May 10, 2010 Stated Session Meeting

Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church
Stated Session Meeting, May 10, 2010
Briar Chapel Community Center

Attending:  Elders Lynne Hoerter, Marcia Ladd, Wes McGraw, Stephanie Miller, Michelle Morehouse, Vicky Raymond, Jerry Wehmueller, the Rev. Mitzi Lesher-Thomas, and the Rev. Mindy Douglas Adams (Moderator).  Also attending:  Amanda Briggs, Stan Campbell, Karen Fisher, Ford Heath.  Excused Elders:  Ed Park, Chuck Rickard

 

Mindy Douglas Adams called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.  Lynne Hoerter led the devotion using "Word, Share, Prayer" and Hebrews 10:25 concerning meeting together, and ended with a time of prayer.

Wes moved that the agenda be approved.  Michelle seconded the motion which was passed.

Capital Campaign Appeal.  Stan Campbell thanked Jerry Wehmueller and all of the others who have worked on the campaign up to now.   He reported that 4 pledges have already been received totaling $200,000 and that 50% of that will be a cash gift paid in 2010.  He then appealed to Session members to serve as visitor-solicitors during the three weeks from May 23 through June 13.

Examination of Officers.  Mindy stated that Deacon nominee Karen Meredith was unable to attend the meeting and a Called Session meeting would be held on May 30 for her examination.  Mindy invited Ford Heath, nominee for Elder, and Karen Fisher and Amanda Briggs, nominees for Deacon, to share briefly their faith history and something they learned during officer training.  She then invited the Session to ask questions.  Michelle moved that the nominees’ examination be sustained and that they be ordained and installed during worship on May 23.  Lynne seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Leadership Development.  A study of the two creation stories in Genesis generated much discussion.  It was agreed that there may be disputes over the facts, but the truth in the story is that God is the creator and all living things are God’s creation.  Mindy asked that elders bring Bibles to Session meetings during the coming months.

Concerns and Celebrations; Approval of Minutes and Agenda; Correspondence.   Pastoral concerns and celebrations were shared.  Correspondence was sent by email prior to the meeting.  Jerry moved that the minutes of the April 12 Stated Session meeting be approved.  Michelle seconded the motion which passed.

Pastor’s Report.  Mindy conveyed her mother’s appreciation at being invited to preach on Mother’s Day.  There will be three Sundays in a row this summer when Mindy will not preach:  June 20 (vacation – guest preacher being sought), June 27 (the Sunday following Montreat Music and Worship conference, Mitzi will preach), and July 4 (General Assembly, Haywood Holderness will preach).

Treasurer’s Report.  Jack Zollinger will return from his extensive travels during the upcoming week.  Jerry covered the Revenue and Expenses report and the Balance Sheet.  We continue to have difficulty getting an invoice from the school for rental costs so none has been paid from the 2010 budget.  Nevertheless expenses are tracking close to budget and income is good.  The FAB committee is considering opening another bank account to hold capital funds separately from operating funds.

QUADRANT REPORTS

Community Quadrant.  Mary Donna reported that new leaders for the Fellowship and Membership Committees are being sought.  Michelle reported on the success of the Feinstein Challenge, with contributions up 46% over last year. 

Education Quadrant.  Wes reported that classes are ending for the summer with the exception of the class on Romans and the Thursday night theology discussion groups which will continue.  Mindy thanked Wes for his years of leadership and service and commended him on the wonderful classes and studies that the church enjoyed under his leadership.  The Session affirmed her remarks with a round of applause.

Fiduciary Quadrant   

Building Planning Committee.  Lynne reported that we have requested estimates for a septic system and for utility work.  The committee continues to fine-tune the plans with the architect and builder.  Stephanie spoke to the need to encourage questions from members and friends and an urgency to provide as much information as possible as we press forward with the capital campaign.  An extended conversation ensued about how best to accomplish that communication and everyone agreed to be actively involved.  Committee members will be available in the narthex and more written information will be provided. 

Mindy announced that Jan Rickard has agreed to head up a committee to plan a memorial garden.  Also, following some discussion, it was agreed we would contract to use the school until 12:30 p.m. on Sundays through the summer months.

Worship Quadrant.  Vicky said that help is still needed for communion preparation.  Lynne asked if someone would try to repair the problems with the microphone.

OLD BUSINESS

Capital Campaign Report.  Stan Campbell covered this in his presentation at the beginning of the meeting.

Presbytery Meeting Report.  A report from Chuck Richard was distributed by email prior to the meeting.  Everyone agreed it was a good report.

NEW BUSINESS

June Stated Session Meeting.  Mindy announced that the June meeting has been cancelled.

Commissioner to July 17 Presbytery Meeting.  Vicky Raymond volunteered to serve as commissioner and was unanimously elected.

The next Stated Session meeting will be July 12 at the Wehmueller’s home.   

Mindy led a closing prayer and the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted, 

 

 

Mary Donna Pond, Clerk        Mindy Douglas Adams, Moderator 
Approved by Session July 12, 2010