STATED MEETING OF SESSION
OLD PRESBYTERIAN MEETING HOUSE
April 28, 2014
1. INITIAL ACTS
The meeting was called to order in Heritage Hall by the Rev. Dr. Robert R. Laha, Jr, at 7:02 p.m. The Clerk noted that a quorum was present.
Elder Stalun opened with an excerpt from "Your Church is Too Safe" by Mark Buchanan regarding moving from complacent to more compassionate.
Roll was taken:
MEMBERS OF SESSION PRESENT:
Marty Barolo, Leo Biette-Timmons, Paul Browne, Dana Chipman, Gerry Cooper, Catherine Davis, Susan Grandy, David Gray. the Rev. Ann Herlin, Jan Herring, Rich Johnson, the Rev. Dr. Robert R. Laha, Jr., Linda Lanam, Shannon Lisecki, Joe McCoy, Peggy Newman, Pete Osman, Jenny Parker, Lora Ries, Beth Sanderson, Jerry Stalun, Derrick Surratt, Hugh Van Horn, Larry Williams, Mark Yachmetz.
MEMBERS OF SESSION EXCUSED: Sam Chamberlain, Anna Davis.
MEMBERS OF SESSION ABSENT: Meredith Poe.
OTHERS PRESENT: Clerk of Session Cary Pugh, Church Administrator Bob Clark, Church Director of Christian Education Priscilla Andre-Colton, Church Director of Music and Organist Sam Baker, Deacon Representative Lenore Marema.
The following Minutes were approved as noted:
March 24, 2014, stated meeting of Session, with correction.
April 6, 2014, called meeting of Session, as distributed.
April 6, 2014, called meeting of the Congregation, as distributed.
2. COMMUNICATIONS
The clerk noted correspondence from Covenant Network to be shared with Elder Williams.
The clerk noted that for 2014, starting with the May meeting, the Meeting House will be allocated 4 elder-commissioners for presbytery meetings.
Session then approved the election of Elders Chipman, Johnson and Osman, with Elder Cooper as an alternate to the Presbytery meeting on May 20, 2014.
3. COMMISSIONS TO RECORD
Baptisms: Cheryl Lynn Harris, on March 30, 2014, the Rev. Ann Herlin officiating;
Tobiah Jacob Harris, son of Joshua and Cheryl Harris, on March 30, 2014, the Rev. Ann Herlin officiating;
Elizabeth Lee Enos, daughter of Sara and Michel Enos, on April 6, 2014, the Rev. Robert Laha, Jr. officiating;
Katherine Grace Lambert, daughter of Laura and Edmond Lambert, on April 6, 2014, the Rev. Robert Laha, Jr. officiating.
Deaths: Lillian “Neense” Vunck Clark (m) on March 25, 2014. A memorial service was held at Westminster at Lake Ridge, VA on March 29, 2014, the Rev. Ann Herlin and the Rev. Dawn Haeger officiating;
Frances Simpson Risdon (m) on March 27, 2014. A memorial service was held at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House on April 2, 2014, the Rev. Ann Herlin officiating.
Mary Janet Blackburn Renaud (m) on April 11, 2014. A memorial service was held at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House on April 17, 2014, the Rev. Ann Herlin officiating.
Molly Dwan Ellsworth (nm) on March 19, 2014. A memorial service was held at the Meeting House on Saturday, April 12, 2014, the Rev. Ann Herlin officiating.
Communion: March 25, 2014 8:30 am;
March 30, 2014; 8:30 am;
April 6, 2014; 8:30 and 11:00 am;
April 13, 2014; 8:30 am;
April 27, 2014; 8:30 am;
May 4, 2014; 8:30 am.
4. SPECIAL REPORTS
DIACONATE REPORT TO SESSION
Deacon Marema reported on the success of the Heritage lunch and future luncheon ideas. She also reported that the Diaconate is exploring options for creating a new pictorial directory, including “Send a Selfie Sunday”. Lastly the Diaconate is looking forward to a new class of Deacons and Deacon training. The church directory will especially help new Deacons becoming familiar with their Deacon-nets.
REPORT TO SESSION FROM DIACONATE MEETING
Elder Yachmetz commented on the focus of the Diaconate on the transition and the impressive handbook. Session congratulated Deacon Marema.
REPORT TO SESSION FROM PRESBYTERY MEETING.
N/A.
5. STANDING MINISTRIES
In addition to the written reports distributed prior to the meeting, the following matters were addressed during the meeting:
STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE MINISTRY
Elder Osman highlighted the progress on the Spirit of 1776 and paying down the principal on the outstanding debt. On the operating budget, the pledges have fallen short about $37,000 of the budget. Elder Osman noted in particular the decline in pledging units even as membership has remained approximately the same and revenue has remained reasonable constant meaning that fewer members are paying more. Elder Osman has prepared letters for members and wants to target in particular members who are not pledging. This is but one piece of consideration of stewardship broadly. Elder Osman has been formulating ideas for continuous stewardship based on readings and programs that he and Church Administrator Clark have attended recently.
