Dear Friends in Christ,
I pray your ministries are embracing the fall season. Your Mission Council continues to faithfully carry out its work during this time of transition. If you have any questions regarding the following, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Budget & Staffing
We reviewed the draft 2026 budget presented by the Budget Sub-committee, which was prepared in accordance with the Resource Management Policy protocols. The sub-committee took great care to create graphs and charts for use in listening sessions. In some sense, there are two budgets. One for operations, funded by congregational giving, and a mission budget, funded by the recommended draw on investments. With congregational giving shrinking nearly 5% year over year, there is concern about supporting our operations and staff. There is also an opportunity to invite congregations to consider how their support of the Presbytery is valuable to their ministries. The Mission Council did not ask for substantive changes to the budget, but suggested refinements to the presentation. The budget will be considered at our September meeting for recommendation to the Presbytery at a called meeting in November (see below). The budget information will be available no later than the October Presbytery meeting.
Virtual Budget Listening sessions will be scheduled in advance of budget approval.
A called meeting of the Presbytery has been set for Thursday, November 13, at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom to act on the 2026 budget.
In light of the budget presentation, Mission Council has directed the Personnel Committee to prepare a position description for a combined Stated Clerk/General Presbyter model.
The budget discussion focused primarily on the “nuts and bolts” of operating the Presbytery and funding groups we have usually supported. In the following year(s), we want to encourage the Presbytery to consider what our financial resources help us accomplish. To that end, the Mission Council is considering a recommendation to the Presbytery to form a task force to bring recommendations for our mission focus. This conversation may lead to structural changes. Currently, we require over 80 volunteers to ensure that our standing committees and commissions are fully functional.
Nominations & Leadership
Several leadership positions for the Nominating Committee remain open (Vice Moderator – RE, MAL; Region C TE; Region D RE). If you know someone with the gifts and willingness to serve, please encourage them.
Policies & Overtures
We previewed the updated Manual of Operations in a first reading. Mission Council will decide in September whether to send this forward to the October presbytery meeting.
The Mission and Service Team’s World Mission Ministry submitted three overtures related to recent denominational mission priorities.
A task force will meet with Camp Hanover representatives about a renewed covenant with the Presbytery.
Reports & Committees
Regular financial reports (2025 Budget to Actual, Net Assets) were received.
Personnel completed an exit interview with Barry Parks following his service as Stated Clerk.
As always, I give thanks for your faithful service and prayers for the ongoing work of the Presbytery. These conversations—about budget, leadership, and mission—are not only about structure but about how we live into God’s call together.
More phone calls, fewer emails.
Moderator, Mission Council
Presbytery of the James
Remember to check out the bottom of the Mission Council page for regular updates as they occur!