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HISTORY
BYLAWS
LEADERSHIP
COOPERATIVE MINISTRY
St. Andrew Presbyterian Church
Hideaway History 1963 to Present
Located throughout the Tri-Lake area were interdenominational worship services. They were located in the public use areas under the direction of the United Lakes Ministry which was also called Lake Area Parish.
On May 9, 1963 one such group began meeting each Wednesday evening in the Hideaway Community for vespers and song.
When the weather turned cool that fall, they asked the Lake Area Parish to continue the services in their homes. The Lake Area Parish was under the direction of the Rev. Ward Patton. In the fall and winter, community programs, a Thanksgiving pot-luck, movies and other get-togethers were shared by this group.
In the summer of 1964 Rev. Patton was assisted by the Rev. David Chen, a Pastor and seminary professor from Formosa. The Lake Area Parish also supported the Presbyterian Church at Hollister.
It wasn't long before the homes of the people were not adequate enough to accommodate the crowds. A committee was formed to start the process of constructing a community building and chapel. Rev. Patton enlisted the support of the Carthage-Ozark Presbytery (now the John Calvin Presbytery) and a kick off dinner was held on July 8, 1964.
The building was built by the members of the community (many retired) and by several groups of youth workers who cut brush, mixed concrete and helped dig foundations. The ceremony of laying the cornerstone was August 9, 1964. On January 13, 1965 the first meeting was held inside the Community Building and Chapel.
Although the building was and is a community center, a great deal of the funds required to build it came from the Carthage-Ozark Presbytery. Its main use has always been as a Chapel for St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. Most of the maintenance, inside and out, has been done by the members of the church. This includes clearing a large area in front of the building for a helicopter landing.
The building contained a small kitchen and restroom; the worship area faced south with the kitchen in the back. Within a few years, as attendance increased, the front of the church was changed so the congregation faced east toward the lake, as it does now. A small storage room was added.
The church started out with a few hand-me-down folding chairs with some people bringing their own. They soon decided they wanted to operate as a church and therefore on March 27, 1966, St. Andrew Parish United Presbyterian Church was organized. At 2:30 PM on this date the St. Andrew Parish United Presbyterian Church held its first service. The Rev. Ward Patton was the minister. He was still the director of the Lake Area Parish also.
Twelve Communicate Members were received and became our charter members:
Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Blankenship
Mr. Lee Butcher
Mr. & Mrs. Lyle Chamberlain
Mr. & Mrs. Scott Chamberlain
Mr. & Mrs. Cliff Dahlquist
Mrs. Elizabeth Hearn
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Parker
Three Elders were elected, ordained and installed and became the initial ruling body of the church:
Mrs. Elizabeth Hearn
Mrs. Lyle Chamberlain
Mr. Lee Butcher
The name, "St. Andrew Parish" was chosen by the membership because Andrew was a fisherman who became a fisher of men and brought them to Jesus Christ. The desire was to have a name associated with water being near Table Rock Lake. The first Session meeting was held on April 11, 1966.
Initially the church in its financial operation was simple with the money received in church envelopes going to the budget while all lose money would be given to the directors of the community center for maintenance and care of the building and developing community projects.
The first budget was also simple consisting of the following:
30% - Local mission
30% - Benevolence (missions beyond the area)
40% - Pastoral support
The first wedding was held on June 25, 1966 when Joe Raphio married Patricia Jane Biles, daughter of Kirby and Jesse (Fausett) Biles. This just happens to be the cousin of Marvin Fausett's father.
After one year in service, July 12, 1967, the small church had a total of 12 to 20 members.
September 15, 1967 a fee of $10.00 a month was charged for usage of the community building as a chapel to cover insurance and utilities and ten years later, 1977, it had been increased to $40.00 per month. The present arrangement is $20.00 per Sunday.
The Rev. Ward Patton served the church from its beginning in 1966 until December 1970.
The second minister was the Rev. Clyde Griffith who started in August of 1971. It was during Clyde Griffith's ministry in 1973 that Christian Associates got its start in Kimberling City. Christian Associates is a social service agency that has served the Table Rock Lake area since its inception. St. Andrew saw the need for this outreach programs and other churches helped in establishing the agency. A major effort from St. Andrew was Suzanne Griffith, wife of the minister but without the efforts of Thomas and Myrtle St. Clair there would not have been a Christian Associates. Thomas and Myrtle lived in the Hideaway area and were members of the Hideaway Church. They had joined the church soon after it was organized in 1966 and were members until they moved to Springfield in 1980.
