WELCOME:
Presbytery was called to order at 9:00 AM by vice moderator Elder Forney.
Rev. Wagner gave the welcome from the host church and Rev. Dymond opened in prayer.
Psalm 145 B. was sung.

Due to the absence of the clerk, Elder Colbeck was appointed to fill in.

PRESBYTERY SERMON:
Rev. Wagner delivered the presbytery sermon. The scripture lesson was from Matthew 6:19-34. The topic dealt with the issue of being commanded not to be anxious.

The three main points are:

The Lord Jesus commands us not to be anxious. (verse 25)

The Lord Jesus gives reasons why anxiety is foolish. ( verses 26-30)

The Lord Jesus tells us how to overcome anxiety. ( verses 31-34)

This being part of the Sermon on the Mount was addressed to the disciples. It was pointed out that God would continue to provide for His creation. As verse 33 says, But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Also noted was that God provides and man has his part to do also. The blue jay was referred to, how God provides for the birds of the field, yet the blue jay has to go out 15,000 times to get food to raise their young. The parable of the sower was referred to, how weeds and thorns (the cares of this world) could choke the good seed out.

Christians aren’t exempt from this problem; we are to consider Martha and how Jesus loved her, yet Jesus rebuked her when she became anxious concerning the meal. Then also we are reminded that if we are blessed, such as Job, circumstances change and we aren’t to be anxious.

Finally we were exhorted to be diligent in bringing the gospel to those that have no hope, and share the blessed hope that is within us.

ROLL CALL:
The roll was called and all members of Presbytery were present (Rev. Morrow and Dr. Charles Butler arrived later in the day), except for Rev. De Boer on account of illness, and Rev. Calel Butler who had to work. Joel Butler, man under care, was also absent due to his attendance at the Reformed Presbyterian Seminary in Pittsburg, PA.

THE DOCKET:
The docket was approved with the following additions under New Business:

· Discussion about the recording of sermons at presbytery.

VISITORS:
Mrs. Dymond and Bob Eisenzopf were welcomed as visitors.

MINUTES OF PRESBYTERY:
The minutes of the December 2004 meeting were approved as corrected.

THE CLERK’S REPORT:
The clerk reported on the following correspondence…

· A letter to Presbytery was received from Back to the Bible Evangelist Ministries in Uganda, Africa requesting support for the work there with the Christian education of orphans. Some 1,200 children are being instructed in 4 schools. The letter was sent by Pastor Peterson Sosy.

Presbytery authorized the clerk to respond that we can pray for them and explain that we are small in size and have been supporting other worthy works that we are more familiar with, when we are able. We would like to receive more information so that we can pray for their needs.

TREASURER’S REPORT:
Rev. Wagner gave the Treasurer’s report which was received.

CHURCH REPORTS:
Elder Colbeck gave a brief report about the possible relocation of the Bordentown congregation. That the V. F. W. has accepted the offer and a contract for purchase will be drawn up with contingencies that the building could be used for the congregation’s purposes, etc. Also some activity has been reported by the realtor concerning interest in the present building.

MSA to have presbytery cover reasonable expenses of presbyters for travel to meetings. (tolls, mileage allowance, lodging if necessary…etc.)

The written reports of the churches were received.

AMERICAN PRESBYTERIAN PRESS REPORT:
A Discussion was held in the absence of Rev. DeBoer.

· Overcoming Evil with Good, a book for young people is finished.

Hymns, Heretics, and History, Rev DeBoer’s history of hymnody, is finished.

· The APP is planning to co-publish Rev. Schwertley’s latest book on the justification by faith controversy. This may be changed due to Rev. De Boer’s health concerns.

· The APP is preparing for publication Charles Hodge’s, "The Great Awakening," an excerpt from his "Constitutional History of the PCUSA." This may be delayed due to Rev. De Boer’s health concerns.

Prayer for Rev. De Boer was offered up by Rev. Wagner

INTERCHURCH COMMITTEE REPORT:
The Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church, hosted a meeting to discuss further unity among the reformed micro churches. This meeting was in Florida and Rev. Al Wagner attended. Some of the problems would be the pre-mil, post-mil differences, doctrine of civil government (established church), alcoholic beverages, and the regulative principle of worship. Rev. Wagner thought that establishing fraternal relations with them would be appropriate.

At this time (11:50) Rev. John Morrow arrived.

MSA to seat Rev. Bob Eisenzopf as a visiting brother.

MSA to have the clerk extend fraternal relations to the Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church.

Psalm 145c was sung.
Prayer by Rev. Eisenzopf was offered up prior to breaking for lunch.
Prayer by Rev. Morrow was offered up at the beginning of the afternoon session.

OLD BUSINESS:

Licensure of Joel Butler:
The clerk has yet to contact Joel as mentioned in the December meeting, requesting more communication with Presbytery. Also Presbytery would like to ascertain Joel’s intentions upon graduation. Rev. Al Wagner and Charles Butler will meet to discuss the main contents of the letter and then contact and advise the clerk, who will contact Joel.

Publication of Our Standards:
The proofreading of the standards was tabled.

Review on Articles/Sermons on Theological Errors:
The review was tabled.

Discussion of National Call to Repentance:
Rev. Wagner suggested that we look to other group’s sources, in order to support them in their efforts. Such as; We stand along side ________ and are reprinting their article.

MSA to do the above and to have Elder Forney, Rev. Charles Butler and Rev. Louis De Boer search this or have a committee compose or find one.

CHURCH GROWTH:
Rev. Wagner showed a book called This Little Church Went to Market and also discussed some of the practices of the Reformed Baptist Church he attended in Florida. These were mostly practical things that were done to encourage worship and enhance the impact of the teaching ministry.

Recording of Sermons:
It was suggested that we get a digital recording device to record the devotions at presbytery. Rev. Wagner is going to look into this some and probably get one for the Bordentown congregation. It appears that with this device it is easy to transfer the data to a CD and would make copying and distribution easier.

ADJOURNMENT:
The September 24, 2005 meeting is scheduled to be held at 9:00 A.M. in Finksburg, MD. D.V.

Presbytery was adjourned by the singing of Psalm 133A and with prayer offered by Rev. Charles Butler.