to the presbytery through the stated clerk with respect to inquirers’ applications for candidacy.

4) Instruct sessions on their role in inquiry and the candidacy process.

5) Provide oversight of inquirers and candidates in matters relating to the preparation for ministry.

6) Provide for annual consultations with each inquirer and candidate. Report to the Presbytery on annual consultations. (G-14.0421)

7) Conduct final assessments of candidates’ readiness for ministry. (G-14.0450)

8) Certify candidates on behalf of the presbytery as being ready to receive a call and report such certifications to an appropriate meeting of presbytery. (G-14.0450)

9) Make recommendation to the presbytery concerning the transfer and removal from covenant relationship of inquirers and candidates under its care. (G-14.0460)

10) Make decisions regarding applications for financial aid, including persons pursuing educational ministry.

11) Continually look for ways to think creatively about the areas of responsibility assigned to the committee, and when appropriate recommend and implement such changes within the structure of the Presbytery.

Composition: Ten persons elected by Foothills Presbytery: One white male lay person or minister; two white female lay persons or ministers; two racial ethnic male lay persons or ministers; two racial ethnic female lay persons or ministers; two youth, one of whom shall be male and one female, and one of whom shall be a racial ethnic person; and one person with a disability (See G-90105a).

The Committee on Representation advises the Presbytery with respect to its membership and to that of teams, commissions, committees, boards, agencies and other units in implementing the principles of participation and inclusiveness to ensure fair and effective representation in the decision making of the church (See G-9.0105).

Responsibilities:
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit…

1) Advocate for the inclusion of racial ethnic members, women, different age groups and persons with disabilities in the life and leadership of Presbytery.

2) Review the performance of the Presbytery in matters pertaining to representation and inclusiveness and reports findings annually.

3) Make recommendations to Presbytery for corrective action which may be necessary to enhance inclusiveness and fair representation. (See G-9.0105c)

4) Consult with the Nominating Committee of Presbytery concerning inclusiveness and representation. (See G-9.0105c)

5) Consult with the Racial Ethnic Cabinet concerning representation and inclusiveness. (See G-9.0105d)

6) Consult with the Coordinating Team of Presbyterian Women concerning representation and inclusiveness. (See G-9.0105d)

7) Advise the Presbytery on employment of personnel in accordance with the principles of participation and representation. (See G-9.0105e)

8) Report to Presbytery directly.

9) Continually look for ways to think creatively about the areas of responsibility assigned to the committee, and when appropriate recommend and implement such changes within the structure of the Presbytery.

Composition:9 persons elected by Foothills Presbytery.

The Church Transformation Team encourages the wholistic health and growth of existing congregations.

Responsibilities:
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit…

1) Cultivate an understanding of Congregational Transformation within the Presbytery through various means of relational communication and training.

2) Provide training in congregational health and growth for the Congregational Transformation team members.

3) Identify congregations that may be candidates for congregational transformation and renewal.

4) Provide guidance and support to congregations that are selected for intentional congregational transformation and renewal.

5) Explore partnering of churches for mission and ministry.

6) Encourage mentoring relationships between congregations.

7) Provide support to ministers and elders of congregations.

8) Approve and administer grants of financial support.

9) Consult with sessions requesting assistance in planning and funding facilities expansion.

10) Administer Presbytery’s revolving loan fund.

11) Publicize and interpret Synod and General Assembly programs, grants and loans which relate to congregational health, growth, and transformation.

12) Assist with and make final decisions concerning relevant applications for Synod and General Assembly grants and loans.

13) Counsels with congregations that are in significant decline.

14) Provide direction and assistance to congregations that are being dissolved.

15) Continually look for ways to think creatively about the areas of responsibility assigned to the team and when appropriate recommend and implement such changes within the structure of the Presbytery.

Interested Persons: Judith Roman, Steve Burdsal, Shirley Mooney, Claire Ripley 

Presbytery Staff: Rev. George Wilkes

Rev. Craig Foster, Ch

Composition:15 members elected by Foothills Presbytery.

The Education Team nurtures and supports congregations of Foothills Presbytery in their ministries of Christian education so that they can reach the people of our area with the gospel.

Responsibilities:
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit…

1) Develop programs and resources for church officer education.

