STATED MEETING OF SESSION
OLD PRESBYTERIAN MEETING HOUSE
February 24, 2014
- INITIAL ACTS
The meeting was called to order in Heritage Hall by the Rev. Dr. Robert R. Laha, Jr., at 7:02pm. The Clerk noted a quorum was present.
Elder Williams opened with a Devotional and prayer.
Roll was taken:
MEMBERS OF SESSION PRESENT:
Marty Barolo, Paul Browne, Sam Chamberlain, Dana Chipman, Gerry Cooper, Anna Davis, Catherine Davis, Susan Grandy, Rich Johnson, Linda Lanam, Shannon Lisecki, Joe McCoy, Peggy Newman, Pete Osman, Jenny Parker, Lora Ries, Jerry Stalun, Hugh Van Horn, Larry Williams, Mark Yachmetz, the Rev. Dr. Robert R. Laha, Jr.,(Moderator), the Rev. Ann Herlin
MEMBERS OF SESSION EXCUSED:
Leo Biette-Timmons, David Gray, Jan Herring, Meredith Poe, Beth Sanderson, Derrick Surratt
OTHERS PRESENT:
Acting Clerk of Session J.C. McElveen, Church Administrator Bob Clark, Church Director of Christian Education Priscilla Andre-Colton, Church Director of Music and Organist Sam Baker, Youth Director Mary Pratt, Chair of Associate Pastor Nominating Committee Sandy Davis, Deacon Representative David Biette, prospective new members
RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS:
The Rev. Dr. Laha indicated that there were several prospective new members present. Members of the Session present introduced themselves and indicated ministries in which they are involved. The prospective members who wished to join the church introduced themselves. It was moved, seconded and unanimously approved to receive the following people as new members.
By Profession of Faith Pending Baptism:
Cheryl Harris
By Reaffirmation of Faith
Joshua Harris
By Letter of Transfer
Elizabeth Huldin (Atonement Lutheran Church, Barrington, IL)
Nelson Huldin (Atonement Lutheran Church, Barrington, IL)
The new members were warmly welcomed by all present and departed.
Approval of Minutes:
Minutes of Stated Meeting of Session, January 27, 2014, approved without change.
- COMMUNICATIONS
None
- COMMISSIONS TO RECORD
Baptisms:None
Weddings:Jennifer Pugh (nm) and Scott Stephens (nm) on February 22, 2014, at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, the Rev. Geoffrey McLean officiating
Deaths:William A. Cobun (m) on January 27, 2014
A. Joyce Cornell Bullen (nm) on January 21, 2014. A graveside service was held at the Rock Creek Cemetery on February 8, 2014, the Rev. Ann Herlin officiating.
Membership:Move to Inactive Roll
Susan McShane, moved out of area (at her request)
Dismiss by Letter of Transfer
Geoff and Kim Marin, to Burke Presbyterian Church, Burke, VA
Communion:February 2, 2014; 8:30 a.m.
February 9, 2014, 8:30 a.m.
February 16, 2014; 8:30 a.m.
February 23, 2014; 8:30 a.m.
- ORDER OF THE DAY
Report from the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee:
Mr. Davis, Chair of the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee, reported the Committee was nearing the end of its process. A candidate has been selected, and an offer has been made and accepted. The next step is an examination by the Presbytery. Once that examination is completed, the APNC will be free to present the candidate to the congregation, along with the proposed Terms of Call. It was moved, seconded and unanimously approved that Dr. Laha be authorized to call a Congregational Meeting to hear and act on the report of the APNC, once Presbytery has cleared us to proceed.
- SPECIAL REPORTS
DIACONATE REPORT TO SESSION
Deacon Biette reported that the new members tour of the OPMH campus was a great success. He also noted that the Family Picnic will be held May 4, at Fort Hunt Park. The Heritage Luncheon, another very successful activity, for those who have been members of the Meeting House for 35 years or more, will be held on April 27.
REPORT TO SESSION FROM DIACONATE MEETING
Elder Van Horn reported that he and Elder Barolo attended the last meeting of the Diaconate, and Elder Barolo briefed the Deacons on her Ministry.
REPORT TO SESSION FROM PRESBYTERY MEETING.
Elder Parker indicated that Meeting House Clerk Cary Pugh, on behalf of the Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry, reported on alternative means of examination for those who can’t take standardized tests. Elder Parker also noted that a there was a First Reading of certain proposed Financial Policy changes, regarding clergy compensation. A Second Reading will occur at the March Presbytery meeting. She reported that the Session of the Wheaton Community Church was dissolved by Presbytery, and an Administrative Committee would be appointed, to replace that Session. She also reported on two overtures regarding marriage, which have already been forwarded to the General Assembly. Detailed information regarding each of these issues is available from Elder Parker.
- STANDING MINISTRIES
In addition to the written reports distributed prior to the meeting, the following matters were addressed during the meeting:
FACILITIES MINISTRY
Elder Yachmetz reported that the Facilities Ministry is in the process of preparing project lists. Church Administrator Clark is obtaining some estimates for particular projects. March 22 and April 4 will be Meeting House clean-up days.
WORSHIP MINISTRY
Elder McCoy reported that all items of note are included in the Ministry Report.
STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE MINISTRY
Elder Osman reported that, though there are a few pledges which will probably be made in the next several weeks, the amount pledged so far is consistent with budget projections. There will be a seminar, on March 12, at Presbytery, on “Training a Stewardship Team”. Church Administrator Clark and Elder Osman plan to attend.
EDUCATION MINISTRY
Elder Catherine Davis reported that Margo Williams will be coordinating the March 16 Chili Cook-off. The Confirmation Class will have a retreat from February 28-March 2. Dinner with the confirmands’ mentors will be May 1. The confirmands will be received into church membership on May 4. The current Children’s Education model will be used again next year.
MISSION MINISTRY
Elder Williams reported that a Meeting House fundraiser for Friends of Guest House, to celebrate Guest House’s 40th Anniversary, will be held on April 25. The cost will be $25.00 a person. The Community Coalition for Haiti is celebrating its 25th Anniversary on Saturday, March 1, from 5-8 p.m., at Inova EPIC Training Center, in Falls Church. Mary Pratt will be leading a mission trip, for college-aged and other adults, to Johns Island, South Carolina, from May 11-17. A construction project will be undertaken. Randy Drucker will organize a lunch and presentation on March 30, after the 11:00 service, to explore the feasibility of a mission trip to Reynosa, Mexico, in October of 2014. The lunch will be Mexican-themed.
MEMBERSHIP & EVANGELISM MINISTRY
Elder Newman reported that there were 167 people at the Annual Congregational Dinner, on February 23. The silent and live auctions brought in a record amount of money for Family to Family. Elder Anna Davis reported that the February Women’s Breakfast had been a great success.
ADMINISTRATION MINISTRY
There was no report from the Administration Ministry.
- SPECIAL COMMISSIONS
None.
- UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
- NEW BUSINESS
Elders Catherine Davis, Jerry Stalun, Pete Osman and Gerry Cooper were confirmed as Commissioners to the meeting of Presbytery on March 18, 2014.
The next Stated Meeting of the Session will be on March 24, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
- JOYS AND CONCERNS
The Pastor and Session members shared pastoral joys and concerns within the congregation and in the greater world.
- ADJOURN/PRAYER
The meeting was closed with prayer by Elder Newman at 8:33 p.m.
J.C. McElveen
Acting Clerk of Session
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