Read up on all the wonderful work the Session is doing!
Starting August 2022, we will be posting summaries from our Session meetings, including important conversations that are being had, decisions that have been made, and anything else that might help you feel more "in the loop" on what's happening in, around, and behind the scenes at First Presbyterian Church. Starting August 2022, we will be posting summaries from our Session meetings, including important conversations that are being had, decisions that have been made, and anything else that might help you feel more "in the loop" on what's happening in, around, and behind the scenes at First Presbyterian Church.
Session Notes for August 18, 2022
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The Session met on Thursday, August 18 in the Fireside Room for a regularly scheduled meeting. As we gathered, smiles and laughter contributed to a general feeling of joy and camaraderie. After opening with prayer at 6:35pm and approving the agenda, we spent some time responding to a question Pastor John posed to the group: “What is one thing at First Presbyterian Church that you are proud of?” Responses included Grete Hansen’s work in coordinating back-to-school Backpacks for kids, hosting the upcoming one-day Pedal 4 Protein ride, the Give & Get kids gear giveaway on October 1, our partnership with Open Arms Playgarden Preschool, the new AVL upgrade and all the work that went into that, our general engagement with the broader community, and our church bees that keep our garden pollinated. God is doing so much through us, and there is much to be encouraged by and to celebrate.
Pastor John then shared a pastor’s report, highlighting the launch of the (mostly-done) church website, grateful for Stephen and Elizabeth McNeil who are now taking leading roles in our social media and website presence. He also presented a draft Statement of Inclusion for the Session's review. Session will provide feedback and revisit this at the next meeting. For now, the Statement is included on the new website but still “pending Session review.”
Clerk of Session, Shawn Dooley presented the Clerk’s Report, which included discussion and planning of a “Fall Bounty” kickoff Sunday on September 11. In worship we will celebrate the things God is doing in the congregation, things that are coming up this year, ways folks can get involved, and then we'll share a BBQ shindig after worship. Ledra Brady volunteered to organize the event.
Mark Sturges gave an update on our new partnership with Elece Hempel (PPSC), Petaluma Senior Center, and the planning for a fall Young At Heart style event in Koinonia Hall. Session discussed our upcoming Pedal 4 Protein one-day-ride hosting, and Pam Sommer reported the Worship Commission’s support of the Fijian congregation using our new AVL system (under the condition that their technicians are trained by Enrique Rojas).
Budget and Finance Elder Shawn Dooley reported that through July, the finances for 2022 are in good shape based on the budget. Pledge giving is slightly behind budget, partly due to the normally slow summer giving. This is offset by lower than budgeted expenses to date. Rental income continues to supplement the financial standing of the congregation. Investments are down with the market through June this year.
Session adjourned with prayer at 7:58pm.
Pastor John then shared a pastor’s report, highlighting the launch of the (mostly-done) church website, grateful for Stephen and Elizabeth McNeil who are now taking leading roles in our social media and website presence. He also presented a draft Statement of Inclusion for the Session's review. Session will provide feedback and revisit this at the next meeting. For now, the Statement is included on the new website but still “pending Session review.”
Clerk of Session, Shawn Dooley presented the Clerk’s Report, which included discussion and planning of a “Fall Bounty” kickoff Sunday on September 11. In worship we will celebrate the things God is doing in the congregation, things that are coming up this year, ways folks can get involved, and then we'll share a BBQ shindig after worship. Ledra Brady volunteered to organize the event.
Mark Sturges gave an update on our new partnership with Elece Hempel (PPSC), Petaluma Senior Center, and the planning for a fall Young At Heart style event in Koinonia Hall. Session discussed our upcoming Pedal 4 Protein one-day-ride hosting, and Pam Sommer reported the Worship Commission’s support of the Fijian congregation using our new AVL system (under the condition that their technicians are trained by Enrique Rojas).
