FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (U.S.A.), LAS CRUCES, NM

STATED SESSION MEETING

MARCH 18, 2008

The Moderator, Rev. Norm Story, convened the meeting at 7:00 PM. Jacque Parks of the Music and Worship Committee provided the opening prayer and meditation.

Elders present: Lon Anderson, Carissa Brealey, Gena Breck, Alex Burr, Carl Connor, Joyce Gemoets, Susan Grandle, Donna Mathis, Tommy Matkin, Wayne Maley, Jacque Parks, Bob Paul, Dina Schroeder, and Charlie Yaryan.

Elders absent: Blaine Goss, Mary Kammann, Bruce Pearson, and Marsha Topley.

Guests: Member applicants Collette Walz, and Sara Vaughan.

Establish Quorum: The Clerk established that a quorum was present. 

Approval of Agenda: The agenda was approved as submitted.

Reception of New Members: The following were introduced as applicants desiring membership at First Presbyterian Church, Las Cruces, New Mexico. Ms. Collette Walz (#4706) is joining by reaffirmation of faith, and Mrs. Paul D. (Sara) Vaughan (#4707) joining by letter of transfer from Calvary Episcopal Church, Columbia, Missouri. Several elders described their involvement in the Church and what being a member in this Church means to them. This was followed by describing how they use their gifts in the Church ministry. The member applicants then provided a brief personal history and explained how they came to join this Church. The clerk then read The Meaning of Membership from Chapter Five, Section G-5.0100 in The Book of Order. Then it was moved, seconded, and passed to accept them into membership. They will be presented to the congregation on Sunday, April 13, 2008.

Pastor’s Report: Oral. Rev. Story began by reporting attendance lately has been over 300 attendees continually.

He expressed appreciation to all for their work and support in hosting the Carroll College choir.

The office staff is trying to utilize e-mail as much as possible to disseminate reports, newsletters, etc and attempt to go paperless as much as possible. To aid in this goal, all committee chairmen were requested to try and get their committee reports submitted not later than one week after their meeting.

With the coming of Easter, he is anticipating a large attendance and requested the elders and the deacons to look for visitors and to take the effort to greet them and make them feel welcome.

 Clerk’s Report: The Clerk requested and received approval to remove Joel (#3202) and Patricia (#3551) Tomlin from the Church roll and to issue a letter of transfer of membership to The Church at Litchfield Park, Arizona.

Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the Stated Session Meeting, February 19, 2008 were approved as submitted.

Correspondence:

            February 21, 2008 – Presbytery of Sierra Blanca requesting terms of call for Rev.

            Story – Clerk.

            February 25, 2008 – The Church at Litchfield Park, AZ requesting a letter of

            transfer of membership for Joel and Patricia Tomlin – Clerk.

            March 1, 2008 – PCUSDA General Assembly Council advising of Restricted

            Funds Applications – Administration committee.             

Deacons Report: No report submitted and no Deacon representative in attendance.

Committee Reports:

Administration: No report.

Buildings and Grounds: Written with no action items.

Christian Education: Written with two action items.

1.      On April 26, 2008 conduct a lock-in at the Church for mid-high and

high school students to learn more about hunger and how Christians

can reach out to those in need.

2.      On May 3, 2008 conduct a garage sale.

Both recommendations were approved.

            Congregational Life and Outreach: Written with no action items.

            Missions: Written with no action items.

Music and Worship: Written with no action items. Communion this month will be held on Maundy Thursday.

Financial Report for February 1 – February 29, 2008

            Budget for 2008 - $554,295.00

Operating Income -    $42,595.00        YTD - $82,628.00

            Operating Expenses - $40,086.00        YTD - $85,033.00

Designated Gifts -      $  8,908.00         YTD - $17,028.00

Phase One Outstanding Balance - $135,000.00

Omnibus Motion to receive all Committee Reports and accept Financial Report: Approved by consent.

Old Business: None

New Business: None

The next Stated Session Meeting will be Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 7:00 PM. The Administration Committee will be responsible for opening prayer, meditation, coffee and snacks.

Adjournment: Rev. Story adjourned the meeting with prayer at 8:10 PM.

___________________________                              ____________________________            

Stephen F. Hardin                                                        Rev. Norm Story                              

Clerk of Session                                                           Moderator

________________

Date Approved

Return to home page

Send comments, suggestions, and requests to Alex. F. Burr or send email to aburr @ zianet.com.
Technical assistance and net access provided by zianet.com .
Last update 2008-03-26 20:55:22