PARTNERSHIP IN MISSION AGREEMENT

Revised October 2002

A partnership in mission between the Maya-Quiché Presbytery of the National Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Guatemala and the Heartland Presbytery (of the Synod of Mid-America) of the Presbyterian Church (USA). 

Members of Heartland Presbytery have expressed a need for the opportunity to develop a meaningful partnership, a shared commitment for mutual growth and upbuilding in faith with our Christian brothers and sisters of the Maya-Quiché  Presbytery. 

Likewise, members of the Maya-Quiché  Presbytery have expressed interest in developing a fraternal relationship with sisters and brothers of the same faith and confession but of a different culture, thereby enriching the vision and expression of this inter-relationship between parts of the Universal Church. 

Having discovered that our own faith expressions are limited by our culture and our vision, we feel the need to express our Presbyterian connectionalism as well as our oneness in Christ with sisters and brothers in Central America and in North America in ways that are concrete, specific, personal and meaningful. 

1.          BASIS OF THE AGREEMENT 

1.1              We affirm our common faith in Jesus Christ, and our mutual commitment to the Reformed faith and the Presbyterian form of government.

1.2              We intend to work as Partners in Mission in our respective countries, learning from each other through sharing our joys and sorrows.

1.3              We promise to speak honestly and openly about our concerns as we try to live the Gospel in our personal, church and national life.

1.4              We affirm being equal in the image and likeness of God, in spite of our cultural differences.

1.5              We are committed to learn about each other's cultures in order to appreciate and respect the several gifts that together we bring to the tasks of mission.

1.6              Through our exchange of faith, through the development of personal and church friendships, through our exposure to diverse cultures, and through our struggle with different languages, we come to recognize our common humanity and shared responsibility. 

2.                                  COMMITMENTS OF THE MAYA-QUICHÉ  PRESBYTERY 

2.1              To pray for the congregations, pastors and members of Heartland Presbytery and their specific needs as communicated to Maya-Quiché .

2.2              To help Heartland Presbytery be faithful to Christ in our spiritual journey.

2.3              To develop friendships with the people of Heartland Presbytery through the exchange of visits, letters and photos.

2.4              To share with Heartland Presbytery our experiences in the work of evangelism, Christian education, Christian service, church administration, economic development and prophetic witness.

2.5              To stand in solidarity with Heartland Presbytery in times of crisis in the lives of congregations and church leaders.

2.6              To share with Heartland Presbytery aspects of our culture, e.g. language and customs.

2.7              To share with Heartland Presbytery aspects of Mayan theology.

2.8              To give support to anyone from Heartland Presbytery who visits Guatemala for mission reasons, in a well-coordinated manner. 

3.                                  COMMITMENTS OF HEARTLAND PRESBYTERY

3.1              To pray for the congregations, pastors and members of Maya-Quiché  Presbytery and their specific needs as communicated to Heartland Presbytery.

3.2              To develop friendships with the people of Maya-Quiché  Presbytery through visits, letters and photos.

3.3              To share with Maya-Quiché  Presbytery our experiences in the work of evangelism, Christian education, Christian service, church administration, economic development and prophetic witness.

3.4              To sponsor at least one group visit to Guatemala each year.

3.5              To receive officially accredited representatives from Maya-Quiché  Presbytery to Heartland Presbytery as may be possible.

3.6              To stand in solidarity with Maya-Quiché  Presbytery in times of crisis.

3.7              To share in programs of leadership development, Christian service, church growth and new church development, youth and children's programs, and development of work among women of the churches of Maya Quiché  Presbytery.

3.8              To seek assistance from Maya-Quiché  Presbytery in mission to the Hispanic community residents in Heartland Presbytery. 

4.                                  HOW WE WORK TOGETHER 

4.1. Communication

4.1.1        We will communicate through direct contacts by letter, FAX and telephone at least twice each year; with the understanding that each presbytery will in time pass the information on to all their congregations.

4.1.2        We will send copies of correspondence to the office of the National Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Guatemala and its Partnership Committee as well as to the "Ecumenical and Mission Partnerships" Office of the Worldwide Ministries Division of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

4.1.3        Recognizing that we come with several cultures and languages that may provide barriers to clear communication, we will strive to reach mutual understanding in our communication.

