January 20, 2014 Stated Session Meeting
Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church
Stated Session Meeting: January 20, 2014 – Adult Classroom
Attending: Ruling Elders Monty Brekke, Cindy Massey, Stephanie Miller, Jeff Morehouse, Fred Royal, Tina Stark (via remote), Rachel Stevens, John Walkup, Bob Warren, Mary Donna Pond (Clerk), Jerry Wehmueller (Treasurer), and Teaching Elder Rev. Mindy Douglas (Moderator)
Guests: Brett Webb-Mitchell, Beverly Rudolph
Mindy Douglas called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. She welcomed Brett and Beverly. Rachel gave the opening devotion which spoke about dreams. An opening prayer was given.
The Reverend Brett Webb-Mitchell spoke about a pilgrimage to England in May. He asked for approval to advertise this opportunity to our congregation. The Session approved the request without dissent.
Beverly Rudolph spoke to the motion, tabled from the November Stated Session meeting, requesting approval for a fund raiser to assist Eridson Ramirez with tuition and books. She explained the particulars of his I-20 visa, the type of event proposed to raise funds, and a target goal of $1,000. The Session thanked Beverly for her explanation.
Pastoral concerns and celebrations were shared.
Leadership Development. Rachel distributed a handout with a chart of Leading Complex Change and the need to have vision, skills, incentives, resources, and a plan of action in order to make positive and productive change.
Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda: One addition was made to the agenda – under Outreach, a request to approve a fund raiser for Eridson Ramirez. Jeff moved that the agenda be approved as revised; Monty seconded the motion and the agenda was approved. The Consent Agenda was approved, as follows:
a. Approval of Minutes: Stated Session Meeting December 9, 2013
b. Building and Grounds Committee Minutes – information only
c. Approve called Session meetings to receive new members: January 26 and February 23, 9:15 AM
d. Correspondence (letters from Presbyterian Mission Agency, CEDEPCA, Habitat for Humanity of Chatham County, UNC Excellence in Community Health)
Pastor’s Report. Mindy reported on the work she had done for Advent/Christmas Eve/Christmas, the beginning of her next semester of D.Min. studies, a forthcoming letter regarding the offering of a study on the action of the North Carolina legislature and its impact on people in our community. She also reported that there will be a slight modification in the work that Mitzi Lesher-Thomas will do in her 10 hours/week including involvement in the weekly walking/running group and a Bible study for women with childcare provided.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
FAB Committee. Jerry reviewed the 2013 Final Revenues and Expenses report. Cindy moved that any revenues in excess of expenses be moved to the General Operating Reserves. The motion was seconded and passed unopposed. A motion from the FABS committee to pay off the land loan ($71,412) using funds in the Capital Campaign Fund was also passed unopposed.
Cindy and Jerry reported on the upcoming stewardship campaign, using the Consecration Sunday model. The Session was reminded of several important dates including the Leadership Dinner on Sunday, February 23, at 6 PM, and Consecration Sunday itself, March 2.
A new committee has been created to develop a Planned Giving program for the church. Jerry Wehmueller, Stan Campbell, and Chuck Rickard have agreed to serve on this committee.
Membership/Fellowship.
Annual Review of the Rolls. John explained the procedure for annually reviewing the active members roll and stated that the committee will be bringing its recommendations to the Session at a future meeting. Request for Transfer. A request for transfer of Jay Olson’s membership to Church of Reconciliation was approved. New Letterhead Stationery. A new letterhead design was presented. John moved that the design be approved and Stephanie seconded the motion. Cindy offered an amendment, to use all lower case letters for the web address. The amendment was seconded and adopted. The amended motion was then approved. John noted that other uses of the new logo design will be implemented over time. Paid Nursery Worker. John moved that a paid nursery worker be employed to work from 8:45 to 11:45 AM every Sunday morning. There was a good deal of discussion about the need for staff and volunteers to care for our very young people. There was also continued discussion about what committee "owns" the nursery and is responsible for its functioning. Following the discussion, John withdrew the motion and Mindy agreed to meet with Tina (as chair of Children’s and Youth Ministry) to work out the details of the much-needed nursery care.
Worship. Motions to approve Bryan McFarland to preach on February 16 and Sam Marshall on March 2 were approved.
Building and Grounds. Fred reported that our large sign has been installed at the intersection of Manns Chapel Road and Great Ridge Parkway. The Session thanked Karen Atkins, Bruce Raymond, John Walkup, and Fred for their work on this project.
Outreach. Monty moved the motion, tabled at the November meeting, to approve a fund raiser to be held in early February, to benefit Eridson Ramirez for assistance with tuition and books. The motion passed unopposed.
The committee requested approval for Chapel in the Pines to be a drop location for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm, as described in a report in the Session packet. Following brief discussion, the motion passed unopposed.
NEW BUSINESS
Congregational Survey. Mindy described an opportunity to have a survey of the congregation conducted and the data analyzed for a reduced fee of $100. An item in the Session packet gave details of the survey which can be customized. Rachel suggested that the new Evaulation Committee provide input for the survey. John moved that the Session approve using the survey, Rachel seconded, and the motion was approved.
Commissioner for February 4 Presbytery Meeting. Mindy noted that the commission would need to be prepared to speak on the overture, approved by the Session at the December meeting. Monty volunteered to serve, was nominated, and elected.
Mindy added thanks to those who worked to install the new hearing loop and to enhance the audio capabilities in the building. The Session concurred with its gratitude.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Mindy led the closing prayer.
Reminders:
Remember to pray for our church each day at noon.
Next Stated Session Meeting – February 17, 2014
Consecration Sunday Leadership Dinner – Sunday, February 23, 6:00 PM at Capt. John’s Dockside
March 2, 2014 – Consecration Sunday – Luncheon following worship
Presbytery meeting – February 4 (Tuesday), Westminster, Greensboro
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Donna Pond, Clerk of Session
Approved by Session February 17, 2014