To the 169th General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in session in Memphis, Tennessee, June 21-25, 1999.

A. MEETINGS AND ORGANIZATION
The General Assembly Council (GAC) under the direction of its officers, President Herbert Carlock (deceased), First Vice President Judi Truitt, Second Vice President Wayne Wood, Secretary Jamie Lively, and Treasurer Davis Gray, Jr., met four times since the 168th General Assembly: August 8-9, 1998; January 29-31, 1999; April 16-17, 1999; and May 20, 1999.

B. BOARD MEMBERS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE
The General Assembly Council expresses gratitude for the service of Jamie Lively and Jean Richardson, both of whom have declined re-election. Both have been valuable and loyal members of the Council and will be missed. Both have served six years on the Council with Jean Richardson serving for three years as chair of the Task Force which studied the structure for the denomination and proposed the GAC. Other members whose terms expire, but are eligible for re-election are listed in the Nominating Committee Report.

The General Assembly Council calls to the attention of the 169th General Assembly, the ministry of Herbert Carlock, who was serving as president of the Council at the time of his death in 1998.
He was pastor of Cumberland Presbyterian churches for more than 40 years. Full time pastorates included: Faiview, Marshall, TX; East Lake, Birmingham, AL; Humboldt, Oak Ridge, and Murfreesboro, all in Tennessee. Upon retirement from full time ministry, he served the Waynesboro and Olive Hill congregations, also in Tennessee. He was a graduate of Bethel College, the Cumberland Presbyterian Seminary, and Memphis Theological Seminary. He was elected vice-moderator by the General Assembly in 1995. Also active in ecumenical relations, he was a vice-president of the Tennessee Association of Churches.
A trademark of his style of leadership, self-described as "collegiate", was trust in the ability of members of a group to identify issues and produce solutions to the problems.
In addition to membership on the General Assembly Council from its inception, he was a member of the General Assembly task force on planning and administration which developed the plan that resulted in the present Council.
We extend our sincere love to his wife, Betty, and his sons, Bert and Jon. We offer thanksgiving to God for the life and ministry of Herbert Carlock.

C. COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES TO 168TH G.A.
The first vice-president, Ms. Judi Truitt, will be the Council's representative and Davis Gray, Jr. will attend as executive director.

A. PURPOSE
The 165th General Assembly directed the General Assembly Council to report to future General Assemblies the Task Force Report creating the General Assembly Council in 1993, or the essence of that report in summary. The following is the purpose statement from the Bylaws which include eleven responsibilities.

Article I,B.: The purpose of the General Assembly Council shall be:
1. To identify the Cumberland Presbyterian Church's vision for ministry and to help its General assembly boards and other agencies, synods, presbyteries, and congregations develop an understanding of their particular roles in the implementation of this ministry;
2. To be the primary long and short range planning agency for the Church, striving to assure that all segments will be working on a common mission and that duplications and gaps in the Church's ministry will be minimized;
3. To promote the effective distribution of human and material resources in order that the various facets of the Church's ministry be carried out in an effective and efficient manner;
4. To provide and/or insure that the General Assembly has all relevant information concerning programs, budgets, and the general work of the church in order that the General Assembly may make wise and informed decisions;
5. To unify the planning, programming/implementing, and budgeting of all General Assembly boards and other agencies for the purpose of achieving an integrated, coordinated, and prioritized Church program and to submit all such budgets to the General Assembly for approval;
6. To review the reports and coordinate the recommendations of all General Assembly boards and other agencies and to advise the General Assembly concerning such reports and recommendations in light of the Church's prioritized program;
7. To be responsible for Our United Outreach by planning and recommending Our United Outreach income, and distributing Our United Outreach in accordance with actions and budgets of the General Assembly;
8. To have authority in management of Church Center property.
9. To participate through an active consultative role with General Assembly boards in the process of employing principal executive officers who serve on the General Assembly Council.
10. In the event the office of Stated Clerk is vacated by resignation, action or policy for General Assembly or for any other reason, the Coordinating Committee of the General Assembly Council will assume the responsibility for the oversight of the office until a Stated Clerk is elected by the General Assembly and begins work.
11. When the office of Stated Clerk is vacated, the General Assembly Council shall conduct the search for a candidate and subsequently present their nomination to the General Assembly. The Council may appoint a Search Committee which shall be composed of elected voting members of the Council

B. STRATEGY FOR ACHIEVING PURPOSE
One of the primary functions of the General Assembly Council is to do long range planning for the Church. Two elements of a long range plan are a vision and priority goals. The GAC's plan has been and is now to emphasize our vision and the three priority goals in working with denominational Boards/Agencies to coordinate plans for programs which provide direct support for these goals. All three priority goals are designed to focus on congregations and presbyteries. Likewise, the two new funding initiatives are to focus resources on congregations and presbyteries. The GAC is committed to strengthening our congregations and finding ways to celebrate the ministries being provided by them.

1. From the People
In 1995, the General Assembly Council began efforts to gather information from Cumberland Presbyterians in order to identify a Vision of Ministry and focus the Church on some Priority Goals. At the meeting of General Assembly that same year, church members participated in a forum out of which many visionary ideas were gleaned. In 1996 and 1997, presbyterial forums were held with the same positive results. In 1996 Cumberland Presbyterians all over the denomination participated in the FutureTrends survey. From this survey, even more important information was gathered that would continue to influence the General Assembly Council's identification and writing of the Church's Vision and Priority Goals set out to lead Cumberland Presbyterians into the 21st century.
A Vision of Ministry with three Priority Goals was presented to the 167th General Assembly for the years 2000-2010. The Vision and Priority Goals were adopted along with two new funding initiatives. These new funding initiatives along with Our United Outreach and Designated Giving will provide a sound financial base to support the Church's Vision and Priority Goals. The two new funding initiatives are designed to directly support and provide funding for Congregations and Presbyteries.

2. Vision of Ministry
Biblically-based and Christ-centered,
born out of a specific sense of mission,
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church strives to be true to its heritage:
to be open to God's reforming spirit,
to work cooperatively with the larger Body of Christ,
and to nurture the connectional bonds that make us one.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church seeks----to be the hands and feet of Christ in witness and service to the world and above all, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church lives out the love of God to the glory of Jesus Christ.

3. Priority Goals

Recruit, educate and nurture clergy and laity for their specific ministries.

Rationale: The FutureTrends survey points out that seven in ten laity and five in ten leaders do not have a background in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The pie chart below shows 152 churches with more than 100 members and 610 with membership below 100 members. These realities imply the need both for diverse types of leadership and for a common body of knowledge and skills
Current Status: To help in this process, the General Assembly Council has a Task Force engaged in looking at our church to determine the types of leadership needed (clergy and laity), different skills required and begin to define a common body of knowledge for members and leaders. This Task Force has ten members made up of clergy and laity from small, medium, and large churches. Their first report to the GAC will be to the August 1999 meeting.

Revitalize and equip congregations and presbyteries to fulfill the mission (vision) of the church.