Initially, weather was a major factor in attendance. The building was not insulated and even after a lot of repair there still existed cracks that you could see daylight through. At first the building was heated by small floor furnace which had a hard time heating past ten feet. This meant that everyone had to wear winter coats and overshoes during the church service. On some super cold Sundays only three to five people would show up and sometimes no preacher.
Some summer Sunday’s were not much better as the building was not initially air conditioned. To make it somewhat comfortable, the windows had to be opened which meant bugs form the lake joined the church service. A new heating system and air conditioning made a big difference.
Several times in the life of Hideaway, church services could not be held due to high water. Such was the case in May of 1990. Water from Table Rock Lake rose to the point that the community building was an island, making it impossible to reach.
In the 1970's, water rose to the point where it flooded the building, going above the floor level causing damage to the floor and walls.
The building was also damaged by fire in the 1970's. The cause of the fire could never be determined. When repaired and rebuilt, the floor was raised to make it less likely to flood. Of course this could not correct the problem of water from Table Rock Lake rising to the point that the community center was on an island.
Being a lake resort area, campers caused major problems. Since no one was in the area during the week except for maintenance and yard work, campers would use the area as a campground and afterwards would dump their trash on the ground causing more work for the Hideaway yard crew. The campers and trailers would also hook up to the electrical connections on the outside of the building and stay for long periods of time. An inside cut-off had to be installed to cut off their free electrical service.
Once the building was broken into, and several items were missing including a player/recorder that was used for the music for each service. This was before the time that a piano and piano player was available.
In the early 1980's a small airplane crashed into the lake near the community center. As the plane was going gown, it hit a cable that crossed the lake. This cable was connected to the roof of the building supplying its power. It hit with such force and power that the roof was raised off the building causing major damage. Like all repairs and service, the extensive repairs were done by church members.
The annual fall picnic sponsored by the Men's Fellowship has been held each year at Hideaway since about 1993.
In the past 10 years, flooding at Hideaway has occurred in 2008, 2011, and 2015. The water in 2008 and 2015 did not enter the building, however there was a large amount of debris left on the grounds that required significant time and effort to dispose of, mainly by burning.
In 2011 the water did enter the building and caused major damage to the floor, walls, carpet, some fixtures and the piano. Also a large amount of debris was left on the grounds. The damage that occurred has been corrected and the building and grounds are again in good condition.
January 1, 2017 – St. Andrew Presbyterian Church Becomes Two Churches Sharing in a Cooperative Ministry
St. Andrew Presbyterian Church is a vibrant community of caring, and loving people.
The two locations at Hideaway and Kimberling City are comprised of servant people,
and each has its own unique culture. Through the years, situations have arisen at various
intervals which have caused disagreements between the two groups, primarily in the area
of governance and with specific issues in finance and representation. The strength of
St. Andrew is its commitment to serving God through worship, Bible Study, mission,
and fellowship activities. The session worked prayerfully, thoughtfully, and diligently to
find a way to maintain the strengths of the congregation, while addressing the issue
of governance.
A model was developed and fine tuned to help the church move past the challenges of
the past 50 years, while preserving what is loved the most, our shared Mission and Fellowship!
The Session proposed a solution through Cooperative Ministry; and St. Andrew became
two congregations on January 1, 2017 which govern separately, but participate in mission
and fellowship. The process was long and involved making sure that both new congregations
had the highest possible ability to grow and move forward while sharing together.
Once the Session had completed the proposal, it was approved by the Committee on Ministry unanimously. The congregation held informational meetings and moved to the vote of the congregation. That was completed in September 2016 with the Session motion passing by the vast majority. Onward to Presbytery where the proposal passed again by a unanimous vote and complements on finding a God driven solution.
Through this entire process there was an important, unifying, unanimous agreement that no matter what the outcome, no matter whether we are one or two congregations, no matter the differences in cultures, no matter of the different personalities; (1) God is in control, (2) The Great Ends of the Church will guide our steps, (3) both worshiping communities will successfully move into the future, and (4) each new church can claim the 50 year history.
