On October 2, all Pastoral Leaders and Clerks of Session received information on pastoral covenant renewals via email or snail mail. Due to the disruption of many regular meeting schedules because of the pandemic, covenant renewal information follows. All churches served by Commissioned Pastors, Lay Supply Pastors, and Stated Supply Pastors submit an updated covenant annually. Sessions are encouraged to review, update, approve terms, and submit a 2021 covenant. PLEASE use the updated 2021 forms, which are linked below. If you need a copy of a covenant, please contact the Presbytery office or Maureen Wright.

The Committee on Ministry prepared a letter that highlights helpful information on the numbers of hours worked and realistic expectations for ministry that pastoral leaders can reasonably accomplish in that time. The committee has also developed a resource outlining potential ministry for full-time, three-quarter time, half-time, and one-quarter time pastoral leaders. The committee hopes that these will facilitate better understanding between churches and pastoral leaders. Sessions are encouraged to use these resources as part of the covenant renewal process.

The deadline for submitting all forms is Friday, January 15, 2021 in order to be approved and reported to Presbytery at its Stated Meeting in February. However, covenants will be approved as received at the October, November/December, and January meetings of the Committee on Ministry.

All Commissioned Pastors, sessions of churches served by Commissioned Pastors, and Commissioned Pastor mentors are reminded that they are required to submit their report to the Committee on Ministry. The forms for these reports are linked below. Ordinarily, covenants will not be considered for renewal until all annual reports are received in the Presbytery office. The deadline to submit reports is Friday, January 15, 2021.