November 16, 2015 Stated Session Meeting
Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church
Stated Session Meeting, November 16
Attending: Ruling Elders Monty Brekke, Lynne Hoerter, Vicky Raymond, Fred Royal Archie (Butch) Smith, Barbara Strange, Jerry Wehmueller (Treasurer), Marcia Ladd (Clerk), and Teaching Elder Rev. Mindy Douglas (Moderator)
Excused Absence: Heather Bogan, Kristin Lavergne
Guest: Katie Murchison Ross (Duke Divinity School intern)
The joint meeting of the elders and deacons was called to order by Mindy Douglas at 7:00 PM. The joint meeting was closed with a prayer at 7:05 PM.
Attending: Deacons: Carl (Chick) Biddulph, Brett Dillon, Janet Dopler, Joshua Ladd, Mary Donna Pond, Terry Rudolph (Moderator), Peggy Wilkerson, Mitzi Lesher-Thomas (Staff Support)
Excused Absence: Susan Cyr
The session meeting was called to order by Mindy Douglas at 7:10 PM. Al led the opening devotion, ending with prayer. Mindy introduced Katie to the session. Concerns and celebrations were shared.
Leadership development: Mindy lead a discussion on the article shared with the session in the pre-meeting packet about the new reformation.
Approval of agenda and consent agenda
It was moved and seconded that the agenda be approved as written. It passed unanimously. The consent agenda was unanimously approved, as follows:
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Approval of minutes -Stated session 10/19/15
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Committee minutes – Building and Grounds 10/6, 10/20/15: Strategic Planning Task Force 11/2/15 Web Site Re-Design Task Force Minutes 10/25/15: Communications Technology November Report; Finance 11/15/15
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Correspondence – UKirk request for financial support
Pastor’s report. Mindy shared her sabbatical plans with session. Mindy and Finance Committee will discuss the financial implications of covering Mindy’s duties in her absence, and report back to session in December. Al moved
that we approve the outline of Mindy’s plan.
It was seconded and passed unanimously.
Committee reports
Personnel
Butch presented the following motion from the committee for consideration:
that session approve holiday gifts for staff to be included in a December payroll, as follows:
Staff on payroll
Mindy: $100 net grossed up to $125
Jeremy: $100 net grossed up to $135
Leigh (pianist): $100 net grossed up to $135
Nana: $100 net grossed up to $141.28
Janet: $100 net grossed up to $135.36
Dennis: $50 net grossed up to $65
Staff members not on our payroll (nothing was taken from their check)
Catherine Brekke: $300
Mitzi Lesher-Thomas: $150
Peaches McIntyre: $50
Barbara Treyze $50
Michael DePue $50
The motion passed unanimously, with one abstention from Monty.
Financial
Jerry reviewed the financial reports from October.
Worship
Vicky indicated that a member’s family has offered to donate a rug for the sanctuary and Worship Committee and the Liturgical Arts Subcommittee are considering the donation.
ONGOING BUSINESS
Session Meetings. Mindy drew session’s attention to a proposal for a motion about open session meetings. Lynne moved that
Session meetings are to be regarded as open meetings. Members or friends of the congregation who wish to attend should notify the moderator or clerk at least 5 days prior to the scheduled meeting. Session may close any parts of a designated meeting in which case the guests would be asked to leave. Should a guest wish to address session, they need to secure an invitation from the moderator at least 5 days in advance of the meeting.
The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Committee roles and responsibilities. Mindy asked session for additional input on the document developed by a task force last spring. Lynne moved
to accept the document as written and add it to the Operations Manual with the addition of Care and upkeep of the kitchen to responsibilities of Fellowship Committee.
It was seconded and passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
Session holiday party. Lynne moved
Alcohol may be consumed at the December 12 party.
It was seconded and passed unanimously. Members were asked to sign up for set up or clean up. Pastoral staff is to be invited as well.
The next stated session meeting will be December 21 at the 7PM. Heather Bogan will have the devotion.
As the business of the meeting was concluded, Mindy led a closing prayer and the meeting was adjourned at 8:25PM
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Ladd, Clerk
Approved by session December 21, 2015
Reminders:
Remember to pray for our church each day at noon.
New Member Sunday November 22, session meets with new members at 9:30AM
Next stated session meeting December 21, 7 PM. Heather Bogan has the devotion