August 15, 2016 Stated Session Meeting
Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church
Stated Session Meeting, August 15, 2016 Narthex
Attending: Ruling Elders Karen Atkins, Heather Bogan, Kristin Lavergne, Maggie Reif, Terry Rudolph, Archie (Butch) Smith, Barbara Strange, Jerry Wehmueller (Treasurer) Marcia Ladd (Clerk), Teaching Elder Rev. Lynn Stall (Moderator)
Absent: Al Schalk
The meeting was called to order by Lynn Stall at 7 PM. A quorum was declared. Lynn welcomed Maggie to her first session meeting. Terry Rudolph led the opening devotion, ending with prayer. Concerns and celebrations were shared.
Leadership development: Lynn discussed the article shared in the packet on church leadership and the ongoing role of peacemaking asking members to share their perspectives on peacemaking in their lives and in the greater community.
Approval of agenda and consent agenda
The agenda and consent agendas were approved by common consent. The consent agenda contains the following items:
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Approval of minutes – Stated meeting 7.18.16, called meeting 7.31.16
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Committee minutes -Building and Grounds 7.21.16, Children and Youth 5.15.16, Finance 8.14.16
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Correspondence – CEDEPCA appreciation, Libby Boehne appreciation, Back pack appreciation, Karla Koll appreciation
Pastor’s report Lynn wants to keep the good momentum going at CITP and has been trying to get acquainted with the work and people of the church. She wants to honor some of the things people are doing and to be as transparent as possible in the process, and perhaps more focused on fewer things.
Committee reports
Finance
Jerry went over the July financial reports, our numbers were alright, trending some behind last year to date and where we optimally should be this year. Our spending is also down, however, which netted us an additional surplus for the month. Jerry is still anticipating finishing the year with a surplus, and does not think we need any additional controls put into place. Our cash position is good.
Heather went over the schedule that is now in place for the fall stewardship campaign. Paul Isom will chair and the theme will be "Here We Grow Again," with a October 9 kickoff, November 6 will be the culmination of the campaign with a pot luck and guest speaker and the time to receive pledges.
Ongoing Business
Jerry gave an update on the work of the fellowship hall planning team. They have put out 3 bids and will open them September 8, interview contractors and select one shortly thereafter.
Lynn Stall asked session to turn their attention to the job description for the Parish Associate. She indicated she has spoken with Personnel and Mitzi about Mitzi’s role going forward during her tenure. The job description contained in the packet delineates her duties. Because Mitzi is a 1099 employee we do not designate her hours, just her duties. Lynn’s main concern is compensation. She was paid $14,960/year during Mindy’s time, it increased to $42,000 after Mindy left. Lynn suggested the compensation be between $18 and $20k. There was discussion about the appropriate amount. Lynne made a motion that
Mitzi’s compensation be set at $14,960 annually
The motion was seconded by Kristin. There was discussion about the pros and cons of increasing her compensation, and determining the market accuracy of this amount. The motion passed unanimously, and will be effective at the start of the next pay period.
Lynn indicated that while historically staff evaluations were conducted in August of each year to prepare for the budgeting process, but that this year that was simply not realistic, and the personnel work will focus on getting contracts for everyone.
New Business
Lynn circulated a description of the interim process. She explained she would form a transition team to work with her during the transition period. The team will support her during the process, looking at the church’s history and new directions with interviews, discussions, surveys and congregational gatherings. All members will be invited to participate and the results will be shared with the congregation, session and the Commission on Ministry of the Presbytery. After the work has been approved, the Pastor Nominating Committee will be formed and start the work of finding a new, called, installed pastor. Lynn proposed the following members for the team, all of whom have agreed to serve:
- Heather Bogan
- Haley Terry
- Garrett Southerland
- Barbara Strange
- Lee Werley
Karen made a motion
That we approve Heather, Haley, Garrett, Barbara and Lee as the members of transition team.
It was seconded, and approved unanimously.
Lord’s Supper, Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals
Since the previous stated meeting July 18th, three new members, Ed and Nedra Von Gombos and Wanda Cottongim, were received on July 31. The Lord’s Supper was celebrated once on August 7. There was a wedding celebrating the union of Gena and Evan Webb on August 13. Maggie Reif was ordained and installed as a ruling elder on August 14. There were no baptisms or funerals.
The next stated session meeting will be September 19 at the 7PM. Karen Atkins will lead the devotion.
As the business of the meeting was concluded, Lynn led a closing prayer and the meeting was adjourned at 8:20PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Ladd, Clerk
Approved by session September 19, 2016
Reminders:
Remember to pray for our church each day at noon.
Next stated session meeting September 19, Karen Atkins has the devotion