4.2              Structural Relationships

4.2.1        We will seek the approval of the partnership agreement and any changes that may occur from the Partnership Committee of the National Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Guatemala and the "International Partnership" Office of the Worldwide Ministries Division of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

4.2.2        We recognize that direct relationships between congregations of Maya Quiché  and Heartland Presbyteries may be established through a written agreement, with the approval of both presbyteries.

4.2.3        All programs and projects which will be developed in relation to this partnership agreement will be supportive of the strategies of the National Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Guatemala and the Ecumenical Partnership Offices of the Worldwide Ministries Division of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

4.3              Financial Assistance

4.3.1        Any planned financial contributions of more than $1,000.00 US dollars will be communicated in advance to the International Partnership Office of the Worldwide Ministries Division of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the National Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Guatemala.  In recognition of the connectional nature of the Presbyterian Church, an amount equal to 10% of the planned contribution will be given to the National Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Guatemala.

4.3.2        Human and material resources can be exchanged to support and strengthen the programs of Maya-Quiché  and Heartland Presbyteries and their congregations.

5.                                  DURATION OF THE AGREEMENT

5.1.            This agreement will be valid for renewable periods of four years, beginning at the date of signature.

5.2.            At the end of each four-year period, the partnership relationship will be evaluated by both presbyteries prior to the renewal of the agreement.

Partnership Funding Guidelines

(Draft, 3/13/00; Revised 4/4/00; Final Revision 5/8/01)

“…God's purpose for the partnership between Maya Quiché  Presbytery and Heartland Presbytery is fulfilled as our communities find common ground and are brought together in mutual submission and commitment to serve the people of God and the world God created."  [adapted from statement of Worldwide Ministries Division committee working with partnerships in Africa] 

• Because we are brothers and sisters in Christ who value our time together, we want the partnership relationship to be the primary focus for all visits.  (We do not want money to be the focus of our time together.)
• In sharing financial resources with our Guatemalan partners, we will foster harmony among the people and churches of Maya Quiché  Presbytery.
• We will inform the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the National Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Guatemala about planned gifts to Maya Quiché  Presbytery and be open to their advice and counsel.
• All funding requests must be reviewed and approved by the Maya Quiché  Presbytery Executive Committee.
• Heartland Presbytery's Partnership Committee will tell the churches of Heartland Presbytery about opportunities to provide financial support to approved projects in Maya Quiché  Presbytery.
• Heartland Presbytery's Partnership Committee requests that we receive an accounting about how the money was used.
• The Partnership Committee is willing to assist with proposals to other funding sources.
• All gifts to projects, programs or organizations in Maya Quiché  Presbytery will be coordinated through Heartland Presbytery's Partnership Committee.  Such gifts will be accompanied by a gift to the National Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Guatemala in an amount equal to 10% of the gift to the presbytery.  In the case of gifts from the Presbyterian Women, Heartland Presbytery, to the Maya Quiché  Presbiterial, an amount equal to 10% of the gift will be given to the Sinodical of the National Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Guatemala.

Application Process 

• Requests for funding will be initiated by individuals, churches, or organizations in Maya Quiché Presbytery and communicated to the Maya Quiché  Executive Committee for consideration.
• Requests for financial support must include:

1.      A brief statement of what you want to accomplish (your goals and purpose).

2.      How you plan to accomplish that purpose, including a budget (how you will spend the money being requested).

3.      The name and address of the project coordinator (the person or persons responsible for supervising the project).

• If approved by the Executive Committee, the requests will be forwarded to the Heartland Presbytery Partnership Committee.  Heartland Presbytery will respond to as many of those requests as possible, but will not be able to fund all projects submitted.
• Using informational brochures, newsletter articles, and presentations, the Partnership Committee will make available to Heartland Presbytery and its churches information about opportunities for sharing in ministry with, and supporting projects in, Maya Quiché  Presbytery.
• When gifts are received for Maya Quiché  Presbytery from churches or individuals in Heartland Presbytery, the Partnership Committee will meet with the givers, inviting them to become engaged with the partnership in more personal ways (i.e. participating in a Partnership trip, hosting Guatemalan visitors, corresponding with and/or praying for our Guatemalan partners, etc.).
• Whenever possible, checks will be hand delivered to the Executive Committee of Maya Quiché  Presbytery (and to representatives of the IENPG).  The presentation to the Executive Committee will include clear written explanations about the specific amounts given for each project funded.  A copy of that explanation will also be sent or delivered to the project coordinator for each project receiving funding.