Rationale: The General Assembly forum revealed a concern about the role, or lack of role, laypersons often play in their presbyteries. "How do laity fit into presbytery? Ministers run presbytery!" many participants commented. If the church's presbyteries are to be revitalized, laity must be prepared for the decision-making process and the process must be open to them. Congregations can play an important role in educating the church about the responsibility of elders as decision-makers at all judicatory bodies.
Current Status: The GAC recommended two new funding initiatives to the 167th General Assembly which were approved. These initiatives have been placed under the direction and supervision of the Board of Stewardship Foundations and Benefits. Both of these initiatives are designed to directly provide financial support for congregations and presbyteries.
Planned Giving:

Rationale: Nationally, over the next decade, from three to ten trillion dollars in assets will be transferred from one generation to another. In the FutureTrends survey analysis, Dr. Reginald Bibby states that the survey has documented widespread receptivity to planned giving programs, but an alarming level of unawareness of their nature and range. This also has to change quickly. Planned giving programs represent a very significant source of revenue for the church, but they need to be given extremely high priority, and pursued with urgency.
Current Status: We currently have three area's which have approved the Planned Giving position. Cumberland Presbytery has a person employed, Trinity and Red River have approved a shared position, and East Tennessee Presbytery has approved a position. The Planned Giving positions were planned to be part-time with the area employer providing funding for salary and the denomination providing funds for travel, education/training, and materials. The GAC began to provide for funding through OUO in the year 1998 with a line item of $30,000 per year. The Board of Stewardship will reallocate funds of $15,000 per year to these positions for a total of $45,000 beginning in year 2000. The GAC is very excited about the short and long range benefits of this initiative for congregations and presbyteries. We plan to make presentations in other areas this fall to obtain support for more Planned Giving Positions.

Investment Loan Program

Rationale: This program is designed to increase substantially the amount of capital available for loans within the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The FutureTrends survey identifies capital needs over the next ten years to range from $57 to $97 million for existing churches. New church developments over this same period of time will likely require an additional $30 million. Based on the experience of other denominations we expect $50 million or more to be invested over time. The motivation for investors is Mission and the strengthening of our church in response to God's call---even though the return on investment will be less than could be realized with a pure dollar motivation. This program will pay out to investors an amount equal to or greater than the average CD rate of area banks. Funds will be loaned to churches or presbyteries based on a two point spread above the amount paid to investors.
Current Status: The Board of Stewardship has set up a Subsidiary Corporation and adopted a charter to operate this initiative. We plan to have all the support structures in place to begin receiving funds for investment in the program on January 1, 2000. The GAC believes this program will benefit both the investor and churches who borrow funds from the program.

Establish new congregations

Rationale: Someone has said that the mission field is just outside the front door of the church. In his analysis of the FutureTrends survey, Dr. Reginald Bibby concludes, "There is considerable support for the establishment of new churches, with a strong preference for these churches being created in the United States, verses elsewhere." This will require much planning and coordination in all parts of our denomination.
Current Status: The Board of Missions and the GAC recommended to the 168th General Assembly, a goal of 75 new church starts in the first decade of the twenty-first century. The 168th General Assembly adopted the recommendations and authorized the Board of Missions to develop a plan to achieve this goal and present it to the 169th General Assembly.The plan for seventy-five NCD starts from 2000-2010 is a separate section of the Boards report to the 169th General Assembly. Because of the commitment required at all levels of the church to accomplish this goal and the need for the church to understand the plan, the GAC has suggested to the Stated Clerk and the Vice-Moderator that a special committee be appointed at the 169th General Assembly to consider in detail this plan.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church finds itself in a unique situation, liken unto 1810. Not only is the U.S. Anglo population, especially in area's where we have churches, growing, but the non-Anglo population is growing at an unprecedented rate. By 2005, the Hispanic population will be the second largest within the United States. The NCD plan calls for 14 of the 50 US churches to be non-Anglo. In the Board of Missions report section (I. Department of Cross-Culture Church Development) Rev. Lynn Thomas points out the expanding opportunities for non-Anglo ministry. Currently our constitution does not provide a clear way for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church to have flexibility in obtaining existing non-Anglo leadership to start communities of faith, nor does it allow us flexibility to dialogue with existing congregations with ecclesiastical systems dissimilar from our own. The NCD plan by the board of Missions has recognized this and requested the GAC to provide assistance. In cooperation with the Board of Missions the GAC has reviewed the constitution sections 6.40 and 10.0. We believe an interpretation is needed for the current constitution, but we also believe two amendments are required as we prepare the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for witness in the twenty-first century.

Recommendation 1: The General Assembly Council recommends the 169th General Assembly approve the following interpretations of the existing constitution.

The Constitution provides a procedure for the reception of churches and ordained ministers from other ecclesiastical bodies [sections 10.2]. In the case of churches, though, the Constitution now appears to limit reception to those congregations from ecclesiastical systems similar to our own -- that is, a connectional church, with compatible doctrine. There is good reason to believe that the Cumberland Presbyterian Church can attract particular churches from systems different from ours, such as the independent church. The potential to receive cross-culture congregations into the denomination may be especially significant. A broad interpretation of section 10.2 could recognize that possibility, and promote the NCD model of "adoption," the assimilation of churches new to the denomination.

Interpretation 1: That General Assembly interpret section 10.2 of the Constitution to include the possibility of receiving a particular church from another ecclesiastical body, or an independent congregation, that desires to embrace Cumberland Presbyterian doctrine, polity and practice, and is willing to undergo a period of mentoring by presbytery for leaders (clergy and lay) for a suggested provisional period of two years. During the provisional period, the congregation would operate as a Cumberland Presbyterian Church in all respects, including official representation at presbytery.

The Constitution provides a procedure for receiving, and recognizing the ordination of, ordained ministers from other denominations (section 6.40). Specific interpretation is needed, though, to receive Non-Anglo ordained ministers to work in ethnic communities. A minister from another church and Non-Anglo heritage may have been unable to acquire the educational requirements set forth in our Constitution. An understanding would be helpful that would permit the minister to begin serving in the Cumberland Presbyterian system, on a provisional basis for a period of time, to develop or serve an ethnic church while being mentored by the presbytery, and undertaking a course of study administered by the G.A. Board of Missions and authorized by the Program of Alternate Studies.

Interpretation 2: That General Assembly interpret section 6.40 of the Constitution to provide for the recognition of ordination specifically for a Non-Anglo ordained minister who desires to work primarily with his/her own ethnic community to develop or serve a Cumberland Presbyterian congregation, and who because of native language, racial/cultural heritage, economic opportunity or national circumstances, has not acquired full educational requirements for ministry as prescribed by the constitution, but who nevertheless exhibits suitable gifts and abilities for a fruitful ministry. The interpretation would permit the minister to exercise full ministerial responsibilities in the congregation/ministry to which he/she has received an approved call within the bounds of the presbytery for a provisional period of two years, and be enrolled as a member of presbytery. The minister would submit to the oversight and mentoring of the Committee on the Ministry during the provisional period.

In cross-culture settings in the USA, indigenous leadership is absolutely essential for effective work. A specific interpretation, referencing the Constitution's "exception clause", section 6.34, would be helpful to facilitate recruiting and mentoring effective leaders for cross-culture ministry.

Interpretation 3: That General Assembly interpret the "exception clause" in section 6.34 of the Constitution to specifically include indigenous leaders for cross-culture ministry.

Interpretation 4: That General Assembly encourage presbyterial Committees on the Ministry to utilize the General Assembly Board of Missions to assist in providing guidance for ministers and probationers in cross-culture ministries.

Recommendation 2: The General Assembly Council recommends the 169th General Assembly approve the following constitutional amendments.