2) Support congregations in the education of church school teachers, youth advisors and other leaders in Christian education.

3) Promote and interpret curriculum for use in congregational Christian Education programs.

4) Encourage and educate congregations in issues related to becoming a safe place for ministry with special attention to the safety issues for persons under the age of eighteen.

5) Develop programs, networks and resources for church administrators, treasurers, and secretaries.

6) Explore ways of engaging young adults in conversation and worship that is Reformed and meaningful.

7) Provide and oversee a resource center for the use of congregations and leaders of the Presbytery.

8) Continually look for ways to think creatively about the areas of responsibility assigned to the team and when appropriate recommend and implement such changes within the structure of the Presbytery.

Mr. Jim Seeley
Rev. Allen McSween
Rev. George Harper, Moderator 
Rev. Jean Weaver

Mr. John Broadwell

Composition:12 persons (including chair) with no more than one person serving from a particular church. Members will reflect the diversity of Foothills Presbytery. Five members will be selected by the COM from the COM. Two members (1 clergy, 1 elder) will be selected by and from the Unity and Community Team. Two members (1 clergy, 1 elder) will be selected by and from the Inspiration and Support Team. Members from COM, Unity and Community and Inspiration and Support will serve a one-year term, renewable up to six years total. The remaining three members will be nominated by the Nominating Committee of Presbytery and elected by Presbytery as at-large members, comprised of three classes of one person elected to a three-year term.

The Examinations Commission of Foothills Presbytery is elected by the presbytery to examine candidates (G-14.0482,) ministers (G-11.0402) who are seeking membership in the Presbytery, and elders seeking to serve as commissioned lay pastors (G-14.0560).

Responsibilities:
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit…

1) Examine and take action on previously ordained pastors transferring into Foothills Presbytery, and report this action to the Presbytery.

2) Examine candidates for ordination and Commissioned Lay Pastors, and make recommendations concerning the candidate’s or Commissioned Lay Pastor’s examination on the floor of Presbytery. In the event of a questionable examination, the Examinations Commission will refer the candidate or Commissioned Lay Pastor to the Committee on Ministry for determination of the call.

3) In every case present them by suitable means on the floor of presbytery, including the possibility of dialogue with members.

4) Continually look for ways to think creatively about the areas of responsibility assigned to the commission and when appropriate recommend and implement such changes within the structure of the Presbytery.

Composition:9 persons elected by Foothills Presbytery.

The Finance and Stewardship Team provides financial planning and fiscal oversight for the Presbytery. It promotes stewardship in the congregations of the Presbytery and interprets the budgets of Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly.

Responsibilities:
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit…

1) Receive budget information and requests from the teams, committees and commissions of Presbytery.

2) Oversee budget process; form an annual budget to submit to Council for consideration, interpretation, and communication to Presbytery.

3) Authorize expenditures within the budget, reporting regularly to the Presbytery.

4) Oversee the investments of Presbytery.

5) Ensure that an annual independent audit is performed and reported to the team and the Presbytery.

6) Encourage stewardship in the congregations of the Presbytery through training and education.

7) Encourage sessions to make budgeted benevolent allocations for the work of Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly causes.

8) Recommend approval and promotion of special offerings as authorized by the Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly.

9) Recommend scheduling and approval of capital funds campaigns to the Presbytery.

10) Continually look for ways to think creatively about the areas of responsibility assigned to the team and when appropriate recommend and implement such changes within the structure of the Presbytery.

Composition:12 persons elected by Foothills Presbytery.

The Governing Body Team provides administrative oversight of the Presbytery. In coordination with the Executive Presbyter the team provides support and supervision of the Presbytery office and staff. The Team keeps the mission and vision of the Presbytery before the governing body and its constituent congregations. The Team evaluates the mission and vision of Presbytery on a regular basis and proposes changes when appropriate. In cooperation with the Committee on Ministry, it is responsible for the review and control of sessions and congregations.

Responsibilities:
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit…

1) Provide for the regular review and evaluation of the mission and vision statements of Presbytery and of the functional relationship between these statements and Presbytery’s structure and mission.

2) Encourage listening and mutual sharing through the annual required review of Session minutes. Communicate information of concern and interest to the Committee on Ministry.

3) Develop and implement personnel and office policies and procedures.

