session minutes

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2008

The Moderator, Rev. Norm Story, convened the meeting at 6:30 PM. Bob Paul of the Buildings and Grounds Committee provided the opening prayer and meditation using the booklet “Praying Through The Hard Times” as his text.

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

Elders excused: Susan Grandle and Dina Schroeder.

Elder absent: Marsha Topley.

Guests: Members of the Session’s Class of 2011; Bill Brady, Larry Felhauer, Florence Hamilton, and Joan Rawson.

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

Approval of Agenda: The agenda with two revisions was approved.

Pastor’s Report: Oral. Rev. Story began by mentioning concerns for three of our Church members and their health. Larry Cooper who fell and broke his hip last week is home and doing remarkably well. Jon Daniels is still at Mountain View Hospital and doing better, while Maria Brown is at home with respiratory problems. She is receiving care from Hospice and has extended an invitation to the elders to visit and read scriptures.

He announced that on Christmas Eve he would be baptizing the daughter of Emmanuel and Mireille Ncheuguim, and on the 28^th of December he would baptize the daughter of Jean Bernard and Michelle Nganou and James Christopher Roegge.

He concluded by mentioning the Elder’s retreat on January 24, 2009 in Jones Hall.

Clerk’s Report: Rev. Story joined Jose A. Rosario and Brandy Lee Hernandez, both of Las Cruces, NM in the Holy Bonds of Matrimony on December 8, 2008 here at First Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Las Cruces, NM.

He suggested that all present revisit the minutes of November 18, 2008, particularly the Pastor’s Report and note all the activities and respective dates involving the session.

Examination of Incoming Elders: The current elders introduced themselves and described their role on the session. The incoming elders then introduced themselves and described their expectations and concerns. The elders rotating off the session offered advice on expectations, participation, and preparation. The Clerk described the role of the Clerk of Session in our Church’s session and suggested all elders become familiar with the Book of Order to understand how our Church operates. The motion to sustain the examination was made, seconded, and passed. It was also moved to extend the privilege of the floor to the incoming members which was seconded and passed.

Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the Stated Session Meeting, November 18, were approved as submitted.

Correspondence:

a. Nov. 25, 2008 – Letter from PCUSA General Assembly Council on Missions – Missions Committee.

b. Dec. 08, 2008 – Pamphlet from PCUSA Office of Theological Education – Christian Education Committee.

Deacons Report: Written but no one was present representing the Deacons to discuss.

Committee Reports:

Administration: Written and received approval to change the Church’s

designation from First United Presbyterian Church of Las Cruces, Inc to

First Presbyterian Church of Las Cruces, Inc. in a request to the New Mexico

Public Regulatory Commission.

Buildings and Grounds: Verbal with no action items. The session received a

briefing on the progress of obtaining a sign for our Hispanic ministry.

Christian Education: Written with no action items.

Congregational Life and Outreach: Verbal with no action items.

Missions: Written with no action items.

Music and Worship: Written with no action items. Communion was served to 280 worshipers on December 7.

Nominating Committee: Verbal by Rev. Story mentioning there had been a

training session for the committee and now they would be working on filling the two deacon vacancies.

Financial Report for November 1 – November 30, 2008

Budget for 2008 - $554,295.00

Operating Income - $43,049.28 YTD $450,869.11

Operating Expenses - $31,689.58 YTD $416,130.23

Designated Gifts - $ 1,269.29 YTD $ 18,275.60

Phase One Balance $100,000.00

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

Old Business: None

New Business: Bob Paul volunteered to fill in for the Clerk during his absence on January 20, 2009.

The next Stated Session Meeting will be Tuesday, January 20, 2009 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 7:15 PM.

___________________________ __________________________ ___________

Stephen F. Hardin Rev. Norm Story Date Approved

Clerk of Session Moderator