After all of the processes and approvals were received, there were two Administrative Commissions (A.C.s) appointed by Presbytery. One A.C. was appointed for each new congregation. They worked with the current 2016 Session to select temporary pastoral leadership for each location which took place in November 2016. Additionally the A.C.s worked with the Session on new Bylaws, Operations Manuals, Articles of Incorporation, and many more details of forming new churches. Until January 1, 2017 the A.C.s were advisory in nature, helping, guiding, and assisting the processes, documentation and other key aspects of the transition with the current Session.
On January 1, 2017 when the Session along with St. Andrew Presbyterian Church was formally dissolved, two new churches emerged prepared for the future. On that day, the Called Congregational Meetings were announced. During January and February 2017 each congregation moved forward to approve Bylaws, elect a Nominating Committee and prepare for the Ordination and installation of new officers. The Administrative Commission for each church assumed the responsibility as the Session until the new Session was installed.
THIS ADDENDUM to the 50 year history of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church was approved by Session and both Administrative Commissions on 20th day of December 2016.
Bylaws of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church @Hideaway (PCUSA)
I. Statement of Purpose or Mission
St. Andrew Presbyterian Church @ Hideaway has been called by God and organized to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, to minister to the needs of members of the congregation and residents of the community, and to promote peace and justice in the world.
II. Relation to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
The St. Andrew Presbyterian Church @ Hideaway is a member church of the Presbytery of John Calvin in the Synod of Mid-America of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
III. Governance of the Church
This church shall be governed in accordance with the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Consistent with that Constitution, these bylaws shall provide specific guidance for this church. Roberts Rules of Order (Newly Revised) shall be used for parliamentary guidance when not in conflict with the Book of Order.
IV. Meetings of the Church
There shall be an annual meeting of the congregation no later than the second Sunday of February, at which at least the following business shall be presented: annual reports from organizations and the session (information only), financial report for the preceding year, budget for the current year (information only).
A second meeting of the congregation will be held whenever possible, no later than the second Sunday in November to present the nominating committee report for church officers and if the way be clear elect church officers; and electing members to serve on the nominating committee.
Special meetings may be called by the session in accordance with the Book of Order. Such calls shall state clearly the purpose of such special meetings, and business shall be restricted to that which is specified in the call.
V. Notice of Meetings
Adequate public notice of all congregational meetings shall be given, including notice given at two regular services of worship prior to the meeting (one of which may be the day of the meeting).
VI. Moderator
The pastor shall moderate the meetings. When the church is without a pastor, the moderator appointed by the presbytery shall preside. If it is impractical for the pastor or the moderator of the session appointed by the presbytery to preside, he or she shall invite, with the concurrence of the session, another minister of the presbytery to preside. In any other case, the Presbytery shall appoint a moderator.
VII. Secretary
The clerk of session shall serve as secretary. If the clerk is not present or is unable to serve, the congregation shall elect a secretary.
VIII Minutes of the Meeting
The minutes of the meeting recorded by the secretary shall be attested by the moderator and/or the secretary and recorded in the minute book of the session. The Session shall approve all minutes before being recorded in the minute book.
IX. Quorum for the Meeting
The quorum of a meeting of the congregation shall be the moderator and 10 percent of active members, but under no circumstances shall it be fewer than 5 of the active members of the congregation. The secretary shall determine that a quorum is present.
All active members of the congregation present at either annual or special meetings are entitled to vote. Consistent with the laws of the State of Missouri, voting is restricted to active members age 18 or above. Voting by proxy is not allowed by the Book of Order.
X. Incorporation
In accordance with the laws of the state of Missouri, the congregation shall cause a corporation to be formed. Consistent with the laws of this state, both ecclesiastical and corporate business may be conducted at the same meeting of the congregation.
Since the pastor or moderator is not a member of the corporation, consistent with Article VI, a member of the session shall be invited to moderate the meeting when corporate matters appear on the agenda.
The elders serving on the session shall serve at the same time as trustees.
XI. Nominating Committee
The congregation shall form a nominating committee in the following manner:
- There shall be 3 active members on the nominating committee. In the event of death or resignation of a member, the Session may appoint a temporary replacement until the next stated or called meeting of the Congregation.
- One of the members shall be a ruling elder who is currently serving on the session and shall be the Chair Person.
- The pastor shall be a member ex officio and without vote.
- Full opportunity shall always be given to the congregation for nomination from the floor of the congregational meeting by any active member of the congregation.
- A majority of all active members present and voting shall be required to elect.