4) Consult with Presbytery program and administrative staff in matters regarding office equipment and furnishing.

5) Advise congregations in the upgrading of computer and internet resources.

6) In coordination with Presbytery staff, update and maintain Presbytery’s internet and print communication to keep Foothills Presbyterians informed of news of the Presbytery, its congregations, and the Presbyterian Church (USA).

7) Recommend search processes for program staff to Presbytery in consultation with the Executive Presbyter/Stated Clerk.

8) Ensure that all Constitutional requirements concerning consultation, affirmative action and equal employment opportunity are met when new personnel are employed by the Presbytery (see G-9.0404, G-11.0303, G-12.0302, and G-13.0201b).

9) Recommend termination of program staff to Presbytery in consultation with the Executive Presbyter/Stated Clerk and in a manner consistent with the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA). (See G-9.0705 and G-9.0706).

10) Approve employment and/or termination of administrative staff in consultation with the Executive Presbyter/Stated Clerk, and in a manner consistent with the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

11) Make annual recommendations to the Finance and Stewardship Team regarding staff salaries and changes in terms of call of program staff.

12) Continually look for ways to think creatively about the areas of responsibility assigned to the team and when appropriate recommend and implement such changes within the structure of the Presbytery.

Composition:12 persons elected by Foothills Presbytery.

The Inspiration and Support Team seeks and supports competent, faithful leaders for the vocational ministry of the church.

Responsibilities:
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit…

1) In consultation with the Committee on Ministry oversee the application process for and training of persons to become Commissioned Lay Pastors (G-14.0560).

2) Develop and support with spiritual guidance and grant resources “peer groups” of ministers, educators, and youth directors.

3) Welcome each new installed or interim minister, educator, and youth director of Foothills Presbytery with a “welcome packet” and a face-to-face lunch.

4) Support ministers, educators, and youth directors by

a. Hosting fellowship events
b. Encouraging attendance at the annual “SC5” minister/educator retreat
c. Providing an annual luncheon for retired ministers/educators in partnership with the Board of Pensions
d. Providing monthly gatherings for Christian educators and scholarships for APCE annual event
e. Offering PACE (Presbyterians about Collegial Enrichment) programs especially for those working on certifications in the Presbyterian Church (USA)
f. Maintaining a “Joys and Concerns” feature in Foothills weekly e-news.

5) Provide advocacy and “coaching” of persons considering ministry as a vocation, and encourage congregations to actively recruit persons to consider church vocations through implementing denominational related vocational programs.

6) Select Inspiration and Support Team members to serve on Presbytery’s Examinations Commission.

7) Provide support to ministers, educators, and congregations when planning Sabbath leave.

8) Explore and strengthen relationships with institutions of the church in order to expand educational opportunities for ministers, educators, and church leaders.

9) Continually look for ways to think creatively about the areas of responsibility assigned to the team and when appropriate recommend and implement such changes within the structure of the Presbytery.

Rev. Ralph May
Mr. Arthur Phillips
Ms. Minnie Thomas
Mr. Sam Wiley
Rev. Julie Meredith  
Pat Tatham

Ms. Whitney Moss

Composition:12 persons elected by Foothills Presbytery.

The Mission Team encourages and supports congregations in the development of local and international mission partnerships. It coordinates, interprets and promotes the partnership between Foothills Presbytery and Kwahu Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. The team promotes special mission opportunities in the Presbytery, assessing the characteristics, needs and opportunities of the upstate so that the congregations of Foothills Presbytery can reach the people of our area with the gospel.

Responsibilities:

Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit…

1) Interpret and promote Presbytery, General Assembly and Synod mission opportunities, institutions and programs.

2) Coordinate, interpret and promote the Ghana Partnership program.

3) Coordinate disaster assistance and response efforts.

4) Provide support to congregations engaged in local and international mission partnerships.

5) Recommend to the Nominations Committee representatives to the Indwellings Board for election by Presbytery, and facilitate communication between the board and the Presbytery.

6) Advise Presbytery on matters regarding social justice, racial harmony, hunger and peacemaking.

7) Advise Presbytery on local mission needs and issues.

8) Relate to ecumenical bodies and agencies including the South Carolina Christian Action Council.

