Proposed revisions to our Presbytery Mission Commitments were presented to the presbytery for a first reading at the May presbytery meeting.  They are available for review and comment under the "Documents" tab above.  Please direct your comments and suggestions to Moderator Sue Spencer (suespencer@centurytel.net) or Stated Clerk Lynn Smit (lynn@plainsandpeaks.org).  An amended version is scheduled to be presented at the August meeting, along with a first reading of revisions to the standing rules and manual of operations.

At its May meeting, the Presbytery voted to amend its sexual misconduct policy which had been previously amended last August.  The most recent amendment corrects constitutional flaws in the original amendments by separating general rules of sexual conduct from the policy and process for sexual abuse prevention and reporting.  It also broadens the applicability of the rules of conduct to include commissioned church workers, employees, and volunteers in the capacity of their service to the presbytery, and replaces the explicit prohibition of "sexual intercourse outside the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman" with a requirement to exercise "covenant faithfulness by limiting sexual intimacy to an exclusive, committed, loving relationship."

An overture asking the General Assembly to advocate for economic justice, human rights, and environmental protection in consideration of future US international trade agreements was approved at the May presbytery meeting.  The overture cites the TRADE (Trade Reform, Accountability, Development, and Employment) Act of 2010 but is not limited to a specific piece of legislation.  In addition to advocacy, the overture asks the General Assembly Misison Council to research and report back to the 221st General Assembly (2014) on matters related to the TRADE Act.  Similar positions have been adopted by the United Methodist Church and other organizations involved in international development and immigration reform. 

The results of the recent survey of teaching and ruling elders active in the ministry of presbytery have been posted under the documents tab.  The Standing Rules Task Force will use these in preparing recommendations for amendments to our Standing Rules.

Online registration is now open for persons attending the 220th General Assembly June 30-July 7 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  To register, go to www.pcusa.org/ga220.  Persons attending from our presbytery are invited to the presbytery dinner Thursday evening, July 5, at the Sharp Edge Bistro, 922 Penn Ave.  Please let us know if you will be attending so that we may reserve enough seats.  You are also encouraged to purchase tickets to the Synod of the Rocky Mountains lunch on Thursday as well.

At its February meeting, the Presbytery approved a new plan for financial services that will produce annual savings of up to $3000.  Effective March 1, the position of Treasurer is no longer a paid staff position, but a role fulfilled by the moderator of the Finance subcommitee of the Presbytery Council.  Accounting services will be outsourced to an accounting firm, and bookkeeping entries will be made by our Office Administrator.  Persons making inquiry into specific deposits or check requests should contact Bobbi Hoffman rather than the Presbytery Treasurer.

The Board of Pensions has announced a step up in dues over the next two years to address rising costs of health care.  The increase will raise the total pension, major medical, death and disability dues .75% to 32.25% for 2012 and another .75% to 33% for 2013. In its announcement, the Board emphasized that these are exclusively related to increased costs for current plan members and are not (repeat - NOT) connected to the action of the 219th General Assembly proposing extension of coverage to same-sex domestic partners of plan members.  

Referrals for nomination to service in the Presbytery can now be made using the online submission form.  Simply click the "Nominations" tab at the top of this page. 

The 2011-2013 Book of Order, including the new Form of Government and Foundations of Presbyterian Polity is available for free download in .pdf format. Put it on your computer, iPad, smartphone or other device.  Click here to obtain your copy:  http://store.pcusa.org/OGA11010. 

May 4-5, 2012 - Highlands Presbyterian Camp & Retreat Center - Allenspark, Colorado

August 11, 2012 - Light Memorial Presbyterian Church - Sidney, Nebraska

October 26-27 - First Presbyterian Church - Akron, Colorado 

The Presbytery Mission Center is located at 7257 W 4th Street, Unit #4 in west Greeley. It houses the presbytery offices, resource center, and conference room.
From the West: Take US 34 east from I-25. Exit at US 34 Bus. Rt. (10th St). Proceed east on 10th St. to 71st Ave. Turn left (north) on 71st Ave. to 4th St. Turn left (west) on 4th St. Office is on north side of 4th St., appx. 200 yds from intersection.
From the East: Take US 34 west from US 85 to 71st Ave. Turn right (north) on 71st Ave. appx. 2.5 miles to 4th St. Turn left (west) on 4th St. Office is on north side of 4th St., appx 200 yds from intersection.
From the North: From US 85, turn right (west) on CO 14 at Ault. Proceed to WCR 31. Turn left (south) on WCR 31. Continue appx. 8 miles to 4th St. in Greeley. Turn right (west) on 4th St., appx. 1.2 miles. Office is on north side of 4th St.