Proposed Constitutional Amendment for Receiving Ministers Serving in Ethnic Settings

(To be inserted after section 6.43 of the Constitution.)

6.44 An ordained minister from another ecclesiastical body who desires to be received by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and work primarily with his/her own ethnic community to develop or serve a Cumberland Presbyterian congregation, and who because of native language, racial/ethnic heritage, economic opportunity or national circumstances, has not acquired full educational requirements for ministry as prescribed by the constitution may be received by presbytery on a provisional basis for a period of not less than two years, and be granted the privilege of exercising full ministerial responsibilities in the congregation or ministry to which he/she has received an approved call within the bounds of the presbytery. The minister shall submit to the oversight of the presbytery's committee on the ministry.
Provisional status shall be granted only when gifts for ministry are readily observed in the fruits of the minister's labors, and may be withdrawn by presbytery if, in the view of the committee on the ministry, the minister has made little progress toward understanding and affirming Cumberland Presbyerian doctrine, polity, history and practice, or fails to exercise ministry that is consistent with the theological, moral and ecclesiastical understandings set forth in the Confession of Faith and constitution. For the provisional period the presbytery shall assign an ordained minister to serve as mentor to work individually with the new member, in addition to the guidance of the committee on the ministry, and may further recommend or require a course of study to be administered by the General Assembly Board of Missions and authorized through the Program of Alternate Studies.
The minister shall be a member of presbytery during the provisional period, and will be eligible to serve on judicatory boards, or as a commissioner to the General Assembly, when the provisional period has been completed. At the end of two years, or after the completion of required studies if longer time is needed, and contingent upon demonstrated gifts for ministry and deepening relationships between the minister and the presbytery, provisional status shall be discontinued and the minister's ordination fully recognized. In some cases a continuation of mentoring and study may be desirable or required.

Proposed Constitutional Amendment for Receiving A Church with Dissimilar Constitution

(To be inserted in section 10.2 of the Constitution, immediately after paragraph b) in that section, and before the final paragraph of the section.)

When a particular church of another ecclesiastical body with dissimilar constitutional provisions to these, or an independent congregation, requests that it be received by a presbytery of this church, the presbytery shall not receive the particular church unless:
a) That particular church has been regularly dismissed by a comparable judicatory, or is certified by congregational vote to be free to pursue a relationship with this church because it is self-determining, and there are no pending ecclesiastical or civil complaints against the congregation; and
b) The presbytery has investigated to assure that the congregation comes on good faith and desires to embrace Cumberland Presbyterian doctrine, polity and practice, and will undergo training of leaders, clergy and lay, for a provisional period of not less than two years.
During the provisional period, the congregation shall, under supervision of presbytery, operate as a Cumberland Presbyterian particular church in all respects, and shall have official representation at presbytery. Members of the congregation will be eligible to serve on judicatory boards and as General Assembly commissioners upon completion of the provisional period. If at any time during the provisional period either presbytery or the congregation is dissatisfied with the progress toward assimilation as a Cumberland Presbyterian church, the relationship shall be dissolved thirty days after formal vote by the presbytery and/or congregation to that effect, with written notice of that intent to presbytery and the congregation.

C. OTHER GAC INIATIVES IN SUPPORT OF PRIORITY GOALS
In August of 1998, the General Assembly Council began discussion about the priority goals and recognized there would be capital required at all levels of the church. We had some input from the NCD capital needs committee, but had not addressed other goals. The GAC appointed a steering committee to develop an overall strategy for determining capital needs at all levels of the church. The steering committee has met four times and reported to the April meeting of GAC the following:

Tentative Thinking
Focus on Congregations - Past campaigns have focused entirely on General Assembly level ministries forcing congregations to choose between their own capital funds needs and those of the larger church. The steering committee envisions this funding initiative as enabling congregations and presbyteries to raise funds for expansion of ministry in their communities and regions. Funds raised on the congregational and presbyterial level will be celebrated as a part of the total funds raised to meet the priority goals.
Process and Structure - Persons from across the church who are excited about the priority goals are being identified to be the "vision interpreters." A plan for presbyterial forums is being developed at which these "vision interpreters" would share their enthusiasm with others. These forums, to be conducted beginning in the fall of 1999 and continuing through 2000, are to provide an opportunity to highlight the priority goals and get presbyteries and their member churches to assess their own capital needs for the next decade. (Note: Denomination Day, February 4, 2000, may be a good date for some of the forums.) Presbyteries would then elect representatives to be members of the overall funding initiative committee at the General Assembly level. Individuals, churches, and presbyteries will be able to designate the projects which they wish their gifts to support on the congregation, presbyterial, or General Assembly levels. On the General Assembly level, a given is the need for $2M for the work of the Board of Missions in establishing new congregations. Other General Assembly level needs will be established and processed through the General Assembly Council and the annual General Assembly.
Resourcing - There is interest in a consulting firm that would be available to help congregations and presbyteries raise funds. The firm might be paid cooperatively through joint funding from the General Assembly level and the congregations (or groups of congregations) actually using the services of the consultants. A beginning has been made toward employment of persons as part-time Regional/Presbyterial Planned Giving Coordinators. These persons might serve their presbyteries/regions as support staff for this funding initiative.The General Assembly Council has engaged Holliman Associates (located in Harrisburg Pennsylvania) to work with the Steering committee and Council at the August meeting on the following schedule:
August 12, Thursday - all day meeting with the steering Committee to sharpen concepts and "flesh out" ideas.
August 13, Friday - continue the meeting bringing on board the Coordinating Committee of the GAC (All Board and Agency Executives and Executive of GAC)
August 14, Saturday - continue the meeting bringing on board the full membership of the GAC

Recommendation 3: That the 169th General Assembly authorize the Board of Stewardship to make a loan to the General Assembly Council to cover up-front expenses of the campaign, all expenses (and the loan) to be repaid from the proceeds of the campaign.

A. Consultant for Bethel College Board of Trustees
The 168th General Assembly referred Recommendation 3 (p. 332, GA minutes) of Report Number One of the Committee on Bethel College/Children's Home to the General Assembly Council. The President of Bethel's Board of Trustees, Mr. Jimmy Hill and Interim President of the College, Rev. Robert Prosser, met with the General Assembly Council at the January 1999 meeting and said there was not a need for a consultant for their Board of Trustees. Therefore the General Assembly Council sees no need to pursue this further.

B. Bethel College Task Force
The 168th General Assembly referred Recommendation 6 (p. 332, GA minutes) of Report number one of the Committee on Bethel College/Children's Home to the General Assembly Council. At the Council meeting in August 1998, the following were appointed members of the Task Force:
Rev. Chris Joiner, Ms. Sallie Noel, Mr. Mark Tucker, Ms. Sharon Resch, Mr. Tom Cawood, Rev. Linda Glenn, and Dr. Robert M. Shelton
The Task Force has met two times and is in the initial phase of gathering information. The first meeting was held in Nashville, TN and was an organizational meeting. The second meeting was held on the campus of Bethel College. During this meeting the Task Force met with Bethel's administrative staff and with the faculty. Both groups were very open and helpful. The Task Force's next meeting will be in the fall of 1999 after Bethel has developed its five year plan and the second SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) visit is completed.

