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

STATED SESSION MEETING

MAY 20, 2008

 The Moderator, Rev. Norm Story, convened the meeting at 7:00 PM. Bob Paul of the Buildings and Grounds Committee provided the opening prayer and meditation.

 Elders present: Alex Burr, Carl Connor, Blaine Goss, Mary Kammann, Tommy Matkin, Jacque Parks, Bob Paul, Dina Schroeder, and Marsha Topley.

 Elders excused: Lon Anderson, Susan Grandle, Wayne Maley, and Charlie Yaryan.

 Elders absent: Carissa Brealey, Gena Breck, Joyce Gemoets, Donna Mathis, and Bruce Pearson.

 Guests: New member applicants Ms. Marill Crouse, Mr. Lawrence “Steve” Korschgen, Mrs. Helen Korschgen, and Mr. Abe Hernandez.

 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, NM. Ms. Marill L. Crouse (#4708) is joining by letter of transfer from Sonoma Springs Presbyterian Church, Las Cruces, NM; Mr. Lawrence “Steve” Korschgen (#4709) and Mrs. Helen Korschgen (#4710) joining by letter of transfer from First Presbyterian Church, Jacksonville, Illinois, and Mr. Abe Hernandez (#4711) joining by reaffirmation of faith. All elders present introduced themselves and described what being a member of the Church and what the Church has meant to them individually. The member applicants then provided a brief personal history and described how they came to join the Church. The Clerk then read The Meaning of Membership from Chapter Five, Section G-5.0100 in the Book of Order. It was moved, seconded, and passed to accept them into membership. They will be presented to the congregation on Sunday, June 22, 2008.

 Session Appreciation Presentation by Boy Scout Troop 62 and Pack 62: The session adjourned temporarily and moved to Watkins hall where Church sponsored Troop 62 and Pack 62 presented the Church through the session their respective Charters for the upcoming year along with their appreciation for the Church’s support. Carl Conner of the Administration committee took procession of the plagues for mounting and display. The session reconvened in Jones Hall.

 Pastor’s Report: Oral. Rev. Story began by referencing Lyn Ames, Church Treasurer report to the Administration committee and appreciated the effort and the recommendations are under review.

 With the start of summer and vacation season, he was concerned about the summer doldrums and the possibility of losing ground in both attendance and gift giving. He requested the elders, and other Church officers to maintain their contacts with the members and try to prevent these occurrences.

 He mentioned that the Clerk, Stephen Hardin was a Commissioner to this year’s General Assembly for the Presbytery and asked for their prayers. He then requested that the Congregation Life and Outreach committee coordinate prayer support for this endeavor.

  Clerk’s Report: The Clerk requested and received approval to remove Mr. Jesse Gerard (#1792), Mr. Thomas Whelan (#3814) and Mrs. Marie Austin (#4600) from the Church Roll due to their deaths.

 He reported that Christopher Adam Colwell, son of Roslynn and Chris Colwell received the sacrament of baptism, Sunday, April 20, 2008, Elder Blaine Goss assisted.

 He closed by mentioning the upcoming review of session records on June 7, 2008 by Rev. Bob Williams, Stated Clerk of Presbytery of Sierra Blanca.

 Commissioner to Presbytery Report: In Steve Loman’s absence, Rev Story presented his report which was written and provided to all present. He noted that Stephen Hardin of this Church was commissioned as the Elder to represent the Presbytery at the 2008 General Assembly. The Presbytery has voted in favor of the motion presented by the Chimney Spring Administration committee to sell the camp (Camp Chimney Springs). He closed by mentioning that Rev. Carrol Blevins, Chaplin at Good Samaritan was appointed as Moderator of the Synod.

 Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the Stated Session Meeting, April 15, 2008 were approved as submitted.

 Correspondence:

            March 28, 2008 – Presbyterians for Renewal Letter describing upcoming    nationwide conference for seminarians – Christian Education committee.

            April 15, 2008 – Presbytery of Sierra Blanca- A copy of a letter  received from the Stated Clerk of the PCUSA, Clifton Kirkpatrick – Pastor and Administration committee.

            April 16, 2008 – Presbytery of Sierra Blanca offers of Planning calendars and Mission yearbooks – Office manager and Administration committee.

            April 16, 2008 – Presbytery of Sierra Blanca requesting material on our Church to be included on the Presbytery website – Office manager and Administration committee.

            May 20, 2008 – Information letter from Rachel’s Vineyard – Christian Education.

          Deacons Report: Three separate written reports were submitted; E-mail meeting of April 22, 2008, and minutes for April 17, 2008 and May 15, 2008. The session approved letting the Church Nominating committee proceed on the Board of Deacon’s request to revise the makeup of their board in that the “Board of Deacons will have a total of 18 members, each to serve a 3 year term. An additional “youth” member may be elected to serve a 1 year term”.

 Committee Reports:

Administration: Written. The audit conducted by Lyn Ames, Church Treasurer was written and presented. He found no discrepancies or problems but did have several comments and suggestions that the Administration committee will take into consideration in the coming months.

Buildings and Grounds: Written. Bob Paul gave a status report on the columbarium concept. The session approved their request to investigate congregational interest in a columbarium here at First Presbyterian Church.

The issue of flood insurance will be discussed at next month’s meeting

Christian Education: Written with no action items.

            Congregational Life and Outreach: No report.

            Missions: Written with no action items.

Music and Worship: Written with no action items. 295 people received communion on May 4, 2008

Financial Report for April 1 – April 30, 2008

            Budget for 2008 - $554,295.00

Operating Income -    $37,781.82        YTD - $174,748.09

            Operating Expenses - $38,686.06        YTD - $162,436.62

Designated Gifts -         $7055.00         YTD -   $34,206.00

Phase One Outstanding Balance - $110,000.00

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

 Old Business: The recommended Mission Statement for 2008 -2009 “To minister to the members of our Church and to prepare them for Christian outreach” was approved. The committee consisting of Bob Paul, Mary Kammann, and Donna Mathis was recognized and thanked for their hard work.

  New Business: The Church nominating committee has nominated Ralph Miller to fill out the Deacons class of 2010. His nomination along with the proposed change to the Board of deacons will be made at the next special congregational meeting scheduled for June 15, 2008 immediately following the Church service.

The next Stated Session Meeting will be Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at 7:00 PM. The Christian Education Committee will be responsible for opening prayer, meditation, coffee and snacks.

 Adjournment: Rev. Story adjourned the meeting with prayer at 8:35 PM.

 ___________________________      __________________________     ___________       

Stephen F. Hardin                                Rev. Norm Story                               Date Approved

Clerk of Session                                   Moderator

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 2008-06-10 13:04:54