Budget and Finance Elder Shawn Dooley reported that through July, the finances for 2022 are in good shape based on the budget. Pledge giving is slightly behind budget, partly due to the normally slow summer giving. This is offset by lower than budgeted expenses to date. Rental income continues to supplement the financial standing of the congregation. Investments are down with the market through June this year.
Session adjourned with prayer at 7:58pm.
[Session did not meet in September]
Session Notes for October 20, 2022
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The Session met on Thursday, October 20 in the Fireside Room for a regularly scheduled meeting. The tone was jovial as everyone arrived, and the conversation about recent church activities so positive, that we didn't end up calling the meeting to order until 6:51pm. We counted that our devotional time and proceeded with the agenda. Items of note, and actions taken, include the following.
The Session voted and formally adopted a Statement of Inclusion, now posted on the church website here.
Session also voted and approved a Stewardship sub-committee to include Pastor John, Shawn Dooley (Budget and Finance Elder) and Roger Johnson (Bookkeeper)
Eric Goodrich and Steve Crook will once again review and update the membership roll, taking appropriate steps to contact absent members per Book of Order procedures.
The Nominating Committee has been actively reaching out to individuals about filling empty Session positions for 2023. All of our fabulous Deacons are staying for 2023. Yay!
A Congregational Meeting to elect new officers (Deacons, Elders, and Nominating Committee members at large) was voted on and set for Sunday, November 20. This is the same day as our Thanksgiving luncheon, which means (1) more people will be present to participate in the meeting, and (2) it will be a very short meeting because everyone will want to get to the luncheon. Ledra Brady (Missions Elder) volunteered to take the lead on organizing the Thanksgiving luncheon this year.
Session set the date of the Joint Meeting (and dinner) of Session and Deacons for Thursday, December 8, 6pm. This year it is the Deacons' turn to provide the meal.
Thanks to the faithful contributions from the congregation, giving has trended close to the budget for the year through September. Rental income has also tracked with the budget. Although, utility costs have increased at a greater rate than anticipated, overall expenses have been kept in line with expectations. Investments have taken a hit this year, but paying off the mortgage has released us from any long term debt.
Session adjourned with prayer at 7:48pm.
The Session voted and formally adopted a Statement of Inclusion, now posted on the church website here.
Session also voted and approved a Stewardship sub-committee to include Pastor John, Shawn Dooley (Budget and Finance Elder) and Roger Johnson (Bookkeeper)
Eric Goodrich and Steve Crook will once again review and update the membership roll, taking appropriate steps to contact absent members per Book of Order procedures.
The Nominating Committee has been actively reaching out to individuals about filling empty Session positions for 2023. All of our fabulous Deacons are staying for 2023. Yay!
A Congregational Meeting to elect new officers (Deacons, Elders, and Nominating Committee members at large) was voted on and set for Sunday, November 20. This is the same day as our Thanksgiving luncheon, which means (1) more people will be present to participate in the meeting, and (2) it will be a very short meeting because everyone will want to get to the luncheon. Ledra Brady (Missions Elder) volunteered to take the lead on organizing the Thanksgiving luncheon this year.
Session set the date of the Joint Meeting (and dinner) of Session and Deacons for Thursday, December 8, 6pm. This year it is the Deacons' turn to provide the meal.
Thanks to the faithful contributions from the congregation, giving has trended close to the budget for the year through September. Rental income has also tracked with the budget. Although, utility costs have increased at a greater rate than anticipated, overall expenses have been kept in line with expectations. Investments have taken a hit this year, but paying off the mortgage has released us from any long term debt.
Session adjourned with prayer at 7:48pm.
Session Notes for January 19, 2023
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The January 19 Session meeting was held in the Fireside room and called to order with prayer at 6:30pm. It was our first meeting with our newly elected and installed Elders: Phoebe Antonia and Sue Carson (co-chairing our Mission/Outreach Commission), Wayne Roberts (Facilities), and Susan Pearce (Budget and Finance). In addition we had Pam Sommer (Worship), Joyce Schipper (Deacon Moderator and representative to Session), Mark Sturges (Personnel), Ledra Brady (Congregational Life), and Pastor John (Moderator).