C. Commissions and Committees
This section was reported to the 168th General Assembly (p. 39, GA minutes) but was not assigned to a committee. Therefore, the General Assembly Council presents the following to the 169th General Assembly: The 167th General Assembly referred Recommendation 15 of the Committee on Judiciary to the General Assembly Council (p. 315, GA minutes). The General Assembly Council makes the following recommendations:

Recommendation 4: That General Regulation F.1.h. be deleted because it seems unnecessary.

A. JOINT COMMITTEE ON AMENDMENTS
The 167th General Assembly referred Recommendation 10 of the report of the Commission on the Ministry (p. 323, GA minutes) to the Joint Committee on Amendments to prepare amendments to the Confession of Faith and the Constitution for presentation to the 168th General Assembly. The Joint Committee on Amendments did not meet in 1998 because of financial problems in the CPCA. But the committee did meet in 1999 and there are no amendments drafted for the General Assembly on this referral.
The 168th General Assembly referred Recommendation 8 of the Commission on Ministry (p 330, GA minutes) to the Joint Committee on Amendments to prepare such amendments as are necessary to create the Office of Lay Pastor. This referral was not acted on by the Joint Committee on amendments.

Recommendation 6: That the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church rule that when it submits items to the joint committee on amendments to prepare amendments that the committee must prepare and submit such amendments, even if the members of the committee are not personally in favor of such amendments.

B. PERMANENT JUDICIARY COMMITTEESection III Referrals
The General Assembly Council notes the extensive work done by the Committee in producing recommendation 5 of their report; however, we note that this was not assigned to them, but to the Joint Committee on Amendments.
Section IV Plan of Incorporation
Represtatives from the Permanent Committee on Judiciary met with the General Assembly Council in January 1999. Mr. James Jordan presented the proposed plan of incorporation. The presentation focused on the formation of a corporation at the General Assembly level through which the church would relate to the legal system.

Recommendation 7: The General Assembly Council recommends that the 169th General Assembly cause such a Corporation to be formed.

The General Assembly Council concurs in recommendation 6 of the Perminant Committee on Judiciary's report to the 169th Genearl Assembly.

Recommendation 8: The General Assembly Council recommends to the 169th General Assembly that the Permanent Committee on Judiciary be empowered to created the necessary documentation in the creation of said corporation to be presented to the 170th General Assembly.

C. MEMORIAL FROM MISSOURI PRESBYTERY
The General Assembly Council supports this memorial and the intent of having a catechism for instruction.

D. THE COMMISSION ON CHAPLAINS
The General Assembly Council calls to the attention of the General Assembly that this request is included in the allcoations for years 2000 and 2001. OUO budget requests from agencies without an executive on the GAC are presented by the Office of the Stated Clerk to the January meeting of each year.

E. BOARD OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN
The General Assembly Council supports recommendations 1 - 3 of the Board of the Cumberland Presbyterian's report to the 169th General Assembly.

At its August 1998 meeting, the General Assembly Council received a request from Rev. Robert Prosser for a six month leave of absence from the Office of Stated Clerk to accept the position of Interim President of Bethel College. The GAC voted to grant this request and named Mrs. Marjoire Shannon as Acting Stated Clerk. During this six months, Bethel College's Board of Trustees began a search for the position of President of Bethel College with candidates to be presented at the February 26-27, 1999 Baord meeting. In September Rev. Prosser applied for the position of President. During the January 1999 meeting of the General Assembly Council Rev. Prosser requested another leave of absence until the 169th meeting of General Assembly. The GAC granted this request and renamed Mr. Marjorie Shannon as Acting Stated Clerk. During this meeting the GAC acting under General Regulation C.1.g. and article I,B,II of its bylaws authorized the Executive Committee of the GAC to appoint a search committee for the Office of Stated Clerk. This was done in order to have a process in place if Rev. Prosser were elected President of Bethel College. At its February 26-27, 1999 meeting, Bethel's Board elected Rev. Robert Prosser President of Bethel College effective March 1, 1999.
The GAC search committee sent out an announcment to all presbyterial clerks, church session clerks, and posted it in The Cumberland Presbyterian, This Week, and on the Cumberist (an internet list provided by our Book store) of the position opening. Applications for the position of Stated Clerk were to be in by April 30, 1999.
During the April meeting, the GAC established the following process for determining a nominee to present to the 169th General Assembly:
• The Search Committee will meet on May 4-5, 1999 to determine applicants to be interviewed.
• The Search Committee will meet on May 18-19, 1999 to interview applicants and select a minimum of two.
• The GAC will meet on May 20, 1999 to interview those candidates selected by the search committee and select one nominee to present to the Genearl Assembly.
During this April 1999 meeting, the GAC received the resignation of Rev. Robert Prosser as Stated Clerk of the General Assembly.

1. Acquire and Preserve Church History, Cumberland Presbyterian Church and Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America
This program provides a service oriented depository and research center to house valuable records so that the collected Cumberland Presbyterian witness can be permanently preserved to benefit future generations of our own denomination as well as the Christian Church as a whole. It also provides a learning center where clergy and laity further their knowledge of our denomination as well as a research center to all people who seek information related to Cumberland Presbyterian Churches. This program fulfills a board goal.Activities: Maintain Historical Library and Archives (increasing emphasis on Internet access to collection) Purchase of Historical Materials for Collection
2. Promote Historical Awareness and Appreciation
To increase awareness among Cumberland Presbyterians and others of our rich heritage and the prominent historical position of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church fostering the growth of appreciation for generations of Cumberland Presbyterian contributions to Christian witness. This program fulfills a board goal.
Activities: Publications (increasing emphasis on Internet access via web documents)
Presbyterial Heritage Committees and CPW Historians Awards of Recognition
Award in Cumberland Presbyterian History Denomination Day Materials
3. Historical Site Administration and Support
To promote the registration, preservation, and denominational awareness of sites important to the history of the mission of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and to promote research into the history of said sites. This program fulfills a board goal.
Activities: Birthplace Shrine
American Presbyterian/Reformed Historical Sites Registry

B. CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHILDREN'S HOME
"As a ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and in response to Christ's love and example, the Cumberland Presbyterian Children's Home exists to provide a safe and wholesome environment for the development of children and to bring healing and hope to children and their families".
There are two programs provided by the Cumberland Presbyterian Children's Home. These programs are a part of the goals established by the Board of Trustees of the Children's Home. One of these, Residential Child Care, is the primary goal and even reason for existence for the Children's Home. The other program, After Care and Family Services has developed as a means to fulfill the mission of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children's Home.
Residential Child Care: On campus, long term care is provided for up to 32 boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 18 who can not live at home. Our nurturing and Christian environment provides opportunities for maximum growth and development through education, recreation, food, clothing, shelter, and opportunities for Christian growth. The positive life skills that are taught and modeled provide children who live at the Children's Home with essential elements for their growth and development.
After Care & Family Services: This program is designed to increase the skills of families or residents to relate to and care for their children and to provide on-going opportunities for interaction between Cumberland Home and the children who exit the Residential Care Program. An expanded part of the family services element of this program is the newly initiated "Single Parent Program". This program enables Cumberland Home to work with selected families who meet certain criteria to stay together and work with CPCH staff in seeking ways for these families to becoming able to be self supportive. These families will reside in an apartment across the street from the Children's Home. Staff will work with them in securing services needed such as meals, after school care, transportation and will help them link with appropriate community agencies. The graduated scale of financial responsibility is designed so that the parent will be independent before exiting the program at the end of a twelve to eighteen month period. This interaction between families in need and the CPCH is a wonderful alternative for keeping families together and strengthening their ability to grow toward independence.
These essential programs of the Children's Home relate to one of the priority goals of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church - to recruit, educate and nurture clergy and laity for their specific ministries.
The Fund Raising and Donor Support element of the Children's Home is that tool through which the resources are secured for the services to children and families. It is the service to others that drives the need for resources.
Cumberland presbyterian children's home new program description:
Single Parent/Family Preservation
Purpose:
To provide opportunity for families to remain together while acquiring the skills and resources necessary for independence.
Description:
Selected families who meet specific criteria will be approved for participation in this 12-18 month program. Families will be provided an apartment across the street from the Children's Home. While in residence there, staff will work with the families in securing services needed such as meals, after school care, transportation, and will help them link with appropriate connnunity agencies. The graduated scale of financial responsibility is designed so that the parent will be independent before exiting the program. This interaction between families in need and the Cumberland Presbyterian Children's Home is a wonderful alternative for keeping families together when possible and strengthening their ability to grow toward independence.
Target audience:
Specific single parent families who meet the selection criteria up to a maximum of 5 families at the end of three years.
Time frame:
First family enters program March 1, 1999. Increase to three families in 2000 and up to fine families in 2001.
Costs:
1999: $17,930.00
1999-2000 $26,800.00
2000-2001 $54,000.00
Funding sources:
Initial costs and funding for the remainder of 1999 will be covered through a gift from an individual. For the following year funds that have been temporarily restricted for this purpose will be used. Specific donors will be targeted to continue the funding for this program. Grants will also be pursued for the continuation of the program.

C. PROGRAMS OF MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
Degrees
The degrees offered by Memphis Theological Seminary are the Master of Divinity (M. Div), the Master of Arts in Religion (M.A. R.), and the Doctor of Ministry (D. Min.).
Master of divinity degree
The MDiv. degree is regarded by our denomination as the standard route of educational preparation for ordination to the ministry. It supports all three priority goals set by our General Assembly. It is used to "recruit, educate and nurture clergy and laity for their specific ministries." It can also be used to "revitalize and equip congregations and presbyteries to fulfill the mission (vision) of the church." In Order to "establish new congregations" pastors must be prepared for the task of ministry, which is the primary function of this degree.
The Master of Divinity Degree is normally a three-year program of study. It acquaints students with the theological disciplines and encourages communal exploration of these disciplines in the life of the church so that graduates will serve the church as leaders in greater faithfulness to God.
Master of arts in religion degree
The MAR. degree is designed primarily for lay persons who want to participate in the work of the church while pursuing a secular career, or for church staff workers or others who seek additional study in the theological disciplines. In this regard it supports the second priority goal of our denomination: "Revitalize and equip congregations an presbyteries to fulfill the mission (vision) of the church."
Doctor of ministry degree
The D. Min. degree is designed for full-time ministers who have an M.Div. degree from an accredited seminary and who desire a higher level of competence in the practice of ministry. This degree arises from the mission of Memphis Theological Seminary to participate in God's formation of leaders for service in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and for the church in the world. The D.Min. degree is the highest degree in the practice of ministry and is designed to increase the ability of servant leaders to analyze and reform ministry and to empower constituents for discipleship in the world. In this way it supports all three priority goals of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

D. THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN
The Cumberland Presbyterian Magazine is a non for profit publication representing the church in broad spectrum which is published 11 times per year.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Magazine serves primarily the Cumberland Presbyterian Church as a vehicle of communication, promoting the vision, mission, work and programs of the denomination while it also educates the reader in the Christian faith specifically as it relates to a people called Cumberland Presbyterians. The magazine informs readers of the various ministries of denominational boards, institutions and agencies, particularly as those ministries relate to the larger church body. Additionally, the magazine provides avenues for the institutions, agencies and boards of the church to keep abreast of what is happening in the presbyterial, synodic and local levels of the church.
In its present form the magazine meets goals one and two of the GAC's priority goals. The magazine helps educate and nurture both laity and clergy regarding specific ministries of the denomination. it also helps equip congregations and presbyteries in fulfilling the mission and vision of the church by facilitating communication between the various arenas of the church including the local level. Dr. Reginald W. Bibby's findings in the Future Trends Survey suggest, "As would be expected, people in these five categories (laity, board members, ministers, candidates and licentiates) also tend to have a strong interest in Church media. Some 9 in 10 readers and 6 in 10 active laity say that they read the Cumberland Presbyterian and/or The Missionary Messenger monthly or more (page 49, Future Trends Survey). "Respondents were asked in the survey if they "get enough information about what the church is doing" in their communities and regions, as well as nationally and world-wide. The responses suggest that satisfaction with information is fairly high" (page 15, Future Trends Survey). Please note, the survey stated, "As for the possible supportive role of Church media in enhancing faith and heightening interest in ministry efforts, reading The Cumberland Presbyterian and The Missionary Messenger is positively associated with Church giving for people in all three categories (i.e. age, gender, and marital status); and such exposure is also positively related to tithing for both of the two lay groups (page 57, Future Trends Survey). Lastly, it relates to the GAC's priority goal three by promoting the work of New Church Development programs.
This week
This Week is a non for profit denominational newsletter which is produced in-house, 40 times per year.
Like The Cumberland Presbyterian it serves the church as a vehicle of communication promoting the mission, work and programs of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, meeting all three of the GAC/s priority goals. It informs readers of matters regarding the church's agencies, boards, institutions, programs, goals and visions. It also issues a call to prayer for specific needs of the church as a whole.
Because this newsletter can be printed in-house, it facilitates the circulation of news in a expeditious manner.

E. COMMISSION ON THE MINISTRY PROGRAMS
1. Plan, Promote and Direct the Ministers' ConferenceThe Commission pays Conference Lecturer and Conference Preacher a one thousand dollar honorarium (each) plus all of their expenses. Workshop leaders and the organist are paid a small honorarium. The Banquet Speaker is paid one hundred dollars plus travel expenses. Promotion includes articles in the Cumberland Presbyterian and the Clergy Connection as well as a special mailout.
One hundred sixteen Cumberland Presbyterian ministers registered for the conference in 1998.
2. Publish The Clergy ConnectionThe Clergy Connection is a journal/newsletter produced especially for Cumberland Presbyterian ministers. It is written and edited by the Director of Ministry. It is mailed out quarterly to about one thousand ministers and to about one hundred lay persons (selected church leaders).
3. Minister's Service Awards.
The Commission is at the present time presenting eight Minister's Service Awards to selected Cumberland Presbyterian ministers. Nominations are made by the committees on the ministry in the various presbyteries (and by any interested Cumberland Presbyterian). The list is pared down to five nominees in each category. These five names are submitted for a vote to a cross section of Cumberland Presbyterian ministers (at least 25 ministers). The minister receiving the highest vote gets the award for that particular year.
An additional award is being added. This award will go to one who has excelled in ministry in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church as a staff person (Associate Pastor, Assistant Pastor, Minister of Education, Minister of Music, etc.) The Commission is considering adding two awards for minister's spouses. Our biggest problem is: Can we get enough relevant information to make valid selections?
4.Gifts to New Candidates for the Ministry and Ordinands upon Ordination.
The Commission gives each new candidate a copy of Morris Pepper's book on ministry (Introduction to Ministry) and a copy of Tom D. Campbell's book on preaching (The Minister's Guide to Pulpit Planning).
A walnut pastor's communion set is presented to each ordinand at the time of his/her ordination to the ministry of word and sacrament.
5. Patron Membership in Clergy Care
These patron memberships may be bestowed upon any member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church (minister or layperson) when a fifty dollar donation is made to the Commission's Clergy Care Endowment. The Commission itself bestows a patron membership upon those who receive Minister's Service Awards.
6. Counseling Funds
The Commission will match (up to $750 per case) funds that presbytery committees on the ministry expend on professional counseling for ministers, minister's spouses, and minister's children.
7. Workshops/Seminars
The Commission directs workshops/seminars on various topics for large or small groups upon request.
8. Providing Pastoral Care
The Commission works with the committees on the ministry in the presbyteries in helping to provide pastoral care to ministers who are in crisis situations.

