Recap of 152^nd Meeting of The Presbytery of Arkansas

The Presbytery of Arkansas gathered on the campus of Lyon College for the first time since the shutdown related to the pandemic in March of 2020. On Friday evening, the Presbytery met in Brown Chapel and presbyters were warmly welcomed by Dr. Melissa Tavener, the newly inaugurated president of the college. General Presbyter Stewart Smith made his report before worship which began at 7:00 pm. Worship leaders processed in led by two members with bagpipes from the Lyon College Pipe Band. Rev. Dr. Susan Arnold (pastor at First Presbyterian of Springdale) preached the sermon.  Rev. Maggie Alsup, chaplain at Lyon College, and Rev. Elizabeth Brinegar, transition pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Batesville, led the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. As her last official act as Moderator of the Presbytery, Susan Arnold led the service of installation to install Mike Szabo, ruling elder at First Presbyterian Church of Searcy, as the Moderator of Presbytery for 2023. The presbytery ended the evening together with a reception in the Bevens Music Room. 

On Saturday morning, the Presbytery met in Edwards Commons. Rev. Michael Gallup, a minister from the Evangelical Presbyterian Church led the Presbytery in worship as part of his examination to transfer his ordination to the PC(USA). After worship, Michael was examined by the presbytery and his transfer of ordination was approved. Rev. Gallup is leading a new church development called “The Table” in Little Rock which has applied for 1001 New Worshipping Community Status in the PC(USA). Rev. Randy Hyde (Transitional Pastor at 2^nd Presbyterian Church in Little Rock) and Rev. Jami Scott (Temporary Supply at the Presbyterian Church of Bull Shoals) were both approved as Temporary Members of the presbytery. Rev. Dr. Paul Fulks was granted Honorable Retirement Status and a moment of silence remembering the life of Rev. Bob Hyatt was observed. 

The staff of Ferncliff led us in a fun trivia game utilizing the technology of the KaHoot! app. Information was skillfully and artfully included that shared the ministry of Ferncliff and information about the summer camping season. 

Rev. Rebecca Spooner shared new additions to our contract with WellSpring Renewal Center which offers coaching opportunities in addition to the counseling services offered at no cost to pastors (and their families) serving in congregations. 

The presbytery had a discussion on a proposed resolution brought from the Committee on Preparation for Ministry related to the selection of Judges 19 for the PC(USA’s) recent ordination exegesis exam. The presbytery voted against the resolution. 

The presbytery approved an operating budget for 2023 which reflected a 40,000 reduction in anticipated revenue but had minimal impacts on committee expenses for the year. A 4% cost of living was approved for presbytery staff members who had been employed throughout 2022. Terms of Call for General Presbyter Stewart Smith were approved. 

Grants were announced for congregations to apply for from both the Mission Committee (click here) and the Future of the Church Committee (click here). Application forms can be found on the presbytery website (presbyark.org) and the application date for both is April 15. (Pictured right, the winner of the FOTC book drawing, Becky Lewis from Pulaski Heights in Little Rock.)

Several youth and chaperones blessed the presbytery with their presence at this meeting.  They were housed overnight by the First Presbyterian Church of Batesville and sold T-shirts and Sweatshirts during the meeting to help offset costs for their activities during the year. If you would like to make a purchase, please contact General Presbyter Stewart Smith. They reported right before lunch and shared plans of trips and retreats for the year. 

After lunch, the presbytery discussed and voted on the 33 amendments to the constitution that were proposed by the 225th General Assembly of the PC(USA). The presbytery voted to approve all of the amendments except for 22cc (not ending the judicial process when a person renounces jurisdiction) , 22e (removing the word “Honorably” as status of retired pastors) , 22i (adding 12 weeks of paid family leave to installed pastors’ terms of call) and 22p (requiring all councils to adopt an antiracism policy).

Rev. Rebecca Spooner led us in the closing prayer and commissioners adjourned on a beautiful “spring like” day to journey back home.  The presbytery will meet next on Saturday, June 3 via Zoom and will gather next “in person” on October 6-7 at First Presbyterian Church in Jonesboro. 

Thanks to all of you who attended the meeting whether in person or on Zoom. I continue to be grateful to be partnered with you in ministry in this beautiful part of God’s creation!!!

                                                                                                                            Stewart