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.
Session Notes for August 18, 2022
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.