F. BOARD OF MISSIONS
Program 1: evangelism/missions services
The ministerial activities in this area are designed to serve congregations by fostering and strengthening their efforts to educate people about missions and to motivate, train and resource people for missions. The ministries include seminars, consultations, conferences, presentations by staff (including missionaries), statistics monitoring, circulation of five educational displays, publish and distribute an 8-page bimonthly tabloid (Missionary Messenger) to every active household in the denomination, publish a "March of Missions' resource packet (7 weeks for prayer, study, education), publish and distribute a quarterly Missions Engagement/Ministry Outreach packet with resources and a quarterly missions news bulletin for inserts, maintain a resource library for churches.
Program 2: humanitarian service and justice ministries
This program is to provide resources and opportunities for Cumberland Presbyterians to extend the compassion of Christ to the poor and needy, locally and globally. Activities include special ministries to the people of Appalachia (develop and strengthen Appalachian congregations, training in rural ministries, broadcast messages of hope, address with pastoral concern and prophetic voice the causes of poverty and injustices), special ministries to National Farm Workers (support with 45 other denominations the NFWM, sponsor with the PC (USA) the Beth-El ministry in Wimauman, FL, partner with Habitat for Humanity to provide lowcost housing, sponsor with PC(USA) an extensive border ministry in El Paso, TX, sponsor Love Loaf Program and One Great Hour of Sharing for world hunger needs, establish/administer special funds for aid to disaster victims in all nations, aid Colombian churches in providing hot lunches for children, provide children and youth in Colombia with school scholarships, sponsor a Volunteer in Action program for hands-on service, provide resources for Gift to the King, Native American emphasis, Christian Service Recognition.
Program 3: new church development and church redevelopment
The program's purpose is to extend the gospel in the USA by planting new churches and to enable qualifying churches to develop an effective strategy for achieving qualitative and quantitative growth through a commitment to an approved and supervised redevelopment plan. The ministries include, when necessary, employing and deploying new church developers for work among both English- and non English-speaking peoples, co-sponsoring projects with presbyteries, providing staff for supervision/consultation/training, providing grants for property purchase, building construction and program subsidies. A ten-year plan of planting churches the first decade of the 21st century, with goals, has been developed and is ready for presentation to the 1999 G.A.
Program 4: international missions
The purpose is to extend the gospel of Jesus Christ and the ministries of the C. P. C. To people of other cultures outside the USA, encouraging, initiating, coordinating, and supervising field programs in terms of evangelism, new church development, church development, and other means of Christian witness, including, when necessary, enlisting, employing, training, and deploying personnel Missions are currently centered in Colombia (one board-employed missionary, and searching for another), Liberia, Hong Kong/China (where expansion ministries are being planned), Japan, Central Asia, Brazil, and Thailand. Activities include participation in and sponsorship of all ministries (which all boards in the USA sponsor) in these countries. There are programs, of evangelism, Christian education, elementary and high school education (short-term teachers and establishing institutions), clergy training, social ministries of all kinds, special financial aid through Second Mile promotion, field budgets, etc. Looking toward opening new work in other countries.
Program 5: the cumberland presbyterian women (cpw)
This program is to enable C. P. Women to create opportunities for Christian enrichment, to provide awareness of involvement and service in the mission of Jesus Christ, and to work for the worldwide outreach of the Church. Activities include publication and distribution of resources for use by local and presbyterial CPW's in planning a year of programs/study/service, plan and conduct an annual CPW Convention, participation in the ministries of ecumenical groups such as Church Women United, provide opportunities for women to give to special projects and on-going missions, cooperative work with CPCA, support for women clergy.
Program 6: special services
Provide special services to the church-at-large, including some GA boards and agencies. This includes assisting churches seeking a pastor and assisting pastors seeking employment or relocation by providing resources, information, and personal professional guidance; provide and/or assist education and training efforts in specific areas (PAS class instruction, training for Interim Pastors, special help in recruiting and training Choctaw leadership); provide a variety of services such as chaplain for the Birthplace Shrine and park each summer, annual Small Membership Church Service Award program, consulting services to congregations and judicatories on specific issues/needs, receive and disburse funds of boards and agencies other than BOM; and, participate with all boards/agencies/institutions in planning and implementing a unified program of ministry for the church-at-large.

THIS IS NOT AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF MINISTRIES OR ACTIVITIES PERFORMED BY STAFF TO FULFILL THE PROGRAMS. IT IS AN OVERVIEW OF THE BROAD RANGE OF MINISTRIES THROUGH THE BOARD OF MISSIONS.
IT IS OF SPECIAL NOTE THAT EVERY PROGRAM AND ALMOST EVERY SINGLE MINISTRY/ACTIVITY STRONGLY SUPPORTS THE THREE PRIORITY GOALS OF THE DENOMINATION.

F. BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP, FOUNDATION AND BENEFITS
I. Christian stewardship education and promotion
The first of three broad program areas of the work of the board is in Christian stewardship
education and promotion. The purpose of this program is as follows:
To nurture in all Cumberland Presbyterians a wholistic understanding of Christian stewardship under the guidance of and in accordance with the statement on Christian Stewardship in the Confession of Faith for Cumberland Presbyterians(Sections6:10-14) which begins with the acknowledgment that all of life and creation is a trust from God, to be used for God's glory and service.
This program area seeks to educate and nurture clergy and laity for their ministries', to revitalize and equip congregations and presbyteries to fulfill the mission of the church , and to aid the Board of Missions in establishing new congregations with a vital understanding of Christian stewardship.
II. Financial foundation development and management
The second of three broad program areas of the work of the board is in financial
foundation development and management. The purpose of this program is as follows:
To secure a firm financial undergirding for the ongoing ministry of congregations and the agencies of presbyteries, synods, and the General Assembly as they bear witness to the saving love of God, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the fellowship and communion of the Holy Spirit.
This program includes the Endowment Program, Cash Funds Management Program, and Property and Casualty Insurance.
This program area also seeks to educate and nurture in clergy and laity (below note an understanding of the opportunities available to equip financially our congregations and presbyteries to fulfill their mission (note,4, as well as provide loan funds to existing and new congregations (note -1.
III. Employee benefits administration and research
The third of three broad program areas of the work of the board is in employee benefits administration and research. The purpose of this program is as follows:
To support the lay and ordained employees of the church as they venture to be faithful under the call of Christ and the Church to the daily demands of providing leadership to congregations and Church agencies who are the incarnation of the Body of Christ, the family of God at work in the world.
This program includes the Retirement Program, Ministerial Aid Program, and Health Insurance Program.
This program area seeks to nurture both ordained and lay employees of the church for ministry (note 1).
Priority Goal: Recruit, educate and nurture clergy and laity for their specific ministries.
Priority Goal: Revitalize and equip congregations and Presbyteries to fulfill the mission (vision) of the church. Priority Goal: Establish new congregations.

G. BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION The Board of Christian Education organizes its ministry through four main programs. These are: curriculum development/interpretation/promotion; leadership development/support; age specific ministries; and the Cumberland Presbyterian Resource Center.
Curriculum Development/Interpretation/Promotion
Curriculum development interpretation/promotion focuses on designing curriculum, producing curriculum resources and interpreting/promoting those where careful attention is given to: the biblical and theological perspectives; the educational approach; the scope and sequence of content to ensure age appropriateness and consistency with Cumberland Presbyterian beliefs. These high-quality curriculum resources: reflect and enrich our theology as a Presbyterian and Reformed church; enhance our worship; and enable all persons to grow in knowledge, faith, and in their relationship with God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, church, others, and all God's creation. The ultimate focus is on spiritual formation. Curriculum resources are developed or reviewed for a variety of settings: church school, vacation Bible school, outdoor ministry, devotion time, additional meetings of study groups, church membership, special times, etc.
Leadership Development/Support
In this program, staff initiates, implements planning, and creates activities and resources for leader development, support, and spiritual formation/ renewal of church leaders - laity (teachers, elders, deacons, worship planners, etc.), professional church educators (including pastors), members of presbytery Christian education agencies, and volunteer Christian education consultants. Publications include Alert, an ecumenically-developed quarterly magazine designed to provide resources for teacher education and enrichment, and acquaint teachers/leaders with available resources; C. E. Connections, a quarterly newsletter offering articles, models for ministry, information about events and programs, and resource listings; the program planning calendar developed with representatives of other agencies and designed to assist in programing, planning and scheduling church ministries and activities; etc. Events include the Christian Education Conference, an opportunity for persons from congregations and presbyteries to meet with other leaders to address specific ministries in Christian education and to sharpen and develop skills as leaders; the consultant program including the annual event, which equips persons to serve as Christian education consultant to synods, presbyteries, and congregations by recruiting and training persons from each presbytery, etc. Presbytery Boards of C. E. are provided support and information by a yearly mailing to all Board members, an updated manual, attendance by BCE staff at Board meetings, and help in providing leader training/development opportunities within their presbytery.
Age Specific Ministries
This program is to contribute to spiritual formation and to enable and support those activities specifically designed to address the needs, joys and concerns of children. youth, adults and families. The Youth Ministry Planning Council composed of young people from the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America is the group responsible for making youth ministry plans. Age specific concerns are also addressed in other program areas such as curriculum development and leader development, but activities in this program area are specific to a particular age group.
Age specific ministries include activities such as these: Children's Sunday, CPYC, Youth Triennium, Youth Reaching Out, Youth Sunday, Young Adult Conference, family ministry, marriage enrichment, third age ministry, etc.
Operation of a Denominational Bookstore The Cumberland Presbyterian Resource Center is responsible for stocking, promoting, and distributing a wide variety of church resources as well as providing portable bookstores, consulting services, and consignment orders to assist leaders with available resources to meet specific needs.

REPORT OF NEW ACTIVITIES FOR 2000 BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
All of these new activities are under the program area of Leader Development/Support,
1. Camp Directors' Training Event
Description: This annual event would be an opportunity for camp directors to become acquainted, develop and/or sharpen skills in planning and organizing a camping ministry, share ideas about their respective ministry, explore elements needed for equipping leaders for camps, examine resources, consult with other directors from their presbytery to actually make plans for their summer camps, develop a network of camp directors, and inform the General Assembly Board of C. E. of service needed to support their ministries in camping.
Target Audience: Presbyterial camp directors
Time Frame: The first event would be held in later February or early March, 2000.
Costs: $1,000 for promotion, resource persons, supplies; other costs will be borne by the participants/presbyteries.
Funding Sources: OUO
2. Curriculum Introductory Events
Description: These events would familiarize a corp of curriculum interpreters with the resources of Bible Quest and a lectionary-based series; equip the curriculum interpreters with tools for introducing curricula to presbyteries; and allow them to experience a 3-hour curriculum introductory event which may be used by the curriculum interpreters in events they lead.
Target Audience: representatives from presbyteries willing to serve as curriculum interpreters
Time Frame: This one-time activity would be held in mid-February, early March, mid-March, 2000. They would be scheduled in three areas: Dallas, Memphis, Louisville. Each event would be scheduled Friday evening through Sunday,
Costs: $7,500 for lodging, meals, transportation, materials
Funding Sources: OUO
3. Teacher/Leader Connection Network
Description: This activity will explore, develop, and implement an interdenominational, Internet-based network to support and provide resources for congregational teachers and leaders using readily available technologies.
Target Audience: church school teachers, especially those in smaller churches and those without staff support in education; pastors in their role as educators; leaders of adult groups; church officers; youth leaders; etc.
Time Frame: The desire is to get this initially established in 1999.
Costs: $5-6 million
Funding Sources: foundations such as Lilly; participating denominations (Presbyterian Church, USA,
Reformed Church in America, Presbyterian Church in Canada, Moravian Church, Cumberland
Presbyterian Church); OUO - $5,000

H. OFFICE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The office of the General Assembly exists to serve the organizational and administrative needs of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church to the end that corporate life and mission is maintained and promoted. This purpose is fulfilled by:
A. Planning and organizing effective meetings of the General Assembly.
B. Maintaining official records and correspondence.
C. Maintaining a continuing office for purposes of administration, communication, and representation.
D. Publishing official documents of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
E. Communicating with middle judicatories for purposes of-.
1. receiving information and concerns,
2. providing information and interpretations, and
3. supporting officers and leaders.
F. Providing support services for non-staffed General Assembly agencies.
G. Providing support services for the Moderator of the General Assembly.
H. Assuring other assignments made by the General Assembly.

VII. OUO BUDGETS 2000 and 2001

A. OUR UNITED OUTREACH
In order to ensure that the 170th General Assembly in year 2000 has a minimun amount of business to consider, so as to allow it to focus on Celebration and Worship, the 169th General Assembly is asked to approve OUO budgets for 2000 and 2001.

Recommendation 9: That the Our United Outreach Goals for 2000 and 2001 be set as follows: Year 2000 at $2,999,027; year 2001 at $3,116,623.

