STATED SESSION MEETING

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2008

 The Moderator, Rev. Norm Story, convened the meeting at 7:00 PM. Dina Schroeder of the Administration Committee provided the opening prayer and meditation.

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

 Elders excused: Alex Burr, Blaine Goss, and Charlie Yaryan.

 Guests: Members of the Session’s Class of 2011; Bill Brady, Florence Hamilton, and Greg Temple.

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

 Approval of Agenda: The agenda was approved as submitted.

 Examination of Incoming Elders: The current elders introduced themselves and described their roles on the session and explained what makes a good elder. The elders rotating off the session described a major event that affected them during their term. They concluded by offering a piece of advice to the incoming class.

      The incoming members were asked to not only provide some personal information but also what their expectations were. The motion to sustain the examination was made, seconded, and passed. It was also moved extend the privilege of the floor to the new incoming members which was seconded, and passed.

 Pastor’s Report: Oral. Rev. Story began by discussing the banner received from Presbytery and that it would be in place in front of the Church in time for the “Toys for Tots” bikers run next Sunday. He mentioned that the elder training session was completed this past weekend on the 11^th of November. Activities coming up are the Elders Retreat on January 24 in Jones Hall. The Moderator of the Deacons will be invited to participate; The Installation of Church Officers will be on Sunday, 25^th of January during worship service, followed by the Annual Report presentation in Watkins Hall following worship service. Food will be provided by the youth groups. He will be away from the pulpit on January 4^th and 11^th. Reverends Al Kissling and Wayne Hawkins will conduct the service on the 4^th and Elder Blaine Goss will fill in on the 11^th. The annual Elder/Deacon gathering will be on the 21^st of February location yet to be determined but most likely in Jones Hall with the youth again providing food and drink. Rev. Story concluded in report by passing out the proposed session committee assignments for the upcoming year and since there were no objections, they stand as submitted. They are:

 Administration                          Buildings and Grounds              Christian Education

Mary Kammann (09)*              Bob Paul (09)*                         Susan Grandle (09)*

Carl Connor (10)                      Charlie Yaryan (10)                  Gena Breck (10)

Joan Rawson (11)                    Bill Brady (11)                          Greg Temple (11)             

Congregational Life                   Music and Worship                  Missions

Donna Mathis (09)                   Marsha Topley (09)                  Jacque Parks (09)

Carissa Brealey (10)*               Wayne Maley (10)*                 Alex Burr (10)*

Larry Felhauer (11)                  Florence Hamilton (11)             Blaine Goss (11)

 *Chairperson

 He concluded his report by briefly describing the session’s Shepherd program and emphasizing some of its benefits. With the arrival of the new elders and the leaving of others, the list of Shepherds and their members will be revised soon.

 Clerk’s Report: Rev. Story joined Arthur Edward Binder and Janet Lynn Green, both of Las Cruces, NM in the Holy Bonds of Matrimony on October 24, 2008 here at First Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Las Cruces, NM. 

 Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the Stated Session Meeting, October 21, 2008 and the Polling of Session on October 30, 2008 were approved as submitted.

 Correspondence:

            November 2008 – Letter from Deacon Mary Ellen Gregg resigning from the

            Board of Deacons – Deacon’s Moderator.

Deacons Report: None submitted and no one was present representing the Deacons.

 Committee Reports:

Administration: Written with no action items.

Buildings and Grounds: Verbal with no action items.

Christian Education: Written with request to sell candles approved.

            Congregational Life and Outreach: Written with no action items.

            Missions: Written with no action items.

Music and Worship: Written with no action items

Nominating Committee: Bob Paul and Susan Grandle were elected to serve

     as the two elder representatives on the Church Nominating Committee.

Financial Report for October 1 – October 31, 2008

            Budget for 2008 - $554,295.00

Operating Income -    $36,895.03   YTD $407,817.83

Operating Expenses - $34,159.65   YTD $384,440.65

Designated Gifts -      $   2,818.46   YTD $ 38,149.74

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

 Old Business: None

  New Business: Steve Loman was nominated to continue serving as our Commissioner

to Presbytery. He was elected by acclamation. Rev. Story said there was a possibility that next year our Church might qualify for a second commissioner.

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

 Adjournment: Rev. Story adjourned the meeting with prayer at 7:58 PM.

 ___________________________      __________________________     ___________      

Stephen F. Hardin                                Rev. Norm Story                               Date Approved

Clerk of Session                                   Moderator

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