Following approval of the agenda, Pastor John gave a brief Session mini-orientation, followed by a Pastor's report. That report included a conversation about discerning our 2023 commission priorities, and the creation of a master calendar for the year. Now that we are back in person, it's time to get organized after a chaotic Covid season. We'll be figuring out what we want to focus our time, energy and resources on accomplishing, and establishing which commission will be responsible for each activity or event. To that end, we scheduled a follow-up Zoom meeting for Tuesday, January 24 with the sole purpose of working on this master calendar. The master calendar will also come in handy for others in the congregation who are beginning to take a more active and intentional role in promoting our church activities across our digital platforms (website, Facebook, Instagram, NextDoor). Pastor John also gave a brief update on his Sabbatical planning, including some of the people who will be providing some pastoral coverage while he is away: Rev. Linda Powers, Rev. Nancy Martin Vincent, Rev. Eric Beene, Ariel Mink.
Shaw Dooley (Clerk of Session) presented the Clerk's report which included the following.
Susan Pearce and Shawn Dooley then gave the Budget and Finance report. We closed out 2022 in a good financial position. Overall giving was slightly above budget. Rental income continued to come in as budgeted. Commissions did a great job monitoring spending throughout the year. Utility expenses were higher than expected. Investments took a hit in 2022, but we still have reserves. The building fund has some cash remaining heading into 2023 after paying off the mortgage and the AVL project in 2022!
Pam Sommer brought a motion to approve Rony Kurniawan as the newest Worship Commission member. Rony will be an important link between the Worship Commission, our AVL Technician Enrique Rojas, and our AVL volunteers. Motion approved. Pam also brought to Session's attention an idea that was inspired by our Stewardship Sunday pledges of time and talents. What if we created a resources page where congregants could offer services to fellow congregants. For example, simple sewing, handyman services, etc.). WC will work on developing the idea.
Session adjourned with prayer at 7:50pm.
It was a wonderful first meeting with the new Session. We're off to a great start!
Following approval of the agenda, Pastor John gave a brief Session mini-orientation, followed by a Pastor's report. That report included a conversation about discerning our 2023 commission priorities, and the creation of a master calendar for the year. Now that we are back in person, it's time to get organized after a chaotic Covid season. We'll be figuring out what we want to focus our time, energy and resources on accomplishing, and establishing which commission will be responsible for each activity or event. To that end, we scheduled a follow-up Zoom meeting for Tuesday, January 24 with the sole purpose of working on this master calendar. The master calendar will also come in handy for others in the congregation who are beginning to take a more active and intentional role in promoting our church activities across our digital platforms (website, Facebook, Instagram, NextDoor). Pastor John also gave a brief update on his Sabbatical planning, including some of the people who will be providing some pastoral coverage while he is away: Rev. Linda Powers, Rev. Nancy Martin Vincent, Rev. Eric Beene, Ariel Mink.
Shaw Dooley (Clerk of Session) presented the Clerk's report which included the following.
- Scheduling the Session Retreat for August 19
- Electing Corporate officers: Clerk (Shawn Dooley), Treasurer (Shawn Dooley), President (Susan Pearce), Secretary (Sue Carson)
- Election of Presbytery Delegates: Ledra Brady and Roger Johnson
- Election of Nominating Committee Representatives from Session: Pam Sommer and Phoebe Antonio
- Vote to designate FPCP's 2023 Mission Commitment to the Presbytery ($1,800) as follows: 75% going to Presbytery of the Redwoods/Synod of the Pacific Partnership, and 25% going to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Mission.
Susan Pearce and Shawn Dooley then gave the Budget and Finance report. We closed out 2022 in a good financial position. Overall giving was slightly above budget. Rental income continued to come in as budgeted. Commissions did a great job monitoring spending throughout the year. Utility expenses were higher than expected. Investments took a hit in 2022, but we still have reserves. The building fund has some cash remaining heading into 2023 after paying off the mortgage and the AVL project in 2022!
