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

STATED SESSION MEETING

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2011

 

The Moderator convened the meeting at 7:00 PM and opened in prayer in the absence of the Missions Moderator.

 

Elders present: Gene Christensen, Larry Felhauer, Jerry Grandle, Brian Griffith, Florence Hamilton, Lloyd Kirschenmann, Martha Mitchell, Tom Morehart, Jim Parks, Richard Paul, Kate Puckett, Joan Rawson, Stephen Taylor, Greg Temple, and Nora Yaryan.

 

Elder excused:  Blaine Goss.

 

Guest: Newly elected Elders Corina Armendariz, Janet Loman, and Jacqui Jones.

 

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

 

Approval of Agenda: The agenda was approved as submitted.

 

Introduction and examination of newly elected Elders:  Three of the newly elected Elders were introduced and the Session voted by acclimation to extend them the privilege of the floor.  Pastor Story asked the current Elders to briefly state what they have learned while serving.  Their answers ranged from: humility because you find that there is so much you don’t know, not to worry about making a mistake, safe sanctuary, lots of thankfulness, getting to know the church better, to the Gospel of John.   He asked them “How has serving as an Elder affected your walk with Jesus?”   Their answers ranged from:  opening new avenues of prayer, the effects of laying on hands during Ordination, seeing all of the many parts of the church, we are all parts of the larger body, getting better at serving others, including Communion.

 

The newly elected Elders were asked: “What does this new position mean to you and what gifts do you bring to this position?”  Their answers ranged from: Getting to know the Law, getting to pay back for the blessings received, to getting to know others in the church.  The gifts they brought are:  friendly persona, experience as an Elder in other churches, hope, having good relations, accomplishing things, organizational skills, and helping people.

 

Elder training was tentatively scheduled for Saturday, 3 December.  A motion to sustain the examination was seconded and approved by acclimation.

 

Pastor’s Report: Rev. Story advised the Session that he would be attending the General Assembly meeting in Pittsburg, PA from June 30 through July 7, 2012 as a representative of the Presbytery of Sierra Blanca, and he will be out of the pulpit on Sunday, July 1.  He stressed the need for all committees to improve their communications with the congregation about what they are doing and when we are doing things.  The regular submission of articles to the Good News Editor about committee activities is just one way to build a connection with the congregation.  We also need to improve and establish regular communications with our sheep.

 

Clerk’s Report:  No new correspondence was received

 

Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the Stated Session Meeting on October 18, 2011 were approved without any changes or corrections.

 

Deacons Report.  A written report was provided.

 

Committee Reports:

Administration: Written.  The 2012 Pledge Drive was conducted in a different manner than previous years by using small groups of members who live close to each other.  While we had some problems getting Pledges back for turn-in on the November 7^th Pledge Sunday, the process helped identify members who had moved to other churches or died.  Both of these results reinforced the need for better and more regular communication with our sheep.  To date we have received 63 Pledges totaling $207,000.

Buildings and Grounds: Written. The Session was requested to provide guidance for the disposition of the late model Ford van with a handicapped lift and single wheelchair tie-down position that was donated to the church.  The consensus of the Session was to accept it for use by the church when members request transportation for a handicapped member, relative, or friend for non-church service related trips.  The larger 3 station handicapped lift bus will continue to provide transportation to and from regular church services.

Christian Education: Written with no action items.

Congregational Life and Outreach: Written.  Our Trunk or Treat Halloween event had outstanding participation by both Church members and the outside community.  We served 550 hot dogs, in addition to all of the candy, pop corn, nachos, etc.  One of the “Lessons Learned” is the need for more flyers about the church and our programs, both youth oriented and traditional, that we handed out with the food and drinks.

Missions: No meeting was held due to the lack of a quorum.

Music and Worship: Written with no action items.

Foundation: No report.

Nominating Committee: Will probably not meet until January 2012.

 

 

Financial Report for October 1- October 31, 2011

                                               

     Oct (Actual)     Oct (Budgeted)        YTD (Actual)      YTD (Budgeted)

Income       $40,314.88                                      $369,094.32

Expense     $43,365.49                                      $377,064.32

 

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

 

Old Business: Planning for the joint Presbytery meeting in February 2012 is in work under the guidance of Elder Nora Yaryan and a Deacon who will be selected at their meeting on 17 November.  We will probably solicit members for the donation of baked goods to help improve the appearances of our reception.

 

New Business: Disposition of the donated handicapped lift van as discussed in the Buildings and Grounds report above.

 

The next Stated Session Meeting will be Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 7:00 PM. The Music and Worship Committee will be responsible for opening prayer and meditation.

 

Adjournment: Rev. Story adjourned the meeting with prayer at 8:05 PM.

 

 

 

 

______________________    ______________________     _____________      

Carlton Connor                                   Rev. Norm Story                            Date Approved

Clerk of Session                                 Moderator