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Snow?! We’re talking about snow?! Not ice, not floods, not power outages – we talkin’ ’bout snow! (from Allen Iverson rant, May 7, 2002). “We ain’t afraid of no snow!” (Ghostbusters, 1984 – and John Pea last week) THANK GOD FOR ZOOM!
Departing Moderator Ken Murchison (THANKS KEN -- “well done, good and faithful servant”), called the meeting to order, then installed our new Moderator – the talented and still “honorably” retired Wanda Neely and Vice Moderator Robin Honeycutt. Wanda deftly stepped in and offered a prayer of invocation, including honoring the indigenous occupants of local lands, and affirming the value of and support for legal immigrants.
Wanda appointed and thanked hosts, co-hosts, & other special helpers, including Marie Palacios, Luke Johnson, Bob Forsythe, John Pea, Stated Clerk Ann Philbrick, Matt Horne, and this humble Scribe. She recognized 21 Elders attending for first time. Ann confirmed a quorum and gained approval of the time-saving Consent Agenda.
Libby Sigmon, Olney Presbyterian Church; Toby Mueller, New Hope, Gastonia; Janet DeWater, First Church, Mount Holly: and musician, Dean Newkirk, led a truly wonderful, well-constructed Worship Service, based on the “Theology 101” of Micah 6:8, with Celebration of the Lord’s Supper, and Necrology acknowledgement by John Pea.
“Speak Out” provided added info and insights on the scope and richness of the activities and good news of our Presbytery. Comments about immigration issues were featured.
Don Scofield from the Finance Team gave a fine review of our finances, and the 2026 Proposed Budget was discussed and approved. Melvin Meares’ work was lauded.
Report of Disaster Recovery Coordinator Anne Waple gave a thorough, well-done report of their activities and work. One point noted was that $650K was donated for Helene Relief. New Coordinating Ministry Chair Ken Murchison reported on its activities, and gained Presbytery approval for their Standing Rules Revision (with the caveat to correct any outdated nomenclature).
New Chair Keith Grogg reported on our busy, vital Commission on Ministry (COM). Presented, welcomed, and approved James “Jim” Ewing as Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Newton; and Jessica “Jess” Rigel as pastor of Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church. They both spoke well and from the heart, and were prayed over. There was also significant COM activities included in the Consent Agenda.
David Bonnema, pastor at Unity Presbyterian Church, presented a summary of his doctoral work, “Hope or Resignation?”, studying PC(USA growth trends -- sharing his sobering, thought-provoking, eye-opening findings. He will send out questionnaires, and will analyze PWNC church responses, “hoping” they will encourage and ignite our imagination, and foster better congregational engagement.
Deck Guess reported for the Preparation for Ministry Team, with more good news. Inquirers Susie Burns and Mary Taneti both spoke passionately about their calls and faith journeys, and were approved to advance from Inquirer to Candidate for Minister of Word and Sacrament. Susie was charged by Bob Tuttle and prayed over by Kim Wells; Mary was charged by Barbara Winkles and prayed over by Dwight Christenbury.
Beth Gunn gave an exciting, optimistic report on the many Youth Ministry activities. Doug Michael reported on our Guatemala Partnership. Multiple mission trips planned. Gained approval for continuing our partnership with our two partner presbyteries. The Ex-CP and now Rev. Will Upchurch reported on the Commissioned Pastor Team, noting curriculum upgrades, and the importance of CP’s and of providing them with “mentors” (“ministry partners”).
GP Byron Wade announced 2026’s theme is “Building and Sustaining Relationships”. They can always be strengthened, and are crucial to our identity and growth. Welcoming new members into the Presbytery is another priority – working with Laurey Harrell to develop better ways to welcome new ministers into the Presbytery, and help them form beneficial relationships here. Stewardship Team will reach out to less active churches, educating them about presbytery activities, rather than just soliciting funds. We will have our July Presbytery meeting in neighborhoods, trying to form more and extended Presbytery relationships. PWNC matters! Byron also noted how well Camp Grier is doing and improving. Well-known servant leader Jim Taylor is the new Mayland neighborhood Presbytery Associate. Katie Quinn is our new Administrative Assistant/Assistant to the Stated Clerk. We are so glad to have them both on board. Welcome!!
Matt Horne offered a beautiful, inclusive, comprehensive Intercessory Prayer. Robin Honeycutt lifted our work for God’s blessing, offered benediction, then adjourned us.
Sadly, a dark pall of heartbreak and gloom hung over the meeting when we learned that Michael Poulos’ son, Nicholas, had passed away, unexpectedly. Keith, Byron, Matt and others expressed their anguish and offered prayers for Michael, Julie, and Gabe. Michael is very popular and very active in the presbytery, including being Pastor of First Church, Spruce Pine, a G.A. Commissioner, and the immediate past COM Chair, along with other examples of service.
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