Pam Sommer brought a motion to approve Rony Kurniawan as the newest Worship Commission member. Rony will be an important link between the Worship Commission, our AVL Technician Enrique Rojas, and our AVL volunteers. Motion approved. Pam also brought to Session's attention an idea that was inspired by our Stewardship Sunday pledges of time and talents. What if we created a resources page where congregants could offer services to fellow congregants. For example, simple sewing, handyman services, etc.). WC will work on developing the idea.
Session adjourned with prayer at 7:50pm.
It was a wonderful first meeting with the new Session. We're off to a great start!
Session Notes for February 16, 2023
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The First Presbyterian Church Session met for their regularly scheduled Stated Meeting on February 16. The meeting was called to order with prayer at 6:35pm, with half of the members in the fireside room, and half joining in on zoom. The Consent Calendar was approved, including the recognition of new commission members, including for Worship: Marcille Roth, Debby Sturges; for Budget & Finance: Dan Ellecamp, Dan Mulkey, Eric Goodrich, Shawn Dooley; for Mission/Outreach (Session officially combined these two commissions at the January meeting): Bob Heyman, Pascale Webb, Jack Shipper; Congregational Life: Roger Johnson, Cretia Horn, Dorothy Teply, Susan Pearce.
Pastor John gave an update on his sabbatical planning. An all-star lineup is already scheduled to provide pastoral leadership and preaching on Sunday mornings, including Rev. Eric Beene (General Presbyter), Ariel Mink (Stated Clerk), Rev. Dr. Nancy Martin Vincent (Synod of the Pacific Executive), Paul Slaiku (Presbytery Moderator) and Rev. Linda Powers (Presbytery Vice-Moderator). Linda and Nancy will be on-call to respond to pastoral emergencies. With Linda Powers' leukemia diagnosis, John has put together a Plan B just in case Linda is not feel up on those particular Sundays. John encouraged us all to keep Linda in our prayers. John also gave an update on revisions to refine the Events Coordinator part of Grete Hansen's new position description. Grete will begin contacting and introducing herself to our campus tenants; work with Pastor John, Steve Crook, and our web support team to complete the rental pages on the church website; meet with Steve Crook to be brought up to speed on rental contract procedures, and begin a list of ideas for how we can expand our marketing of the space we have available for rentals. As we look to the future of our partnership with tenants, and use of the campus to generate revenue, this position is key to our long term success and sustainability.
Budget & Finance Elder, Susan Pearce, reported that for January, expenses were slightly higher than budgeted but pledge giving was also slightly higher than expected, so overall we are on target for the first month of 2023. The BFC is working with the Facilities Commission on a plan to fund the Agape House foundation repairs needed this year.
Wayne Roberts presented a motion from the Facilities Commission to allow beer and wine to be served on April 15th for an 85th birthday event (this is an outside group renting the kitchen and Koinonia Hall). Motion was passed. Session will work on amending the Standing Rules and rental contracts (with Steve Crook who has been handling all rental contracts) to include guidelines around the use of alcohol on campus.
Worship Elder, Pam Sommer, requested (following our hosting of this month's Presbytery meeting) that we find ways to better communicate to the congregation what the Presbytery is and does, who its leaders are, who our Elder Commissioners to Presbytery are (Roger Johnson and Ledra Brady), and what resources for congregations are available through the Presbytery. Pastor John will meet with Ledra, Pam and Roger to come up with a communication strategy for this.
A general calendar conversation took place to clarify upcoming events, who is taking the lead, and who will be in supporting roles. Of note: Lenten Suppers beginning February 22 (5:00pm-6:30pm), New Members Reception (February 26), Palm Sunday Breakfast, and Young At Heart events (this year with a goal of developing this in partnership with Petaluma People Services Center).