XII. Elders
The congregation shall elect 5 elders divided into three semi equal classes, one class of whom shall be elected each year at the annual meeting for a three-year term. No elder shall serve for consecutive terms, either full or partial, aggregating more than six years. An elder having served a total of six years shall be ineligible for reelection to the session for a period of at least one year.
The session, at its first meeting of the year, shall elect an elder to serve as clerk. It is not required that the clerk be currently serving on the Session. The Session as soon as possible shall form such committees as necessary to carry out its work, and shall annually elect a treasurer. A quorum for the session shall be the pastor or other presiding officer and a simple majority of the elders.
XIII. Deacons
The congregation shall elect 2 deacons divided into two equal classes, one class of whom shall be elected each year at the annual meeting for a two-year term. No deacon shall serve for consecutive terms, either full or partial, aggregating more than six years. A deacon having served a total of six years shall be ineligible for reelection to the board of deacons for a period of at least one year.
The board of deacons may elect a moderator and a secretary if desired. The board of deacons may form committees as necessary to carry out its work throughout the year. Even if the board of deacons remains informal, reports of their work and actions should be submitted to Session at least quarterly.
The pastor shall be an advisory member of the board of deacons. A quorum for the board of deacons shall be a simple majority of the members, including the moderator.
XIV. Vacancies
Vacancies on the session or the board of deacons may be filled at a special meeting of the congregation or at the annual meeting, as the session may determine.
XV. Amendments
These bylaws may be amended subject to the Articles of Incorporation, the laws of the state of Missouri and the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) by a two-thirds vote of the voters present, providing that the proposed changes in printed form shall have been distributed at the same time as the call of the meeting at which the changes are voted upon.
In the event of a change in the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) or the laws of the state of Missouri, these bylaws, in conflict, are considered automatically revised. Such changes will be brought to the attention of the congregation at the next stated or called meeting of the congregation.
Ruling Elders and Deacons of the Church are elected by the congregation on alternating terms. The Ruling Elders are the elected governing body of the local Church under the authority of the Book of Order, PCUSA. Ruling Elders and Deacons take on specific areas of responsibility within the Church and facilitate committees and reporting for the accomplishment of the Great Ends of the Church.
PASTOR
REV. CHARLEY SHURTZ
Pastor@Presbyterian-Hideaway.org
CLERK OF SESSION
DENNIS PIRKLE
Clerk@Presbyterian-Hideaway.org
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
DON JONES
ChristianEducation@Presbyterian-Hideaway.org
COMMUNICATIONS
DENNIS PIRKLE
Communications@Presbyterian-Hideaway.org
FELLOWSHIP
KARLENE MCGILL
Fellowship@Presbyterian-Hideaway.org
FINANCE
BOB FARRAND
Finance@Presbyterian-Hideaway.org
MISSION
DON JONES
Mission@Presbyterian-Hideaway.org
OUTREACH
KARLENE MCGILL
Outreach@Presbyterian-Hideaway.org
PROPERTY
GARY KASTEN
Property@Presbyterian-Hideaway.org
WORSHIP
DENNIS PIRKLE
Worship@Presbyterian-Hideaway.org
BOARD OF DEACONS
MARIANN PIRKLE & SONJA FARRAND
Deacon@Presbyterian-Hideaway.org
Covenant of Cooperation
Definition:
“Congregations in a particular geographical area...that covenant together to envision that area as the place in which Christ is calling them to cooperatively plan and engage in ministry and mission. While each congregation maintains its own session or board, the covenant requires the participating congregations to share ideas, energies, leadership and resources. The goal of cooperative ministry is to maximize and focus the ministry of the participating congregations it is
a way to enliven congregations and allow them to move from an attitude of surviving to one of thriving. It may involve churches from one denomination or it may be ecumenical.”
— Spiritual Vitality through Cooperative Ministry
Agreement:
As of January 1, 2017 the congregations of PCUSA in Kimberling City and at Hideaway agree to a Cooperative Ministry, guided by prayer, to serve God in, but not limited to, Southern Stone County, Missouri. Both congregations shall strive to work together to promote the definition of Christ’s calling to service, mutual respect and serving others more than themselves.
This agreement, while not legally binding, is morally binding upon both congregations and may at any time be mutually agreed to expand beyond the two congregations and may include other PCUSA or other communal churches in mission, service, worship, ideas, energies, leadership and resources.
