Presbytery of Kendall

Stated Meeting Highlights

March 2025

Kendall and Boise Presbyteries met jointly in Stated Meetings on March 1, 2025 via

Zoom. Together we celebrated God’s faithfulness, recognized calls to service and

partnership, prayed for discernment, and took actions related to how we function.

After a conversation with Bishop Joseph Tharakan, Episcopal Diocese of Idaho, both

presbyteries voted to approve “the Episcopal-Presbyterian Agreement on Local Sharing

of Ministries” sent to the presbyteries by General Assembly #226.

Voted to enroll Mason Wittman as an Inquirer, preparing to become a Minister of Word

and Sacrament under the care of Kendall Presbytery. Mason grew up in the Burley

church, became aware of gifts for ministry while on the staff at Camp Sawtooth, and is a

new Ruling Elder, involved in music ministry and preaching. This fall he will be a student

in Pittsburgh Seminary’s flex program.

Commissioned RE’s Rick Spielman and Janne Goldberg to ministry in the presbytery,

authorized to celebrate the sacraments, moderate session and congregation meetings,

and provide pulpit supply, as needed.

Adopted an Ethical Conduct Policy, which meets the Book of Order requirement for anti-

Racism and anti-Harassment policies.

Amended the By laws as recommended by Council and approved by Presbytery at the

first reading during the Called meeting on February 8, 2025. Changes include:

eliminating references to position titles and substituting the generic term “staff;”

changing the name of Ministerial Relations Committee to Committee on Ministry;

eliminating references to Congregational Relations Committee; granting the Chair of the

Board of Trustees vote as well as voice in meetings of the Board of Managers; and

miscellaneous update to reflect a variety of changes.

Heard about plans and programs for Camp Sawtooth from Director Kevin Dutcher.

Registration is now open for summer youth camps. Volunteers are welcome and

needed, including for opening work weekend at the end of May.

Considered the amendments to the Book of Order presented by General Assembly

#226. The omnibus motion to vote “yes” on all amendments was approved after 24-C

was removed for separate consideration. The vote on that amendment was “no.”

Heard from members of Community Presbyterian Church, St Anthony and voted to

approve their request to sell the church property. They have submitted a plan to the

Board of Trustees to use funds from the sale in order to continue as a congregation.

In addition to a written report, heard from members of the joint Boise/Kendall Merger

Coordination Team about their work. Reflecting on their foundational scripture, Isaiah

43:1-3a, 18-19, commissioners from both presbyteries engaged in small group

discussion in break out rooms. Moderator Melissa Norton is planning to visit

congregations to engage in conversation about the merger process.

Next Stated Meeting of Kendall Presbytery will be June 21, 2025 at First Presbyterian

Church, Twin Falls.

Reminder to Clerks of Session: Records Review will be March 22 at First Presbyterian

Church, Pocatello.