October 2008 Stated Session Meeting

Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church
Stated Session Meeting, October 9, 2008
Camden Governors Village Apt. Community Room

Attending:      Stan Campbell, Lynne Hoerter, Wes McGraw, Stephanie Miller, Michelle Morehouse, Ed Park, John Walkup, Mindy Douglas Adams (moderator), Mary Donna Pond (clerk), Jack Zollinger (treasurer).   Excused:  Chuck Rickard, Marcia Ladd.  Guest:  Samara Joy Nielsen

 

Mindy Douglas Adams called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Stephanie Miller led a devotion using a passage about evangelism from Amazing Grace:  A Vocabulary of Faith by Kathleen Norris.
A Look into the Book (of Order).  Various parts of the Directory for Worship section of the Book of Order were read as we studied the “shall” and “may” guidance in that book.

Approval of Minutes.  The minutes of the September 11 Stated meeting were approved.

Correspondence.  Mary Donna shared a thank you note from the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance office and a press release about a new hymnal that is being developed, to be released in 2014.  Mindy read a thank you note for the flowers that were sent to her grandfather’s funeral.

Pastor’s Report.  Mindy said she had very much enjoyed attending her mother’s retirement service and celebration and thanked Richard Cox for preaching that Sunday.  She also thanked the other lay leaders for their help in providing meaningful worship experiences.  In October, Mindy will attend the Tyler family reunion over the October 26 weekend; Samara Joy Nielsen, Divinity School Intern, will preach.  John Walkup offered to serve as liturgist that week.

Treasurer’s Report.  Jack Zollinger reviewed the Balance Sheet and the Revenue and Expense reports through the end of September.  We are in good financial shape.  ACS is selling the Accounts Payable module at a discount during October.  The Session gave approval to purchase the module by over-spending the software line.

QUADRANT REPORTS

John Walkup distributed updated copies of the Six-Year Plan.

Community.  Mary Donna reported.  Communications has purchased new signs and has mailed a post card to the north Chatham area which highlights childcare.  Membership is planning a church directory.  Michelle reported that the next Community Forum is October 22.  She also related that the food pantry is short of food having served triple the number of families during September than were served in March.  She also reported that we have received a $3,000 grant from Salem Presbytery for hunger relief from the Pennies for Hunger offerings.  Stan suggested that we invite people to bring food for the pantry every week instead of only once a month.  Ed suggested receiving a special offering but instead people will be invited to make designated gifts at any time for the purchase of food.  English for Speakers of Other Languages is now underway and tutoring at Nature Trail has recommenced.

Education.  Wes reported that the Young Adults group will meet in October.

Fiduciary.   Stan went over the 2009 Proposed Budget.  The Outreach part of the budget is being increased and Ed and Michelle asked that it be highlighted in the Stewardship narrative.  Although there was concern expressed over the size of the increase, nearly 40%, there was cautious optimism that the growth in membership will allow us to reach the pledge goal of almost $227,000.  Stan said that the Stewardship materials are being updated and that packets will be mailed on the Wednesday after Halloween.  There will be a Minute for Stewardship on November 2, 9, and 16; Dedication Sunday is November 23.

Worship.  John reported that we do have two lavaliere microphones.  He needs to acquire one component in order for them to be functional through the school sound system.
There was discussion of options for worship space if the school denies our request for continued use.  Strong sentiment was voiced for constructing a temporary building on our land.  The Administration Committee will undertake the job of researching options.  John has added the new Administration Spoke to the Fiduciary Quadrant and will begin populating it with tasks and goals.

OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business.

NEW BUSINESS
Congregational Meeting.  Stan moved that the Session approve the calling of a congregational meeting on October 19 to accept a resolution to enter into a loan agreement to purchase land.  Stephanie seconded the motion which passed without dissent.  The meeting will be announced on October 12, will be in the bulletin for October 19, and will occur following worship on the 19th. 

Invitation to become a partner church for Presbyterian Campus Ministry.  Chapel in the Pines has been asked to become a partner church for Presbyterian Campus Ministry at UNC-Chapel Hill. Following brief discussion, Stephanie moved that we do so, appointing two board members and approving financial support up to $1,000, based on budget ability.  Lynne seconded the motion which passed without dissent.

Approval of Guest Preacher.  Mindy has invited David and Jeannene Wiseman to attend worship on October 19, Guatemala Sunday.  David has offered to preach that day.  Michelle moved and Stan seconded that the Session approve his preaching and the motion passed without dissent.

Next Meeting.  The next Stated meeting is November 13 and will be held at the Community Room of the Camden Governor’s Village Apartments, beginning at 6:30 p.m.  Food will not be available so members should eat before the meeting or are welcome to bring something to eat.  Stan Campbell will lead the devotion. 

Following a time of sharing pastoral concerns, Mindy closed the meeting with prayer.  The meeting was adjourned just after 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Donna Pond, Clerk of Session

Approved by Session November 13, 2008.