9) Continually look for ways to think creatively about the areas of responsibility assigned to the team and when appropriate recommend and implement such changes within the structure of the Presbytery.

Composition:12 persons elected by Foothills Presbytery

The New Church Development Team develops new congregations in Foothills Presbytery focusing on outreach mission and ministry.

Responsibilities:
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit…

1) Develop new congregations in a manner consistent with the New Church Development Guidelines of Foothills Presbytery.
a. Study and approve areas of potential development of new congregations.
b. Maintain a long-range financial plan for the development of new congregations.
c. Coordinate financing of new congregations, including grants, loans, etc.
d. Coordinate new church development with existing congregations.
e. Encourage supporting congregations for new congregations.
f. Recommend new models for new church development.
g. Select sites for new church development.
h. Conduct searches for organizing pastors.
i. Recommend calls to organizing pastors.
j. Supervise and support organizing pastors.
k. Provide coordination and support for steering teams.
l. Recommend chartering of new congregations as particular churches

2) Recommend amendments to the New Church Development Guidelines of Foothills Presbytery.

3) Assess and compare programs and ministries in other presbyteries, denominations and agencies which are addressing the changing cultural contexts of their areas.

4) Explore new possibilities for mission and ministry in and with racial ethnic and immigrant communities of the upstate and advises Presbytery and congregations of these opportunities.

5) Continually look for ways to think creatively about the areas of responsibility assigned to the team and when appropriate recommend and implement such changes within the structure of the Presbytery.

Composition:12 persons elected by Foothills Presbytery: 1/3 Ministers of Word and Sacrament, 1/3 laywomen, and 1/3 laymen. (G-9.0801a)

The Nominating Committee nominates persons to fill all vacancies on continuing committees, councils, teams, boards, and other bodies that require election by the presbytery. (G-9.0801b)

Responsibilities:
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit…

1) Give consideration to the nomination of equal numbers of ministers of Word and Sacrament, laymen and laywomen.

2) Consult with the Committee on Representation of the presbytery, seeking to implement the Constitution’s principles of inclusiveness. (G-4.0403)

3) Prepare nominations for the officers of presbytery, including the moderator of Council.

4) Prepare nominations for all teams and committees and their chairpersons.

5) Seek to identify persons whose gifts and interests would lead them to serve within the presbytery.

6) Consult with chairpersons of teams and committees concerning committee members who might be inactive, and concerning suggestions for new persons who might serve.

7) Prepare nominations for commissioners to the General Assembly following the procedure adopted by presbytery and outlined in the presbytery manual (in Appendix V).

8) Prepare nominations for commissioners to Synod.

9) Prepare, as required, nominations for the boards of institutions supported by the Presbytery, Synod, and the General Assembly.

10) Prepare nominations for General Assembly committees and agencies as required.

11) Continually look for ways to think creatively about the areas of responsibility assigned to the committee and when appropriate recommend and implement such changes within the structure of the Presbytery.

Composition: 6 persons elected by Foothills Presbytery; 6 persons elected by Trinity Presbytery.  Officers of the Outdoor Ministries Program Board shall be: Moderator, Vice Moderator, Secretary and Treasurer.  The offices of Moderator and Secretary shall alternate between the two presbyteries.  One member of the board shall serve on Presbytery Council.

The Outdoor Ministries Program Board coordinates the programmatic aspects of outdoor ministry in Trinity and Foothills Presbyteries.  Its responsibilities are outlined in the Covenant Agreement between the Presbyteries, which is included in the Foothills Presbytery Manual (See Appendix III).  The Program Board nourishes connections among children, youth, and adults in outdoor ministry.

Composition: 7 persons elected by Foothills Presbytery as required in D-5.0000 of the Rules of Discipline of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

The Permanent Judicial Commission addresses all matters referred to it which are related to judicial process as required in the Rules of Discipline of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA). It reports directly to the Presbytery.

Responsibilities:
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit…

1) Hear remedial cases and appeals which are under its jurisdiction. (See D-6.000-D-8.000)

2) Hear disciplinary cases which are under its jurisdiction. (See D-9.000-D.13.000)

3) Act on requests for reference which are under its jurisdiction. (See D-4.000)

4) Act on any other matters related to judicial process as required by the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

5) Continually look for ways to think creatively about the areas of responsibility assigned to the commission and when appropriate recommend and implement such changes within the structure of the Presbytery.

