Stated Session Meeting August 5, 2013
Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church
Stated Session Meeting: August 5, 2013 – Adult Classroom
Attending: Ruling Elders Monty Brekke, Cindy Massey, Stephanie Miller, Jeff Morehouse, Fred Royal, Tina Stark, John Walkup, Bob Warren, Jerry Wehmueller (Treasurer) Mary Donna Pond (Clerk), and Teaching Elder Rev. Mindy Douglas (Moderator). Excused absence: Rachel Stevens [attempted to attend via remote but technical difficulties prevented participation]
Mindy Douglas called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and welcomed guest, the Rev. Ken Evers-Hood. John Walkup led the devotion which focused on each Session member’s primary objectives, sharing those objectives and getting help to accomplish them.
Leadership Development. The Rev. Ken Evers-Hood led the Session in an exercise for the D.Min. work he is doing, "Playing Games in Church: Trust, Church Growth, and the Public Goods Game."
Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda: The agenda was approved. Items approved on the consent agenda were:
a. Approval of Minutes: Stated Session Meeting 06-10-13
b. Recording of Email vote: Approving John Walkup to preach August 4, 2013
c. Approval of Salem Hunger Grant application – Outreach Committee
d. Correspondence
Pastor’s Report. Mindy reported on the Big Tent event in Louisville and thanked the Session and congregation for support of her D.Min. program.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
FAB Committee. Jerry gave a brief Treasurer’s Report noting that revenues are flat but expenses have been held in line. The recent tax refund from the IRS will help with cash flow during the slow summer months. He also reported that the Capital Campaign is short of its goal by about $70,000. Some pledges are still outstanding. Nevertheless, we will have enough to pay off the property loan and for 3 years of mortgage payments, although cash flow may be a problem at times. Bob suggested a report to the congregation should be made.
Communications. A motion from the committee was withdrawn since it involved expenditure of funds already in the budget.
Worship. A motion from the committee to approve the acceptance of a designated donation not to exceed $2,000 for the purchase of floor length bell table covers to match the color of the sanctuary chairs was discussed. The motion was approved with the proviso that the gift be an additional donation and not a part of a previously pledged amount. Stephanie will determine if that is the case. She will also convey the Session’s gratitude to the donor.
Building and Grounds. The committee has been approached by an Eagle Scout proposing to construct walking trails on the land behind the sanctuary. The committee asked if the Session has an official policy regarding the Boy Scouts. John moved that "Chapel in the Pines Welcomes the participation of the Boy Scouts of America." Discussion followed and some concerns were expressed about having a policy – for or against the Scouts. Several expressed a desire to remain neutral on this matter for now. The vote on the motion was defeated and Fred was instructed to begin working with the Eagle Scout on plans for the trails. Cindy asked if the church insurance policy would cover such a project; Jerry stated he is confident the policy would do so.
NEW BUSINESS
Presbyterian Campus Ministry representative. Chuck Rickard has served in the capacity but is now away for several months. Mindy asked if anyone on the Session would like to take on this position. No one responded. She asked everyone to think of a good representative from our congregation.
Reminders.
Remember to pray for our church each day at noon.
Next Stated Session Meeting – September 9, 2013 –
Presbytery meeting – Tuesday, August 6, 2013 – First Presbyterian, Burlington (Fred Royal, Commissioner)
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Mindy closed the meeting with prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Donna Pond, Clerk of Session
Approved by Session September 9, 2013