Goal:
We share the common goal of helping everyone discover and live into their true purpose - we are all created to glorify God and enjoy God forever. We share core theological commitments to the centrality of the Word of God, the necessity of grace, the reality of our unity through faith in Christ, the power of the kingdom of God in our midst, and our dependence on the Holy Spirit for any of our efforts to bear fruit. We share the belief that working together is itself a missionary activity (John 17:20-21). We share mission, fellowship, worship and joy together in every way possible.
Processes: (for the Cooperative Ministry Council)
- Power and Authority: The Cooperative Ministry Council has NO power unto itself. The council serves to discuss, process ideas and suggestions for cooperation between member congregations AND to report back to the governing body of each individual congregation for all approvals, regardless of any financial impact. It is the authority of the each governing body to approve or disapprove any and all recommendations from the Cooperative Ministry Council.
- Membership: Each congregation will be represented by two (2) members at large from within the congregation and will serve for a two (2) year alternate year term. Each congregation shall determine the process by which their representative members are appointed or elected. No member may serve more than three (3) consecutive years and must have at least one (1) year between terms of service. Each expiring term will be December 31st of the respective year. New members will serve starting January 1st of the following year. It is recommended that new members attend, without voice or vote, at least one meeting of the previous year before their respective term begins. A quorum is not required at a meeting since there is no authority to take action of the council.
- Pastoral Guidance: Each congregation’s pastor or Moderator of session or other governing body may serve unlimited terms in an ex officio capacity. (with voice, no vote)
- Moderator: The moderator of the Cooperative Ministry Council shall be elected by the membership and will serve for a one (1) year term. Good practices would be for the incoming Moderator to be from a different congregation than just served and may be a voting member or a Pastor of the congregation. No Moderator may serve in that capacity for more than two (2) consecutive years. If the Moderator is also a member, the Moderator may vote, express opinions, suggestions and ideas as any other member has the authority to do so.
- Voting on the Cooperative ministry Council: There is no formal voting action required by the Cooperative Ministry Council. Any time there is a consensus (internal vote or verbal agreement) of 50% or more of the members, the project, recommendation, mission or other recommendation shall be presented back to the session or other governing body for approval or rejection.
- Meetings: The Cooperative Ministry Council shall meet no less than quarterly and may meet as often as the council deems necessary to accomplish its goals. Location of the meetings will rotate between member congregations on a fair and equitable basis. Notice of meetings may be set at a previous meeting or at anytime called by the Moderator with at least 24 hours notice.
Meetings – additional: All meetings are open to members, pastors of member congregations, and Recording Secretary. It is also open to any member of participating congregations or prospective member congregations or pastors without voice or vote. The Cooperative Ministry Council, by their own action, may grant “courtesy of the floor” for voice only to any visitor, and may by their own action limit voice to a particular discussion or recommendation or time limit. There is no requirement for the pastor of member congregations to notify their membership of meetings of the Cooperative Ministry Council. - Recording Secretary: This position may be a member or non member. The Recording Secretary will take minutes of the meetings making special note of any actions being requested of the session or governing body. Minutes of meetings should be transmitted to members, Pastors, and the Clerk of Session or secretary of the governing body preferably within 15 days of any meeting.
Changes and or Additional Congregations:
- Any congregation has the right to withdraw from this Covenant with written notice to the Clerk of Session or Secretary of the governing body of other member congregations; or by lack of attendance at meetings of the Cooperative Ministry Council for one (1) year.
- Congregations agree that upon withdrawing from the Cooperative Ministry Council all obligations or commitments are withdrawn. However, if financial participation has been approved by the respective session or governing body, it is highly recommended that the voted obligation be fulfilled.
- Change in the Covenant may be recommended by either the Cooperative Ministry Council or by the session or other governing body. No change or modification will take place until approved by a simple majority of the governing bodies and signed by the Clerk of Session or Secretary of the governing body.
- New member congregations are highly encouraged and recommended based on the local needs served by the Cooperative Ministry. Admission of new member congregations will be by a majority vote of the governing body of current members and any higher level governing body where required. Any time a new member congregation is admitted an updated Covenant should be prepared and the Clerk of Session or Secretary of the governing body sign on behalf of the representative congregation after approval.
Constitution & Not for Profit (501(c)3) Corporation
As defined in our Articles of Incorporation, bylaws and following the Presbyterian Church USA policies, the Constitution of the church consist of two books: The Book of Confessions and The Book of Order. These are the overriding beliefs and disciplines we follow.
Both of these may be downloaded free (links below) or a hard copy purchased;