Composition: Two representatives from each racial ethnic congregation; Any racial ethnic pastors, commissioned lay pastors and educators presently serving within the Presbytery. Approximately 21 persons.

The Racial Ethnic Cabinet serves as an advocate and interpreter for racial ethnic opportunities and concerns to the Presbytery.

Responsibilities:
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit…

1) Advocate for the mission and witness of racial ethnic churches within the Presbytery.

2) Support the development of a broad base of potential lay leadership for Presbytery from within racial ethnic congregations.

3) Consult with the Committee on Representation and Nominating Committee concerning representation within Presbytery structures and leadership.

4) Provide an opportunity for networking and fellowship among racial ethnic congregations.

5) Advocate for financial support of ministries within the racial ethnic community and churches.

6) Address and offer effective witness regarding race relations, peacemaking, human suffering and other pressing issues within society that affect the racial ethnic community.

7) Continually look for ways to think creatively about the areas of responsibility assigned to the cabinet and when appropriate recommend and implement such changes within the structure of the Presbytery.

Composition: 6 persons elected by Foothills Presbytery.

The Sexual Ethics Team shall work with other entities of the Presbytery in dealing with matters regarding sexual ethics and misconduct.

Responsibilities:
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit…

1) Train committee members in issues regarding sexual ethics and misconduct.

2) Recommend changes in the Foothills Presbytery Policy and Procedures on Sexual Misconduct (See Appendix IV) to the Presbytery.

3) Train and form care teams as outlined in the Foothills Presbytery Policy and Procedures on Sexual Misconduct.

4) Ensure that ministers serving in validated ministries in Foothills Presbytery acknowledge receipt of the Foothills Presbytery Policy and Procedures on Sexual Misconduct.

5) Provide continuing education on sexual ethics and misconduct for ministers, educators, church professionals, congregations and sessions.

6) Continually look for ways to think creatively about the areas of responsibility assigned to the team and when appropriate recommend and implement such changes within the structure of the Presbytery.

Composition: 12 members elected by Foothills Presbytery.

The Unity and Community Team encourages the Presbytery’s unity in Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Church. The team nourishes that unity with Christ, each other and with the world. In order that our mission and ministry may be strengthened, the team encourages fellowship and relationships between congregations, develops effective communication between the Presbytery and its congregations, and facilitates communication throughout the Presbytery and between the Presbytery and the community.

Responsibilities:
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit…

1) Provide regular opportunities for theological conversation and for the discussion of difficult and timely issues that may come before the Presbytery and the larger church

2) Receive all overtures which have been referred to Presbytery and provide advice to the Presbytery regarding action on such overtures. Presbytery shall vote on all such overtures.

3) Develop ways to encourage greater participation of laity in Presbytery.

4) Provide for regular and systematic opportunities for listening and sharing among congregations and members, including the clustering of congregations for fellowship, communication, and resource sharing.

5) Select Unity and Community Team members to serve on Presbytery’s Examinations Commission.

6) Encourage continuing development of practices and procedures that ensure effective and efficient communication within the Presbytery.

7) Continually look for ways to think creatively about the areas of responsibility assigned to the team and when appropriate recommend and implement such changes within the structure of the Presbytery.

Composition: 28 members: 7 are adults, 21 are youth with at least 4 sophomores, 4 juniors and 4 seniors. The PYC will accurately represent the diversity within the Presbytery. Ex Officio: Presbytery Coordinator for Youth and Young Adult Ministries.

The Foothills Presbytery Youth Council plans, promotes and implements a program of youth ministry for all Middle School and Senior High School youth and their advisors in the churches of Foothills Presbytery.

Responsibilities:
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit…

1) Plan and implement two weekend retreats (Middle School in the fall and Senior High School in the spring).

2) Plan and implement two one day events (Senior High School in the fall and Middle School in the spring).

3) Plan and implement a one-day event that provides leadership development for youth and advisors (Held last Saturday of January).

4) Promote Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly opportunities for youth.

5) Continually look for ways to think creatively about the areas of responsibility assigned to the youth council and when appropriate recommend and implement such changes within the structure of the Presbytery.