October 16, 2011 Called Session Meeting
Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church
Called Session Meeting, October 16, 2011 – North Chatham School
Attending: Elders Lynne Hoerter, Michelle Morehouse, Vicky Raymond, Rachel Stevens, John Walkup, Jerry Wehmueller, Mary Donna Pond (Clerk) and the Rev. Mitzi Lesher-Thomas and the Rev. Mindy Douglas Adams (Moderator).
The meeting was called to order by Mindy Douglas Adams at 9:45 a.m. in the art room. She led the opening prayer. A quorum was present. Mary Donna stated the three items of business: (1) approval of Dianna Wright as retreat facilitator, (2) approval for David LaMotte to preach on January 15, 2012 and to perform a concert the night before, and (3) approve Tricia Dykers Koenig to preach November 6.
Mindy explained that Dianna Wright is on the staff of Salem Presbytery as African American Advocate and newly appointed Associate Presbyter. Lynne moved that the Session approve having her as retreat facilitator for the November officer retreat, John seconded the motion, and it passed unopposed.
Mindy has been in conversation with singer, songwriter, and peace activist David LaMotte. He has agreed to perform a concert in our new building on January 14 and to preach on January 15. Marcia moved that the Session approve David preaching on January 15, Rachel seconded, and the motion passed unopposed. The concert would kick off a planned Winter Arts Series. There was discussion about whether to sell tickets, to receive a voluntary offering, or to pay him from our budget. Rachel then moved that the Session approve the concert and approve receiving a voluntary offering at the event, the proceeds of which would be used to pay the $2,000 fee with any funds in excess going to the MLK Scholarship Fund. Lynne seconded the motion which passed without dissent.
Tricia Dykers Koenig is on the national staff of the Covenant Network and will be in our area for the national conference in early November. She is available to preach, teach, or both at no cost. Concern was expressed about having her use the opportunity to preach as a time to promote the Network. Mindy assured those present that if she is approved, Mindy will work closely with her to assure that her sermon is not promotional in nature. It was also suggested that she be invited to lead a Q and A following worship to address questions about the Covenant Network. Michelle moved that Tricia Dykers Koenig be approved to preach on November 6 and to lead a Q and A at a potluck lunch following worship that day. Vicky seconded the motion which passed without dissent.
Mindy led a closing prayer and the meeting was adjourned at 10:10 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Donna Pond, Clerk
Approved by Session November 14, 2011