Minutes

June 14, 2008  11:00AM

Fulda, MN

The Committee on Preparation for Ministry met at First Presbyterian Church in Fulda, MN on Saturday, June 14, 2008.

Committee members present:  John Lindholm, Iris Stevens, Karen Houtman

Also present:  Barbara Whipple, candidate.

Opening

John opened the meeting with prayer and a brief meditation

Interview with Barbara Whipple  (under care of Donegal Presbytery)

Barbara was asked to share how she got to the point of seeking the professional ministry.  She shared a brief history of her process which included personal struggles and the outcome leading her to college and seminary.  She has been involved in nursing.  She has a passion for helping children with problems, for working with single parents, and preaching, visiting as well as stewardship of dollars.  When asked if she had any scruples, she replied that she will abide by the Book of Order.

The committee voted to recommend to the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys that Barbara Whipple be brought before the Presbytery for Ordination Examination. 

It was noted that at this point, no contact has been received from the CPM in Donegal Presbytery.  Barbara was asked to make a contact with them and to encourage affirmation of her status and records.  John Lindholm will be her contact.

It is likely that a Special Presbytery meeting will be held in July or August.  Prior to that time, a Statement of Faith and a spiritual autobiography, including a sense of call and faith journey documents must be received.  They will be mailed out prior to the Presbytery meeting.  At that meeting she must be prepared to read her Statement of Faith, read scripture, preach and be questioned by the Presbytery.

Updates were given on the following:

Tony Oltman

Jeremiah Knabe

Dan Voigt and Chris Conlin

CPM will meet August 5 at 10:00AM at the Presbytery Office in Willmar to conduct the annual review with Dan Voigt and to interview Chris Conlin hopefully moving from Inquirer to Candidate status. 

Jean Bauer

Joe Obermeyer

Kathy Blair

An annual review must be done with Kathy- if possible, on August 5. 

Brad Childs

Annual Reviews

A discussion was held regarding the advisability of holding an annual CPM Retreat in order to make required contacts with Inquirers and Candidates.

Pro thoughts:  budget concerns- would it be cheaper?  Stress/work to organize

Con thoughts:  Would give Candidates and Inquirers a chance to be better acquainted with CPM members.   It would be a more informal setting and the Candidates and Inquirers likely could/would be more themselves.  We could do special presentations or training along with the meeting- presentations from someone such as NCMDC.  Discussion will continue.

The meeting closed with sharing of prayer concerns and a joint prayer.

Respectfully Submitted,  Karen Houtman