January 14, 2013 Stated Session Meeting

Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church
Stated Session Meeting: January 14, 2013 – Adult Classroom

Attending: Ruling Elders Lynne Hoerter, Forrest Johnson, Cindy Massey, Rachel Stevens, Jeff Morehouse, Tina Stark, John Walkup, Bob Warren, Jerry Wehmueller, Mary Donna Pond (Clerk), and Teaching Elder Rev. Mindy Douglas (Moderator).

 

Mindy Douglas called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Tina Stark led the opening devotional, sharing her experience knowing God’s power and presence through an experience in the operating room during an organ donation procedure.  She led the group in prayer.

Several elders shared pastoral concerns.

Leadership Development.  The Session discussed the fourth chapter in Stanley Ott’s book, Twelve Dynamic Shifts for Transforming Your Church, on friendship and hospitality and assumed and developed discipleship.  All Session members were encouraged to be intentional in seeking out newcomers and opening ourselves to new relationships with them.

Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda:  Items approved on the consent agenda were:

• Minutes of the Stated Session Meeting of 12-10-12
• The Meeting Agenda was approved with one addition.

Correspondence.  A letter from Adam Hughes, a thank you letter from the UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health, and a thank you note from Mindy for year-end bonuses were circulated.

Pastor’s Report.  Several positive reactions to Lessons and Carols and the Christmas Eve service have been heard.  Adam’s departure is very much regretted; he will be missed.  New things added to worship are well received.  It is a blessing to have so many Teaching Elders in the congregation and their help with liturgy is being well received.  Mindy reported that she is serving on a General Assembly committee to study funding prospects for theological education.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

FABS Committee.  Jerry reported that following an exceedingly good December, the draw from reserves may be as little as $1,500.  Final figures for 2012 are not in yet, but the numbers are very encouraging.  There was a lengthy conversation about the 2013 budget, particularly the requests for increases, particularly increases for advertising and for building and grounds.  Session members agreed to hold off on most increases until late in the year.  Jerry will revisit the 2013 budget with the FAB committee and present a final budget at the February stated meeting.

An option for expanding the parking lot was discussed.  Jerry moved on behalf of the FAB committee that the Session approve spending up to $10,000 for parking lot expansion.  The motion was unanimously defeated due to the uncertainty about our financial status for the coming year.  John suggested that the clearing of trees could be done by volunteers at no cost.

Election of Treasurer.  Due to work requirements, Cindy needs to terminate her term as Interim Treasurer.  Jerry agreed to take over these responsibilities if elected. Cindy agreed to take over Jerry’s FAB committee leadership responsibilities.  Lynne moved that Jerry Wehmueller be elected Treasurer; Rachel seconded the motion which passed unopposed.

Personnel.  John reported from the Accompanist/Pianist Search Committee that a candidate has been selected.  After a review of the Presbyterian Association of Musicians (PAM) guidelines for compensation, as well as those of the Presbyterian Guild of Organists (PGO), the Search Committee requested a level of compensation.  The Personnel Committee felt the compensation should be equal to the compensation paid to Adam plus a 20% increase to cover the actual hours worked plus the 3% staff increase for 2013.  A discussion followed regarding paid vacation benefits for part-time employees.  Forrest moved that candidate Jane Williams be offered a contract for $175/week pay with 2 weeks of paid vacation ($9100 annually).  The motion was seconded and passed with two "no" votes.  The no votes were case in opposition to awarding paid vacation.  The Personnel Committee will revisit this matter at the time of personnel annual reviews.

Fellowship.  Tina reported that she had contacted Little Windows, a group that performed at last year’s Winter Arts Festival.  They requested that $400 be guaranteed payment for them to perform again.  After discussion, the Session agreed that artist would be compensated by a love offering only and that a schedule of performances should be created rather than a one-time event.  A search for a coordinator for such a series will be made among church members and friends.

OLD BUSINESS

Help with Confirmation.  Mary Donna asked for volunteers to help with confirmation.  Several offered to help but could not commit to a date that was too far in the future.  Mary Donna will request help for specific dates as needed.

NEW BUSINESS

Annual Statistical Report.  A draft of the Annual Statistical Report was distributed, less the financial information.  It was noted that we had a 10% growth in membership during 2012 despite removing several names from the rolls.  After brief discussion, the draft was approved. 

Election of Commissioner to Presbytery meeting.  Rachel offered to serve as commissioner, was nominated and elected.  John plans to also attend the meeting and will serve as back-up if Rachel is unable to attend.

Gift to Music Program.  Janet Dopler has donated 3 octaves of handbells to the church.  They have been ordered and an announcement of such was made during worship January 13.  The Clerk was asked to write a note thanking Janet for this gift.

Congregational Meeting.  Jeff moved that a congregational meeting be held March 17 to receive the Annual Report.  Cindy seconded the motion which passed unopposed.  Session members were reminded to write their reports and get them to Nana very soon.

Called Session Meeting.  Lynne moved that a Called Session Meeting be held January 20 at 9:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary to receive Susan Cyr as a new member.  Jerry seconded the motion which passed unopposed.

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES.  Mindy called the meeting to order and opened with prayer.  The purpose of the meeting was to elect a new Treasurer of the Corporation.  As the Session elected Jerry Wehmueller earlier in the evening, Lynne Hoerter moved that the Trustees elect him Treasurer of the Corporation.  John Walkup seconded the motion.  The vote was unanimous. 

 

Reminders.

• Remember to pray for our church each day at noon
• Read chapter 5 of Stanley Ott’s book, Twelve Dynamic Shifts for Transforming Your Church,  for January Session meeting
• Next Stated Session Meeting – February 11, 2013
• Presbytery meetings – Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at First Presbyterian Church, Winston-Salem, and Saturday, May 4, 2013 – location TBA

With no further business the meeting of the Board of Trustees and the Stated Session meeting were adjourned at 9:00 p.m.  Mindy closed the meeting with prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Donna Pond, Clerk of Session

Approved by Session February 11, 2013