The Moderator added his observations about stewardship being a fall-only event whereas it should be year round and the challenge of non-pledging members (for various reasons). The Moderator shared a chapter entitled “Making the Annual Pledge Drive Obsolete” for Session review and reflection. He highlighted the need for leadership to set the tone that this is a high-expectation church, distinguishing between membership and discipleship, challenging members and leaders, and expecting members to give in the 5% to 10% range. The Moderator then lifted up specific points from the article and his optimism for the future as the church works together on stewardship.
EDUCATION MINISTRY
Elder Catherine Davis highlighted the Confirmation dinner on Thursday May 1, 2014, and the statements of faith that Church Educator Andre-Colton circulated earlier on April 28, 2014, via email. Session was urged to read and come with questions Thursday. The confirmands will be received at the 11 AM worship service on Sunday, May 4. Youth Sunday will be May 11.
MISSION MINISTRY
Elder Williams noted that Mission will be hosting coffee hour Sunday. He reported on the celebration of the Meeting House’s 37-year association with Guest House and Jeannette Smalling’s and Nancy Hamilton’s commitment. The children’s ministry provided welcome baskets for new residents and the evening raised over $3000. Elder Williams particularly commended Ann Timmons and her hard work. In addition, Service Sunday will be June 1 and Stop Hunger Now will be June 8. The Moderator observed that Sally Laha was so impressed she has taken this to her school and they packed over 30,000 lunches.
MEMBERSHIP & EVANGELISM MINISTRY
Elder Barolo reminded Session of the Church picnic on Sunday, May 4. The Ministry is looking forward to having Rev. Katherine Stanford join us. Elder Barolo will circulate the “Lemonade on the Lawn” schedule. The Ministry discussed the picture directory concept and Elder Barolo expressed optimism that it will happen. Elder Ries suggested we could begin taking photos at the Church picnic.
ADMINISTRATION MINISTRY
Elder Sanderson reported that History and Archives wants to do a celebration of the reopening of the sanctuary perhaps June 15, 2014 (Father’s Day). Music Director Baker continues to work on a replacement for his sabbatical. The Ministry also plans to schedule a celebration for all who helped on an interim basis in leading worship and providing staffing support.
FACILITIES MINISTRY
Elder Yachmetz reported on new gutters and receipt of estimates for all roofs and gutters (approximately $18,000). This would consume approximately one-half of the funds available for projects this year. The Ministry therefore is working to identify the projects that provide visible results, and is obtaining pricing for painting the buildings. Another project on the list is the sound system, which also falls under another Ministry. The Ministry also discussed various fixtures at the front of the church and asked that Session discuss at the May meeting.
The Ministry has developed a proposed burial ground policy for placing markers in the Burial Grounds for discussion at the May meeting. The recent request to place a plaque prompted a concern about the lack of any policy. Elder Parker noted that the Burial Committee is considering the broader policy issue. Elder McCoy asked for consideration of the proper use of the space (and wondered whether the name connoted a pre-conceived view of the space).
The Ministry also discussed moving markers, specifically that of Dr. Muir, temporarily while work is being done on landscaping.
WORSHIP MINISTRY
Elder McCoy noted that the Ministry did not meet in April because of Holy Week. The Ministry continues to updated guidelines to be used for Worship, including the duty elder check list, and asked that duty elders identify to him any issues. The same process is ongoing with respect to ushers and Duty Deacons. Elder van Horn praised the photos of the Sanctuary lay out for the various services as a guide to duty elders.
6. SPECIAL COMMISSIONS
None.
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
8. NEW BUSINESS
The weekend is full of activities, including the Celebration Derby party, Sunday worship, which will include Rev. Stanford, baptisms, confirmation, the called Congregational meeting to elect new officers, and the all-church picnic.
The Moderator will circulate dates for examination of officers-elect and the next stated Session meeting.
9. JOYS AND CONCERNS
Rev. Herlin celebrated the long-time members who joined the Heritage Lunch and gave thanks for the lives and service of a number of long-time members who entered the Church Triumphant.
On Memorial Day weekend, there will be a memorial at the OPMH for long time members of a Richmond church who were resident at Westminster.
The Pastors and Elders shared other joys and concerns.
10. ADJOURN/PRAYER
The meeting was closed with prayer by Elder Parker at 8:06 p.m.
______
Cary D. Pugh
Clerk of Session