Finally, Deacon representative shared about a conversation from COTS asking if we could house someone for a night or two. At the time of the call, the decision was made (in conversation with Pastor John) that we were not set up for this. After more conversation with Session, the consensus was that this would be difficult. John will reach out to Rev. Linda Powers and ask for advice, as this is houselessness is Linda's area of expertise.
Session adjourned with prayer at 7:55pm.
Pastor John gave an update on his sabbatical planning. An all-star lineup is already scheduled to provide pastoral leadership and preaching on Sunday mornings, including Rev. Eric Beene (General Presbyter), Ariel Mink (Stated Clerk), Rev. Dr. Nancy Martin Vincent (Synod of the Pacific Executive), Paul Slaiku (Presbytery Moderator) and Rev. Linda Powers (Presbytery Vice-Moderator). Linda and Nancy will be on-call to respond to pastoral emergencies. With Linda Powers' leukemia diagnosis, John has put together a Plan B just in case Linda is not feel up on those particular Sundays. John encouraged us all to keep Linda in our prayers. John also gave an update on revisions to refine the Events Coordinator part of Grete Hansen's new position description. Grete will begin contacting and introducing herself to our campus tenants; work with Pastor John, Steve Crook, and our web support team to complete the rental pages on the church website; meet with Steve Crook to be brought up to speed on rental contract procedures, and begin a list of ideas for how we can expand our marketing of the space we have available for rentals. As we look to the future of our partnership with tenants, and use of the campus to generate revenue, this position is key to our long term success and sustainability.
Budget & Finance Elder, Susan Pearce, reported that for January, expenses were slightly higher than budgeted but pledge giving was also slightly higher than expected, so overall we are on target for the first month of 2023. The BFC is working with the Facilities Commission on a plan to fund the Agape House foundation repairs needed this year.
Wayne Roberts presented a motion from the Facilities Commission to allow beer and wine to be served on April 15th for an 85th birthday event (this is an outside group renting the kitchen and Koinonia Hall). Motion was passed. Session will work on amending the Standing Rules and rental contracts (with Steve Crook who has been handling all rental contracts) to include guidelines around the use of alcohol on campus.
Worship Elder, Pam Sommer, requested (following our hosting of this month's Presbytery meeting) that we find ways to better communicate to the congregation what the Presbytery is and does, who its leaders are, who our Elder Commissioners to Presbytery are (Roger Johnson and Ledra Brady), and what resources for congregations are available through the Presbytery. Pastor John will meet with Ledra, Pam and Roger to come up with a communication strategy for this.
A general calendar conversation took place to clarify upcoming events, who is taking the lead, and who will be in supporting roles. Of note: Lenten Suppers beginning February 22 (5:00pm-6:30pm), New Members Reception (February 26), Palm Sunday Breakfast, and Young At Heart events (this year with a goal of developing this in partnership with Petaluma People Services Center).
Finally, Deacon representative shared about a conversation from COTS asking if we could house someone for a night or two. At the time of the call, the decision was made (in conversation with Pastor John) that we were not set up for this. After more conversation with Session, the consensus was that this would be difficult. John will reach out to Rev. Linda Powers and ask for advice, as this is houselessness is Linda's area of expertise.
Session adjourned with prayer at 7:55pm.
Session Notes for March 16, 2023
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The March 16 meeting of Session was called to order with prayer at 6:35pm, with some members in the Fireside Room and others joining in on Zoom. Session approved Facilities Commission and Congregational Life Commission members. With Clerk of Session, Shawn Dooley, unable to attend the meeting, Sue Carson was elected to serve as Temporary Clerk.
Discussion was held over who will be covering pastoral emergencies: Rev. Nancy Martin Vincent, Rev. Linda Lane-Bortell (Christ Presbyterian Church in Terra Linda), moderating session (Rev. Nancy Martin Vincent) and preaching while he is gone (Paul Slaikeu, Rev. Nancy Martin Vincent, Ariel Mink, Rev. Joanne Whitt, Rev. Judy Slater, Rev. Eric Beene).
