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

STATED SESSION MEETING

TUESDAY, September 21, 2010

 

The Moderator convened the meeting at 7:00 PM. Larry Felhauer of the Congregational Life Committee provided the opening prayer and meditation.

 

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

 

Elder excused: Martha Mitchell and Charlie Yaryan

 

Elder absent: None

 

Guest: Rusty Smith, Deacon’s Moderator.

 

Establish Quorum: Moderator established that a quorum was present. A motion for the approval of Greg Temple to the position of Clerk-elect of Session due to the absence of Stephen Hardin.  Approved.

 

Approval of Agenda: The agenda was approved as submitted.

 

Reception of New Members/ Training: Mr. Tom Morehart, Mrs. Kaaren Morehart, Mrs Cindy Medina, Mr. Everett Slavens, and Ms. Samantha Armendariz were introduced as member applicants and the elders present introduced themselves and explained what membership in our Church has meant to them. In turn, the applicants provided information on themselves.  It was moved, seconded, and passed to accept the applicants into membership of this Church and Mr. Tom Morehart, Mrs. Kaaren Morehart, Mrs Cindy Medina, and Mr. Everett Slavens will be presented to the other members on Sunday, October 10, 2010.  Ms. Samantha Armendariz will be presented to the other members on a future date.

 

Pastor’s Report: Rev. Story started his report by giving information on the assembly of an adult praise band ministry with hopes of a progressive service taking place in the sanctuary on Saturday evenings after the first of the year.

 

Rev. Story stated needed prayers for Stephen Hardin speedy return to Clerk of Session.

 

Rev. Story stated that he is waiting to do his orals for his Doctorate.  He had finished his studies and waits for the final reading of his paper and the scheduling of his orals.  He will request study leave during the scheduled time of his orals. 

 

Rev. Story shared his concerns with the efforts of Shepherding program.  In conjunction with the article  “The Greatest Challenge to Church Change” by Brad Powell, he shared the need to see a change in our own behaviors; to get out of our comfort zone and to challenge ourselves to lead in new ways beginning with contacting our members through shepherding.

Clerk’s Report:  No report

 

Approval of Minutes: Currently, minutes are not yet available from the session meeting in August of 2010.  Clerk of Session will submit on a future date.

 

Correspondence: No Correspondence

 

Deacon’s Report: Written with no action items.  Stated reminder for the Deacon’s Hamburger Fry after services on October 24, 2010.

 

Committee Reports:

Administration: Written with no action items.

Buildings and Grounds: Verbal with recommendation. The committee made a recommendation for the request to explore the replacement of carpet in the sanctuary through developing an action plan and bringing the action plan to future session meeting or a special stated session meeting for consideration.  The action plan is to include a scope of work and construction, plan to select carpeting, projected completion date, and a payment plan.   The recommendation was approved. An update was reported on the Deacon’s Garage final inspection and construction cost being paid as well as the hiring of a new handy man.

Christian Education: Written with recommendation.  The committee made a recommendation for the Youth to hold a Garage Sale fundraiser on October 16, 2010 from 8:00am to 1:00pm using Watkins Hall.  The recommendation was approved.

Congregational Life and Outreach: Written with recommendation.  The committee made a recommendation for approval to move forward with Gospel of John performance at a cost of $1750 with cost to be recovered to the extent possible through free will offering during the performance and sale of refreshments during intermission.  Given the tremendous outreach opportunity this presents, Session agrees to cover any unrecovered cost from other budget areas on faith.  The recommendation was approved.

Missions: Verbal with no action items.

Music and Worship: Written with no action items.

Nominating Committee: Verbal and work is in progress and moving forward on filling the two vacancies.

 

 

Financial Report for August 1- August 31, 2010

 

                                                Budget for 2010 - $ 456,208.91

 

Aug (Actual)     Aug (Budgeted)          YTD (Actual)      YTD (Budgeted)

Income               $36,535.11          $29,731.00               $299,083.80           $237,848.00

Expense              $41,549.65          $37,123.13               $285,827.25           $303,863.35

Phase One Principal $60,000.00

 

October 19, 2010 at 6:00pm – Moderator quarterly budget review meeting.

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

 

Old Business: Alex Burr resumed discussion of the Foundation and First Presbyterian Church Relationship.  Administration committee is to draft church bylaws to show the working relationship between the two entities.

Alex Burr resumed discussion about opportunities to communicate to the congregation using the Lantern for promoting happenings and upcoming events

 

New Business: Bill Brady introduced new discussion towards the necessity of performing thorough background checks for employees.  These background checks should extend beyond Dona Ana County and into other states.  Discussion about a change in applicant forms to include history of residence in other states, discussion about cost and background checks on volunteers.

           

The next Stated Session Meeting will be Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at 7:00 PM. The Missions committee will be responsible for opening prayer, meditation, coffee and snacks.

 

Adjournment: Rev. Story adjourned the meeting with prayer at 8:15 PM.

  

___________________________      __________________________     _____________      

Gregory P. Temple                              Rev. Norm Story                             Date Approved

Clerk-elect of Session                         Moderator

 Stephen F. Hardin                              

Clerk of Session