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

STATED SESSION MEETING

TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2010

 The Moderator convened the meeting at 7:00 PM. Alex Burr of the Missions Committee provided the opening prayer and meditation.

 Elders present: Carissa Rood, Gena Breck, Alex Burr, Gene Christensen, Carl Connor, Larry Felhauer, Blaine Goss, Jerry Grandle, Florence Hamilton, Wayne Maley, Jim Parks, Richard Paul, Joan Rawson, and Greg Temple.

 Elder excused: Charlie Yaryan.

 Elders Absent: Bill Brady and Martha Mitchell.

 Guest: Brian Griffith

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

 Approval of Agenda: The agenda was approved as submitted.

 Reception of New Members: Mr. Brian Griffith was introduced as a member applicant and the elders present introduced themselves and explained what membership in our Church has meant to them. In turn, Mr. Griffith provided information on himself and said he was coming to us by letter of transfer from Lacy Presbyterian Church in Lacy Washington. It was moved, seconded, and passed to accept Mr. Griffith into membership of this Church and he will be presented to the other members on Sunday, March 21, 2010.

 Pastor’s Report: Rev. Story started by expressing concern about the recent low attendance figures and requested the shepherds to work with and keeping in touch with their sheep.

 He described his meetings and conversations with the family of Kyler and Ryan Ruybal who were baptized Sunday, March 14, 2010. There’s a good possibility they will be joining the Church also.

 He pointed out the need to fill the pulpit on July 11 and 18, 2010 due to his scheduled leave.

 He mentioned that there was a request from either the Congregational Life and Outreach committee or the Worship committee to hang Holy Week banners.

 He concluded by mentioning the Board of Deacon’s request to fill Mark Geiger’s Deacon’s position vacated by his resignation as soon as possible.

 Clerk’s Report:  The Clerk reported that there was little to report except he needed someone to fill in for him at next month’s meeting due to his planned absence.                                                          

Communion was served to 250 worshipers on March 7, 2010.  

 Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the Stated Session Meeting on February 16, 2010: the Annual Congregational Meeting, February 28, 2010; and Called Congregational Meeting, February 28, 2010 were approved as submitted.

 Correspondence:

1.      February, 2010 – Presbyterian Foundation brochure on annuities – Administration committee.

2.      February 10, 2010 – Letter from Casa de Peregrinos thank us for contributions      

of food during January – Missions committee.

3.      February 12, 2010 – Letter and brochure from the Board of Pensions (PCUSA) – Administration committee.

4.      February 17, 2010 – Letter from Presbytery containing insurance information – Administration committee.

5.      February 17, 2010 – Letter of Transfer of Membership for Alsion Bass Hammond from Sonoma Springs Presbyterian Church to our Church – Clerk of Session.

6.      February 23, 2010 – Card from PresbyterianOne Insurance program – Administration committee.

7.      February 24, 2010 – Letter from the Safety Associates advising of Refused Service – Buildings and Grounds committee.

8.      February 26, 2010 – Letter from Good News Jail and Prison Ministry thanking various members of FPC for their help – Congregational Life and Outreach committee.

 Deacon’s Report: Written with a request to fill Mark Geiger’s vacancy created by his resignation.

 Committee Reports:

Administration: Written with a request that the committee moderators meet at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 prior to the Session meeting to review the status of the budget. This meeting will be quarterly. The request from the committee was approved. The Phase One Principal amount remains at $85,000.00.

Buildings and Grounds: Written with no action items.

Christian Education: Written with recommendations that the Church provide transportation to the theater on March 25, 2010; The Salt and Light Musical be conducted after Church service on April 18, 2010 to raise funds to finish budgetary needs for the spring semester of 2010 with any additional funds to be used towards the start up costs for the fall semester of 2010; The ability for the youth to hold car washes at appropriate times to help pay for youth ministry expenses; Lock-ins for youth on April 3-4 and 23-24. The recommendations were 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: Verbal with the comment that both the elder vacancy and the deacon vacancy were being worked on.

 Financial Report for February 1 – February 28, 2010

                                                 Budget for 2010 - $ 456,208.91

             Feb (Actual)     Feb (Budgeted)          YTD (Actual)      Annual (Budgeted)

Income    $34,616.30             $37,127.08          $69,044.86            $445,524.96

Expense $36,865.84             $34,963.54              $67,765.09             $419,562.48

Phase One Principal $85,000

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

 Old Business: The lists of members (39) eligible to be placed on the in-active roll and those recommended for deletion (17) were discussed again but this time with input from the elders (shepherds) based on their contacts with their respective members (sheep). Only one individual was recommended not to have any action taken until more contact and discussion could take place. This individual had been recommended to be placed on the In-Active list. The Clerk of Session will give the lists and copies of the letters to be sent to Ms. Linda Ramirez, secretary for mailing. Final actions to be taken will be determined by results of mailings.

 Three topics from the Elder’s retreat were discussed with varying results. The visitation to other Church’s had only been accomplished by a couple of people and results were inconclusive. The possible revision of the Web page obtained numerous comments and suggestions with the request that those interested work with Larry Felhauer and Alex Burr. There was some discussion on providing courses, counseling, etc for others but nothing definitive was established.

 New Business: It was determined that the existing mission statement would remain in effect for this year (2010).

 Alex Burr described the possibility of obtaining a $400.00 grant from Presbytery to aid in our lunch bag effort, the soup kitchen, and Gospel Rescue Mission. The session directed the Board of Deacons to pursue getting the grant.

 Alex Burr then offered several comments on the current procedures for congregational meetings with proposed changes. This will be under Old Business at next month’s meeting (April 13, 2010).

            The next Stated Session Meeting will be Tuesday, April 13, 2010 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 8:30 PM.

___________________________            __________________________     _____________      

Stephen F. Hardin                          Rev. Norm Story                          Date Approved

Clerk of Session                         Moderator

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Send comments, suggestions, and requests to Alex. F. Burr or send e-mail to aburr @ aburr.com.
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Last update 2010-06-11 21:49:56