There were various discussions about “walking with John as he goes on his pilgrimage.” Because of safety concerns and confidentiality, he’d rather it be general and not specific day by day. He’s comfortable with a map of the area and tracing his route. It also was discussed since he will be hiking 500 miles, the church family also keep track of their local walking mileage in solidarity with him.
There was a discussion on whether we need to have someone answering the phone in the office. Roger has all calls forwarded to him at home, and is in the office on Wednesdays and Fridays. It was decided that whether we need someone in the office (or not) on the days Roger is not in, we should discussed this further, but at the very lease we need to begin to write a procedural manual for the office administrative responsibilities. All of this will be tabled until after John returns from sabbatical.
Question about announcements--It was suggested that someone other than the pastor should make the Sunday morning announcements while John is on sabbatical. Should the worship leader do the announcements? It is ok to have a number of people making the announcements as long as they are cleared ahead of time. It was pointed out that announcements are in the Exchange, will be in the Bulletin, and perhaps still announced in person to communicate three times to the congregation.
Book to read while John is gone on his pilgrimage: Pilgrimage to Eternity, by Timothy Egan. This is a book that Pam and Homer have read and passed on to Pastor John.
Clerk’s Report (per Pastor John)--Three personnel annual reviews have been completed.
Budget & Finance report was given by Susan Pearce. Presbytery committee on Mission & Finance has given an informal ok for the $100,000 loan for the Agape House. It will be formalized after their May meeting. Giving is on target. We're $4,500 over budget on maintenance because of utilities. The utilities were built into the original rental agreement with our tenants. Since so much has changed since then (prices going way up), perhaps it is time to revisit this with our tenants. We should rely upon Steve Crook’s advice on this. Question of whether we have the correct credit card—after studying the options, it was recommended from the Budget & Finance Commission that we do have the best for us—Cash Back from Chase. There was a $9,359 correction that will be corrected next month in “other income”.
Deacon Moderator, Joyce Schipper, reported for the Deacons. Attendance pads are now in the back of the chairs. It helps us keep track of ourselves and visitors. Deacons will call upon those members we haven’t heard from in awhile. The Mission/Outreach Commission will be responsible for calling visitors. We missed the Women’s retreat taking place in April at Westminster Woods. The Deacons recommend that we have another women’s retreat in the Fall for our own members. It was also proposed we have an All Church Retreat. We will probably wait until next year since the October Women’s retreat has already been established.
Personnel Elder, Mark Sturges, reported the overall process of annual reviews of staff will be completed by April 1, 2023. After Pastor John was excused from the meeting temporarily, Mark passed out a draft of Pastor John’s self-evaluation going over his goals and challenges he faced during the year. He also passed out the draft evaluation prepared by Mark Sturgess, Mike Glose and Eric Goodrich. Session was asked to review and make suggestions/edits/ comments by next Wednesday. The final evaluation will be given to Pastor John on March 28, 2023 at a 12:30 lunch. Everyone is invited from Session to attend, but let Mark know. Pastor John is responsible for giving evaluations to his own staff.
Worship Elder, Pam Sommer, presented the following motion: “Approval of receiving free will donations during the FPCP Choir Concert with the Bethel Fijian Congregation, tentatively scheduled for April 30, 2023. Proceeds to be split three ways: Music Reserve (“Designated) Fund, Bethel Fijian Church, a local homeless organization” This was passed unanimously.
A motion was also made and seconded “To approve Ledra Brady (Ruling Elder), to the ministry of Extended Serving of the Communion of the Church (W-3.3616e) allowing her to take the bread and cup to church members who cannot be present in the sanctuary for Communion celebrations." This was unanimously passed.
The meeting was adjourned by Pastor John at 8:05pm.
The next session meeting will be in May.
Discussion was held over who will be covering pastoral emergencies: Rev. Nancy Martin Vincent, Rev. Linda Lane-Bortell (Christ Presbyterian Church in Terra Linda), moderating session (Rev. Nancy Martin Vincent) and preaching while he is gone (Paul Slaikeu, Rev. Nancy Martin Vincent, Ariel Mink, Rev. Joanne Whitt, Rev. Judy Slater, Rev. Eric Beene).
