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

STATED SESSION MEETING

FEBRUARY 19, 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.

 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, Jacque Parks, Bob Paul, Bruce Pearson, Dina Schroeder, Marsha Topley, and Charlie Yaryan.

 Guests: Member applicants Barbara Kewley, Gary Stephens, and Shannon Kilburg.

 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, New Mexico. Barbara Kewley (#4703) joining by letter of transfer from Sonoma Springs Presbyterian Church, Las Cruces, NM; Gary Stephens (#4705) joining by letter of transfer from Peace Lutheran Church, Las Cruces, NM; and Shannon Kilburg (#4704) by certificate of good standing from Jemez Springs Presbyterian Church, Jemez Springs, NM to become an Affiliate Member. The Elders present introduced themselves and provided a little insight on what membership in our Church has meant to them and in return, the prospective members provided some personal history and what helped them make the decision to join our membership. The clerk then read The Meaning of Membership from Chapter Five, Section G-5.0100 in The Book Of Order. Then it was moved, seconded, and passed to accept them into membership. They will be presented to the congregation on Sunday, February 24, 2008.

 Pastor’s Report: Oral. Rev. Story began by thanking everyone for their help in the annual meeting.

 There are efforts underway to revise the financial reporting to provide information to the various committees in a more readily manner and e-mail will be utilized more to hopefully distribute reports, minutes, etc in a timelier fashion.

 He will be taking study leave and some personal leave in June and hopes to take another graduate course in July.

 The Carroll College Choir Tour will be here in March and wants to try and support the group as much as possible particularly in the area of host families.

 He requested that each of the committees be prepared at the March meeting to describe their particular priorities.

 When individuals have been identified as visitors or as new members, intensify efforts on providing personal contact with them.

  Clerk’s Report: The Clerk requested and received approval to remove Mr. Frederick C. Olberg (#4691) from the Church roll due to his death.

 The Congregational special meeting on Sunday, February 10, 2008 for the receiving of the past year’s (2007) Annual Report containing the budget for 2008 was mentioned.

 The annual statistical report was synopsized since it was presented in detail as part of the Annual report. As of January 1, 2007 membership in this Church was 377 people. There were 51 additions and 27 deletions for a total membership of 401 as of December 31, 2007. There were 11 baptisms and 4 weddings performed during this same period.

 Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the Stated Session Meeting, December 18, 2007 and the Congregational Annual Meeting, February 10, 2008 were approved as submitted.

 Correspondence:

            January – Louisville Seminary pamphlet – Christian Education

            January – Rivertree Christian Resource Materials – Christian Education

Deacons Report: Written with no action items.

 Committee Reports:

Administration: Written with two action items.

1.      The proposal to delete the current Church By-Laws and let the Book of Order rule was returned to the committee for further discussion and review based on comments offered by the Session.

2.      The recommendation of Lynford Ames for Church Treasurer was approved.

Buildings and Grounds: Written with no action items.

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 no action items. 255 people received Communion on February 3, 2007. Communion in March will be held on Maundy Thursday instead of the usual first Sunday of the Month.

 Financial Report for January 1 – January 31, 2008

            Budget for 2008 - $554,295.00

Operating Income -    $40,033.00        YTD -  $40,033.00

            Operating Expenses - $44,946.00        YTD -  $44,946.00

Designated Gifts -      $  9,463.00         YTD - $   9,463.00

 In the future, Phase One funding will be noted.

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

 Old Business: None

  New Business:

 1.      The Session nominated two elders, Susan Grandle and Blaine Goss to serve on the Church nominating committee. With their concurrence it was moved, seconded, and approved for their election.

2.      Bob Paul, Mary Kammann, and Donna Mathis volunteered to be on the Church Mission Statement and it was moved, seconded, and approved.

3.      The following Vision Objectives for 2008 were presented:

To clearly and courageously communicate the Good News of Jesus Christ to

all within our reach.

To develop spiritual leadership that recognizes and ministers to those in need.

To develop and maintain specific ways for members to reach out and draw the

community into our fellowship.

To create God-centered atmosphere for worship that will attract and bind indi-

viduals, families and youth into Christian community.

             It was moved, seconded, and approved to accept them.  

The next Stated Session Meeting will be Tuesday, March 18, 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 8:00 PM.

___________________________                              ____________________________            

Stephen F. Hardin                                                        Rev. Norm Story                              

Clerk of Session                                                           Moderator

________________

Date Approved

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