Parish Nursing Program Approved
The committee on theological education proposed a series of courses that can be credited toward a certificate in Reformed principles for parish nurses. These are available through the church’s three theological colleges.
Students are required to complete five of the courses, and will normally take a course in each of five areas: Bible, theology, history, polity and pastoral care.
No to Biennial Assemblies
Without debate, the court reaffirmed the practice of annual assemblies.
“It must be Friday morning,” joked Rev. Bert Vancook, convener of Assembly Council, who expected more debate about the issue.
The Clerks of Assembly have been asked to examine the possibility of implementing a standing judicial commission, an idea that proved popular when the biennial assemblies committee was seeking feedback from the church. Such commissions are currently struck by the General Assembly to deal with any judicial processes that reach the highest level of the court, meaning the process must wait until assembly meets and a commission is created. A standing judicial commission would be called into action immediately, allowing the process to begin before the next assembly convenes.
Other Assembly Council Business
- In cases where a minister stays at a charge for less than three years, he or she will not be required to refund a portion of his or her moving expenses. “The Council feels tying moving costs to the duration of a ministry would not benefit congregations,” the report concluded.
- The church’s General Assembly Office and Financial Services will not amalgamate. Assembly Council has reviewed the staffing and work of both offices and found little overlap between them.
- Ministers’ stipends will continue to be reported in the annual Acts and Proceedings as “there does not appear to be a significant difference in the church’s treatment of ministerial compensation in terms of transparency at this time,” Council reported.
The Council requested an additional year to study and report on a number of matters, including changing the days that General Assembly meets, creating a fund to assist with the moving costs a congregation shoulders when calling a minister, and reevaluating the formula used to determine a congregation’s dollar base.
