The Stated Meeting was hosted by the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids. Commissioners gathered in person for worship, work, and fellowship.  Highlights of the meeting included:

Worship

  • “Just Who Are the Least of These: The Problem with Goats and Sheep” Reflections on Isaiah 11: 1-10 and Matthew 25: 31-46 
    • Rev. Fran Lane-Lawrence, Executive Presbyter/Stated Clerk
  • Celebration of the Lord’s Supper
  • Rev. Lynette Sparks and Rev. Jen Porter

Response to the Word

  • The installation of Elder Paul Karsten, as the 2023 Moderator, and Rev. Gail Monsma, as the 2023 Vice Moderator
  • The installation of Rev. Chrissy Westbury as the Associate Presbyter of the Presbytery of Lake Michigan
  • Celebration of Saints 
    • Rev. Christopher Mergener and Rev. Kristine Aragon-Bruce
  • $1395 has been received thus far for the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance – Puerto Rico Relief 

Recognition

  • Introduction of New Teaching Elder, Rev. Nick Marlatt from First Presbyterian Church of Hastings
  • Of Rev. Christine Barnes, PLM Moderator
  • Of  Rev. Dr. Seth Weeldreyer, Leadership Team Moderator
  • Of Rev. Dr. Calvin Bremer, Transitional Co-Leader
  • The status of Honorably Retired was conferred on the Rev. Scott Crane

Received

  • The Final Read of the 2023 Proposed Budget and accompanying documents
  • Report from Synod of the Covenant by Elder Andy Thorburn
  • Presentation from the Mediation Committee

Approved

  • Consent Agenda
  • 2023 Budget

Elected

Nomination/Representation Committee Class of 2025

  • Rev. Ruth Lowry, Plainwell

Commission on Ministry – East Region

  • RE Heather Myer, East Lansing Eastminster, Class of 2025
  • RE Karen Viele, Lansing First, Class of 2025

Commission on Ministry-North Region

  • Rev. Kristine Aragon-Bruce, Grand Haven, Class of 2025
  • Rev. Sarah Juist, Jenison Parkwood, Class of 2025

Commission on Preparation for Ministry

  • RE Leslie Gilreath, Benton Harbor Fairplain, Class of 2025

Leadership Team

  • Rev. Chris Dorn, Ionia First, Facilitator – Dynamic Leadership, Class of 2025
  • Rev. Katie Hurnwell, Decatur First, Facilitator – Congregational Support, Class of 2025
  • Rev. Stan Jenkins, Lansing First, Member at Large, Class of 2025

Permanent Judicial Commission

  • RE William Buhl, Paw Paw First, Class of 2028
  • Rev. Helen Havlik, HR, Class of 2028
  • Rev. Seth Weeldreyer, Kalamazoo First, Class of 2028

Synod Commissioner

  • Rev. Charlotte Ellison, HR, Class of 2024
  • RE Andy Thorburn, Paw Paw, Class of 2024