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

STATED SESSION MEETING

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2008

 

The Moderator, Rev. Norm Story, convened the meeting at 7:00 PM. Bruce Pearson of the Missions Committee provided the opening prayer and meditation using the book “How To Pray” by John Wesley.

 

Elders present: Lon Anderson, Carissa Brealey, Alex Burr, Carl Connor, Joyce Gemoets, Blaine Goss, Susan Grandle, Mary Kammann, Donna Mathis, Tommy Matkin, Wayne Maley, Jacque Parks, Bob Paul, Bruce Pearson, and Marsha Topley.

 

Elders excused: Dina Schroeder, and Charlie Yaryan.

 

Elders absent: Gena Breck.

 

Guests: New member applicants Ms. Frances L. Pack, Ms. Kip M. Smits, Mr. Roger L. Sellers, and Mr. Bill Haynes. Deacon’s Moderator Mr. Robert McPherson

 

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. and coming by Reaffirmation of Faith. Ms. Frances L. Pack (#4712), Ms. Kip M. Smits (#4714), Mr. Roger L. Sellers (#4713), and Mr. Bill Haynes (#4715). 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, September 28, 2008.

 

Pastor’s Report: Oral. Rev. Story began by thanking all present, and the committees for all their support which allows him to do his work. He requested that as the committees meet they ask “What or where is God calling us?” “Where do we see God working in our Church?

 

 Clerk’s Report: The Clerk requested and received approval to remove Mr. Fred Cherye (#3338), Ms. Bertha Toney (#4579), and LaVerne Guice (#2620) from the Church roll due to their deaths. He also received permission to remove Mr. Randy Farmer (#4551) and Ms. Cynthia Shannon Farmer (#3298) from the Church roll at their e-mailed request.

 

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

 

Correspondence:

a.       August 22, 2008 – E-mail from Cindy Farmer requesting that she and Randy be removed from the Church roll – Clerk of Session.

b.      August 27, 2008 – Brochure from Rivertree Christian Resource Materials

-         Christian Education Committee.  

c.       August 29, 2008 – Package from Walnut Grove Community Presbyterian

Church on Resolution passed at 218^th GA – Administration Committee.

 

Deacons Report: Written with no action items.

 

Committee Reports:

Administration: Written with no action items.

Buildings and Grounds: Written and noted there will be a work day on September 27, 2008.

Christian Education: Written with no action items.

            Congregational Life and Outreach: Written with no action items.

            Missions: Written with no action items.

Music and Worship: Written with a request of a special offering at the Organ Workshop and Recital which was approved.  254 people received communion on September 6, 2008

Nominating Committee: They’re doing well and have but one vacancy to fill. Hopefully it will be filled in time to have a Congregational meeting next month. The target date is October 12, 2009. The motion was made that as soon as the list of Church officer nominees was complete, to poll the session members by e-mail on the earliest date a Congregational meeting could be held while meeting the notification requirement. It was seconded, and passed.

 

Financial Report for August 1 – April 31, 2008

            Budget for 2008 - $554,295.00

Due to the inexperience of the new office personnel and not wanting an erroneous

report submitted, there is no financial report. The goal is to have one for the

October meeting.

 

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

 

Old Business: Alex Burr presented the Columbarium Committee Report and it was moved to authorize the committee to proceed with its efforts, preparing a scope of work, location determination, final design, and cost estimate for a columbarium. The motion was seconded, and passed.

 

New Business: None

 

The next Stated Session Meeting will be Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 7:00 PM. The Music and Worship Committee will be responsible for opening prayer, meditation, coffee and snacks.

 

Adjournment: Rev. Story adjourned the meeting with prayer at 8:20 PM.

 

 

___________________________      __________________________     ___________      

Stephen F. Hardin                                Rev. Norm Story                               Date Approved

Clerk of Session                                   Moderator