There were various discussions about “walking with John as he goes on his pilgrimage.” Because of safety concerns and confidentiality, he’d rather it be general and not specific day by day. He’s comfortable with a map of the area and tracing his route. It also was discussed since he will be hiking 500 miles, the church family also keep track of their local walking mileage in solidarity with him.
There was a discussion on whether we need to have someone answering the phone in the office. Roger has all calls forwarded to him at home, and is in the office on Wednesdays and Fridays. It was decided that whether we need someone in the office (or not) on the days Roger is not in, we should discussed this further, but at the very lease we need to begin to write a procedural manual for the office administrative responsibilities. All of this will be tabled until after John returns from sabbatical.
Question about announcements--It was suggested that someone other than the pastor should make the Sunday morning announcements while John is on sabbatical. Should the worship leader do the announcements? It is ok to have a number of people making the announcements as long as they are cleared ahead of time. It was pointed out that announcements are in the Exchange, will be in the Bulletin, and perhaps still announced in person to communicate three times to the congregation.
Book to read while John is gone on his pilgrimage: Pilgrimage to Eternity, by Timothy Egan. This is a book that Pam and Homer have read and passed on to Pastor John.
Clerk’s Report (per Pastor John)--Three personnel annual reviews have been completed.
Budget & Finance report was given by Susan Pearce. Presbytery committee on Mission & Finance has given an informal ok for the $100,000 loan for the Agape House. It will be formalized after their May meeting. Giving is on target. We're $4,500 over budget on maintenance because of utilities. The utilities were built into the original rental agreement with our tenants. Since so much has changed since then (prices going way up), perhaps it is time to revisit this with our tenants. We should rely upon Steve Crook’s advice on this. Question of whether we have the correct credit card—after studying the options, it was recommended from the Budget & Finance Commission that we do have the best for us—Cash Back from Chase. There was a $9,359 correction that will be corrected next month in “other income”.
Deacon Moderator, Joyce Schipper, reported for the Deacons. Attendance pads are now in the back of the chairs. It helps us keep track of ourselves and visitors. Deacons will call upon those members we haven’t heard from in awhile. The Mission/Outreach Commission will be responsible for calling visitors. We missed the Women’s retreat taking place in April at Westminster Woods. The Deacons recommend that we have another women’s retreat in the Fall for our own members. It was also proposed we have an All Church Retreat. We will probably wait until next year since the October Women’s retreat has already been established.
Personnel Elder, Mark Sturges, reported the overall process of annual reviews of staff will be completed by April 1, 2023. After Pastor John was excused from the meeting temporarily, Mark passed out a draft of Pastor John’s self-evaluation going over his goals and challenges he faced during the year. He also passed out the draft evaluation prepared by Mark Sturgess, Mike Glose and Eric Goodrich. Session was asked to review and make suggestions/edits/ comments by next Wednesday. The final evaluation will be given to Pastor John on March 28, 2023 at a 12:30 lunch. Everyone is invited from Session to attend, but let Mark know. Pastor John is responsible for giving evaluations to his own staff.
Worship Elder, Pam Sommer, presented the following motion: “Approval of receiving free will donations during the FPCP Choir Concert with the Bethel Fijian Congregation, tentatively scheduled for April 30, 2023. Proceeds to be split three ways: Music Reserve (“Designated) Fund, Bethel Fijian Church, a local homeless organization” This was passed unanimously.
A motion was also made and seconded “To approve Ledra Brady (Ruling Elder), to the ministry of Extended Serving of the Communion of the Church (W-3.3616e) allowing her to take the bread and cup to church members who cannot be present in the sanctuary for Communion celebrations." This was unanimously passed.
The meeting was adjourned by Pastor John at 8:05pm.
The next session meeting will be in May.