Recommendation 10: That the 2000 and 2001 Our United Ourtreach allocation for Boards and Agencies be as follows:
YEAR 2000 YEAR 2001
Bethel College * 306,685 306,685
Children's Home 83,200 86,500
Board of Christian Education 265,200 275,800
General Assembly Council 140,300 146,00
Board of Missions 717,600 746,300
Board of Stewardship,
Foundations, and Benefits 279,300 290,400
Office of the General
Assembly 170,000 176,800
Commission on Chaplains 7,300 7,500
Permanent Committee on
Judiciary 7,300 7,500
Commission on Theology and
Social Concerns 5,200 5,400
Cumberland Presbyterian 94,500 98,000
Historical Foundation 64,000 73,000
Memphis Theological
Seminary 192,621 200,309
Program of Alternate Studies 40,379 41,991
Commission on Ministry 81,400 84,600
Planned Giving 30,000 30,000
Contingency Fund 14,185 22,345
Total OUO 2,499,170 2,599,130

* Denotes Guarantee

Rationale: In prior years the total goal for a year was allocated to boards/agencies on a percentage basis. In the past the actual amount of Our United Outreach available for distribution was significantly short of the goal. Also, there is OUO received at the end of each year that is not available to boards and agencies until the beginning of the next year. The General Assembly Council's policy is to allocate 85 percent of the goal to boards and agencies for program budgeting. The General Assembly Council has adopted the following rules for distribution of Our United Outreach amounts over or under the proposed allocation to boards and agencies.
* One half of any Our United Ourtreach amount over that allocated would be distributed proportiantely to boards and agencies. Those which have guarentees would not share in overage.
* One half of any Our United Outreach amount over that allocated would be distributed to a fund to support the Priority Goal of establishing new congregations beginning in year 2000.
* Any deficit of the allocated amount of Our United Outreach would be shared proportionately by boards and agencies not receiving guaranteed funding.

B. ACTIONS TAKEN BY GAC
1. The GAC in 1998 set aside one half of OUO funds over the amount allocated for boards and agencies to support the Priority Goals. This amount was $59,746.55 as of the beginning of 1999. The basic guideline for the use of these funds is for one time events in support of the Priority Goals, but not to be used to fund salary positions. The Board of Christian Education proposed three new programs that fit the above criteria and the GAC allocated $13,800 from the above fund to these programs.
2 The GAC received a request from the Board of Trustees of Bethel College for funding to buy the contract of former Bethel College president, Mr. Robert Imhoff. The GAC voted to give $75,000 from the Contingency Fund to aid in the purchase of Mr. Imhoff's contract.

VIII. AUDIT

The C.P. churches financial condition is better than at any time since the council was formed. While we are not where we would like to be, the Church has made progress. The only short fall this year is the Contingency Fund.

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORTS

January 29, 1999
1. Memphis Theological Seminary
The auditor's opinion was unqualified on the financial statements and there was no instance of noncompliance on the federal program. There were four reportable conditions in the report of internal controls, all of which appear to be easily correctable.
The Seminary reported an increase in net assets of $2,222,535 for the year compared to $527,843 last year. An increase in unrestricted gifts and grants of $392,500 over last year put the unrestricted fund cash balance at $469,721 at year end as compared to $123,600 in 1997. This is after paying off the $110,000 line of credit
2. Bethel College
The auditor's report was unqualified on the financial statements. We did not get a copy of the report on internal controls and compliance with laws, regulations and grants, so we do not know what problems the auditor found. We were unable to set up a meeting with them.
The financial statements reported a net increase in unrestricted assets of $27,499 with a total increase of all funds by $18,249. The college has $1,300,000 in receivables of which $886,000 are student receivable. We are very concerned about his large increase in student receivables, which are up from $220,000 last year.
Revenue from degree completion program increased by $1,500,000, but tuition from regular students fell by $800,000. Income from gift and grants as well as investments were down. Overall, there was a net decrease in revenues of about $366,000. Expenses increased about $166,000, making a net decrease in net income from last year of about $532,000. Large increases in institutional support and instruction expenses were somewhat offset by decreases in scholarships and grants.
Bethel College's financial condition remains critical and will require quick resolution of the accounts receivable problem and control of expenses. Major funding from the church at large will be required to balance the budget for Fiscal Year 1999 and to fix the roofs and other problems of the campus buildings.
Respectfully submitted,
Wes Brantley, Sarah Barron, Jill Carr

April 16,1999
1. Commission on the Ministry
We reviewed financial report as of December 31, 1998 submitted by the Commission on the Ministry. The report shows $81,431.29 in receipts and $84,767.09 in expenses with a cash balance of $15,341.63 plus endowment of $10,404.58.2. Cumberland Presbyterian Children's Home
We reviewed the Auditor's Report and the financial statements as of September 30, 1998 of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children's Home. The report shows net assets of $8,043,451 compared to $7,589.694 as of September 30, 1997.
3. The Agencies of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church Center
We have reviewed the draft of the financial statements as of December 31, 1998 of the agencies. The draft reports an increase in net assets from $71,891,746 to $73, 082,598, an increase of $1,190,852. All agencies reported positive fund balances at year end.
Respectfully submitted,
Wes Brantley, Sarah Barron, Jill Carr

IX. CHURCH CALENDAR 1999-2000

July 1999
6-23 Memphis Theological Seminary, Summer Term
10-16 Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference
10-24 Program of Alternate Studies
12-23 Memphis Theological Seminary, Doctor of Ministry Term
28-30 Christian Education Consultant Training Event

August 1999
22 Quarterly Missions Emphasis
23-24 Bethel College, Fall Registration
25-26 Memphis Theological Seminary, Fall Registration
28 First Day of Classes, MTS
29-9/26 Christian Education Season

September 1999
19 Christian Service Recognition Sunday
19 International Day of Prayer and Action for Human Habitat
30 Quarterly Our United Outreach Report

October 1999
3 World Communion Sunday
10 Church Paper Sunday
18-20 Lecture Week, MTS
24 All Presbyterian Fellowship Sunday
24 Native American Sunday
31 Reformation Sunday

November 1999
any Sunday Love Loaf Offering
any Sunday Commitment Sunday
5 World Community Day
6 Inquirer's Day - MTS
7 Stewardship Day
7 Bethel College Day
13 Bethel College Homecoming
14 Day of Prayer for People with AIDS and Other Incurable Diseases
16-19 Christian Education Conference
21 Bible Sunday
28 Quarterly Missions Emphasis
28-12/25 Advent

December 1999
any Sunday Gift to the King Offering
25 Christmas Day/Christmastide (through Jan.5)
31 Our United Outreach, year end report

January 2000
3-4 Bethel College, Spring Registration
4-14 MTS, Doctor of Ministry Term
6 Epiphany
16-23 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
22 Memphis Theological Seminary, Spring Semester begins
24-26 Minister's Conference

February 2000
6 Denomination Sunday
13-19 Brotherhood/Sisterhood Week
20 Youth Sunday
27 Quarterly Missions Emphasis

March 2000
5 World Day of Prayer
8 Ash Wednesday
8-23 Lent - Easter
16 One Great Hour of Sharing
31 Our United Outreach Quarterly Report

April 2000
16 Palm Sunday
20 Maundy Thursday
21 Good Friday
23 March of Missions begins (through June 11)
23 Easter
23-29 National Farm Worker Week
25 Seminary Sunday

May 2000
6 May Fellowship Day (Church Women United)
7 Bethel College Commencement
7-14 Family Week
13 Memphis Theological Seminary Graduation
14 Rural Life Sunday
21 Children's Home Sunday
28 Quarterly Missions Emphasis

June 2000
5-23 Memphis Theological Seminary, Summer Term
11 Children's Sunday
11 Pentecost
11 World Missions Day
19-23 General Assembly
20-22 CPW Convention
30 Our United Outreach Quarterly Report