Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1995 - Rparchives.org

66 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEDr. John H. White. The decision was made NOT to hold Synod inPhiladelphia in 1998, but to plan for Synod at Geneva College. It is planned,however, that a suitable celebration be held commemorating 200 years ofour ministry as a denomination during Synod that year. If this is approved,the committee plans to ask Wayne Spear to join the committee alreadyplanning such a program only for the purpose of planning the program.Geneva College will also be asked to arrange a program. No date has been setfor the meeting of Synod in 1998.RECOMMENDATION 3: THAT THE SYNOD ADOPT THE GENERALPLAN OUTLINED ABOVE FOR THE 1998 SYNOD AND AUTHORIZETHE BUSINESS OF SYNOD COMMITTEE TO PROCEED WITH PLANS.Review of the evaluations of members of Synod.Thirty-eight evaluations were turned in and tabulated by Harry Metzger.The Committee appreciates the high response of the members of Synod.Some concerns expressed in the evaluations are that too many reports arenot in the Digest and hence too many are read on the floor; too many havenot read and studied the reports before getting to Synod; some felt thatsome changes might well be made with reference to the fraternal delegates.Some changes suggested have already been made. Where appropriate, copiesof the report have been made available to other committees (and of courseare available by request of any member of Synod). Mr. Metzger pointed outthat the greatest diversity of responses came on the question as to whetherSynod is adequately "equipping the elders" to do their task. Norecommendations.The Work of the Clerk of SynodThe Clerk of Synod is an ex-officio member of the Committee, whichmakesit possible to correlate the work of the committee with the agenda forthe Synod. Synod voted last year to make funds available for the purchase ofcomputer equipment for the clerk, along with necessary software. The Clerkappreciates the computer which has made the work much easier. TheCommittee was pleased to note that the Minutes of Synod for 1994 wereready for distribution by mid-October, the earliest date for some years. Norecommendations.Proposal for the filling of vacancieson boards and permanent committeesDirectory for Church Government, Chapter 7, Section 10"The work of the Synod shall be carried on through boards, permanentcommittees and commissions (see chap. 6, par 16), which shall make a fullreport of their work at each meeting of Synod. Membership of these agenciesshall primarily consist of ordained officers, and shall work according to theinstructions of Synod. Permanent boards and committees shall be soorganized that the terms of only a minor portion of their membership expireeach year. In most cases, the term shall be for three years, one-third of themembers being elected each year. Except as approved by Synod as essential