STATED SESSION MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 21, 2010
ATTENDEES: Elders
CALL TO ORDER: Reverend Forsyth called the meeting to order.
CALL FOR QUORUM: Reverend Forsyth asked Elder Cabral, Clerk of the
Session, if there was a quorum. Elder
Cabral announced that there was a quorum.
OPENING PRAYER
REVIEW OF THE MINUTES: The minutes from the October 17, 2010 Stated Session
meeting were read silently. Elder Craig
made the motion to accept the minutes with revisions. Elder Smith seconded the motion. The motion carried.
INTRODUCTION OF GUEST: Elder Cabral introduced Mrs. Nina Greene, our new COM
liaison, to the Session. Session members
introduced themselves to Mrs. Greene.
COMMUNICATIONS DURING THE PAST MONTH:
Elder Cabral informed the Session that
Mr. and Mrs. Jason Cabe expressed a desire to have
their daughter, Ava, baptized on Sunday, December 12, 2010 during worship
service. Reverend Davidson will be
available and has agreed to perform the baptism on that date. Elder Kendrick made the motion that the
Session approve Reverend Davidson’s performing the baptism of Miss Ava Cabe, on Sunday, December 12, 2010 during worship
service. Elder Kytle
seconded the motion. The motion carried.
BUILDING/BUS USE: On behalf
of Ms. Julia Craig and church members, Elder
Cabral recommended that they be granted approval for the use of the bus on
Sunday, December 5, 2010 for church members to go to the “Love Fest” at First
Presbyterian Church in
BOARD REPORTS:
Cemetery—Elder
Craig reported that there were two interments during the past month: Mr. Wade Messer, and Mrs. Peggy Riddle.
Scholarship—Elder
Cabral stated there was nothing to report.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Building and Grounds—Elder Gilreath reported that they are
waiting on quotations for several projects.
He also reported that the handrail has been soldered by Mr. Jim
Dotson. Mr. Dotson is looking into
painting the back door.
Christian Education—Elder Cabral reported that the Wednesday night programs are finished
for the fall, and won’t start up again until January 12, 2011.
Strengthening of the Church—Elder Kendrick stated there was nothing to report.
Finance—Elder
Jumper reported that the Henderson Scholarship fund investments are up
$12,000. Expenses vs. Income is $23,790
in the black to date. There were 12
pledges after the first week of the Stewardship campaign totaling $36,760. There were 15 additional pledges after the
second week, which when added to the first week’s pledges, totaled $72,360.
IT— On
behalf of the IT Committee, Elder Kytle recommended
that once approved, the Session and committee minutes be posted on our website.
This recommendation was approved by unanimous acclamation of the Session.
Elder
Kytle reminded committee chairs to provide the IT
Committee with a synopsis of their committee’s goals, objectives, and
activities to be published on the church website.
Membership—Elder
Thompson stated they are reviewing the names of visitors and will pursue them
as potential new members.
Personnel—Elder
Kytle stated that performance reviews will be done
for Mrs.
Transition Team—Elder
Craig stated that the transition team is working on vetting interim pastor
applicants, and will bring back recommendations to Session.
COM—Mrs.
Nina Greene, COM liaison, and member of Dallas Presbyterian Church, reported on
the work of the COM.
Presbyterian Men—On behalf of the Presbyterian Men, Elder Gilreath
stated that their Committee has elected a new Moderator, Mr. David Lawson;
Co-moderator, Mr.
Presbyterian Women—Elder Cabral reported that preparations for the reception following
the joint Thanksgiving service with
Elder
Cabral also stated the church will be decorated in preparation for the Hanging
of the Greens ceremony on Friday, November 26 and, if necessary, Saturday,
November 27, 2010. The Hanging of the
Greens ceremony will be held on Sunday, November 28, 2010.
Stewardship—Elder
Cabral informed the Session that though the campaign is officially completed,
she will continue to remind parishioners to get their pledge cards in as soon
as possible, via the Sunday bulletins, the Sunday morning Power Point announcements,
and by personally announcing this request during Sunday worship service.
Worship and Commitment—On behalf of the Worship and Commitment Committee,
Elder Craig reported that the bulletin covers have been prepared for the advent
season, and for tonight’s joint Thanksgiving service with the
Elder
Craig also reported that the daily devotionals have been purchased by Mrs.
On
behalf of the Worship and Commitment Committee, Elder Craig recommended that
the “meet and greet” time during worship service be temporarily discontinued
until the end of the cold and flu season for health reasons. This recommendation was not approved by the
Session.
Witness and Service—On behalf of the Witness and Service Committee, Elder Gilreath reported that they have secured a chairperson for
Relay for Life.
Also,
Elder Gilreath reported that the Girl Scouts left the
lights on in the building after their last meeting. Elder Painter will mention this to Mrs. Jan
Painter, our Girl Scout liaison.
SESSION PLANNING:
1. Elder Jumper made a recommendation that the Session
nominate a new Treasurer since he will be retiring. After some discussion, Elder Smith made a
motion that a sub- committee be formed comprised of four people: two seated Session members, and two oncoming
elders.
2. Elder Cabral reminded Session of the preliminary
meeting with Reverend John Frye and Mrs. Nina Greene scheduled for Tuesday,
November 23, 2010 at 7:00 PM., to discuss our needs/desires/recommendations for
a third party consultant who will work with the Session regarding “conflict
resolution”.
3. Reverend Charles Davenport has recommended that
“leader training” for Session members be done with the interim pastor when
he/she is hired.
4. Elder Smith suggested that several of our youth are
ready to be confirmed. Elder Smith
suggested that Elder Cabral contact Rev. Jerry Braun at Southminster
Presbyterian Church, and Reverend Mike Sears at Olney Presbyterian Church to
see if they would be willing to provide confirmation classes to these
youth. Elder Cabral will advertise this
class in the bulletin and request that any potential confirmation class
attendees contact Mrs.
5. Elder Kendrick made a motion that the time of the next
Session meeting be changed to Sunday, December 19, 2010, at 2:00 PM.,
that the Finance Committee meet at 1:00 PM on December 19th,
and that SOC and the youth go Christmas caroling on December 19th at
4:00 PM. Elder Jumper seconded
the motion. The motion carried.
6. Elders for the month of December are Elders Marr,
Thompson and Morrison.
MOTION TO ADJOURN: Elder Jumper made the motion to adjourn. Elder Kytle
seconded the motion. The motion carried.
CLOSING PRAYER: Reverend Forsyth closed the meeting with a prayer of parting.
Respectfully submitted,
Claire Cabral
Clerk of the Session
Reverend Ed Forsyth
Session Moderator