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

STATED SESSION MEETING

AUGUST 19, 2008

 The Moderator, Rev. Norm Story, convened the meeting at 7:00 PM. Lon Anderson of the Missions Committee provided the opening prayer and meditation on the subject of forgiveness.

 Elders present: Lon Anderson, Carissa Brealey, Gena Breck, Alex Burr, Carl Connor, Joyce Gemoets, Blaine Goss, Susan Grandle, Mary Kammann, Donna Mathis, Tommy Matkin, Wayne Maley, Bruce Pearson, Dina Schroeder, Marsha Topley, and Charlie Yaryan.

 Elders excused: Jacque Parks, and Bob Paul.

 Guests: Robert McPherson, Deacon’s Moderator, and Robert Taylor.

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

 Approval of Agenda: The agenda was approved as submitted.

 Training: Training was not provided due to the magnitude of business. The subject for September’s meeting will be the section on prayer at the beginning of the worship section in the Book of Order.

 Pastor’s Report: It was originally proposed to postpone the report until later in the meeting but when the meeting ran late, it was removed from the agenda.

  Clerk’s Report: The Clerk reported that on June 22, 2008, Rev. Story joined Christopher M. Thompson and Hope M. Gillespie, both of Louisville, KY in marriage at the NM Farm and Ranch Museum.

On Sunday, August 10, 2008 Rev. Story baptized Marika Schuchardt of Karlsruhe, Germany.

 The session approved the following actions involving members of this Church:

             1.      Removal of Kathy Shannon (#3299) from the active roll at her written request of July 2, 2008.

2.      Removal of Holly Tucker (#4463) from the Church roll at her written request of July 9, 2008.

3.      Removal of Ken Shannon (#3446) from the Church roll at his written request of July 11, 2008.

4.      Removal of Emroy Shannon (#2786) from the Church roll at his written request of July 14, 2008.

5.      Removal of Otis Farmer (#4116) and Pauline Farmer (#4117) at his verbal request of July 28, 2008.

6.      Issue a letter of transfer of membership for Robert Aikin (#4457) and Barbara Aikin (#4458) to Cottonwood Presbyterian, 1580 East Vine Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84121.

7.      Removal of Bob Hogue (#4655) from the Church roll due to his death on July 19, 2008.

The report concluded with the comment that a letter was received from Presbytery of Sierra Blanca Stated Clerk advising he will be recommending approval of our Church records with no exceptions.

Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the Stated Session Meeting, June 17, 2008; the Called Session Meeting, June 26, 2008; and the Congregational Meeting, July 6, 2008 were approved as submitted.

 Correspondence:

1.      June 18, 2008 – Letter from Cottonwood Presbyterian, Salt Lake City, Utah requesting a letter of transfer for the Aikin’s – Clerk.

2.      June 24, 2008 – Letter from Presbytery of Sierra Blanca advising of results of Church records review – Clerk.

3.      July 2, 2008 – Letter from Ms. Kathy Shannon requesting removal from Church active roll – Clerk.

4.      July 9, 2009 – Letter from Ms. Holly Tucker requesting removal from the Church roll – Clerk.

5.      July 11, 2009 – Letter from Mr. Ken Shannon requesting removal from the Church roll – Clerk.

6.      July 12, 2009 – Letter from Ms. Kathy Shannon requesting reconsideration on terms of separation – Administration committee.

7.      July 14, 2008 – Letter from Mr. Emroy Shannon requesting removal from the Church roll – Clerk.

8.      July 21, 2009 – Letter from Dr. Marcus Burr advising of gift to the Church from friends and family of Robert Hogue – Administration committee.

9.      July 24, 2008 – Letter from Church member Mel Parish on concerns about Ms. Kathy Shannon’s resignation – Administration.

10.  August 1, 2008 – Letter from Church members Gary and Joyce Gemoets expressing concerns about the 219^th General Assembly – Music and Worship.

11.  August 14, 2008 – Letter from Mayfield Choral Department requesting use of sanctuary – Administration committee.

 At this time, the agenda was amended to allow Joyce Gemoets to discuss Gary’s and her letter to the session and why they were motivated to write it.

            Deacons Report: Written. The Deacon’s recommendation to establish a pass-through account was discussed in detail. The motion to “Establish a special line item in the Deacon’s fund to accept donations and dispense funds to pay Rhonda Brown’s medical bills so far as the funds allow” was seconded and passed.

 At 7:45 PM the session went into closed session to discuss personnel issues. At 8:35 the stated session meeting reconvened.

Committee Reports:

Administration: Written and it was noted that the recommendations in the audit report by Lynford Ames are going to be incorporated as much as possible. A response will be made to Ms. Shannon’s letter and severance pay will be readdressed.

Buildings and Grounds: Written and it was noted that there will be a Church workday on Saturday, September 27, 2008. The questions and discussion on the new custodians salary was given to the Administration committee.

Christian Education: Written with their recommendations to form a search committee for a Youth Director and a fund raiser on August 24, 2008 approved.

            Congregational Life and Outreach: Written with no action items.

            Missions: Written with no action items.

Music and Worship: Written with no action items. 223 people received communion on July 6, 2008 and to 209 on August 3, 2008.

Nominating Committee: The committee has been meeting and the slates are almost filled.

Financial Report for June 1 – July 30, 2008

            Due to the newness of the Financial Secretary the report is abbreviated. The income for both June and July total $90,837.23 and the expenses for the same two months total $79,080.63.

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

 Old Business: Alex Burr gave a report on the columbarium project and following several questions from the elders present, it was decided to postpone further action until the September Stated Meeting. All present were requested to make their thoughts and recommendations known to the committee prior to the September meeting.

  New Business: None

The next Stated Session Meeting will be Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at 7:00 PM. The Missions Committee will be responsible for opening prayer, meditation, coffee and snacks.

 Adjournment: Rev. Story adjourned the meeting with prayer at 8:55 PM.

___________________________      __________________________     ___________      

Stephen F. Hardin                                Rev. Norm Story                               Date Approved

Clerk of Session                                   Moderator

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