STATED MEETING OF SESSION
OLD PRESBYTERIAN MEETING HOUSE
February 25, 2013
- INITIAL ACTS
The meeting was called to order in Heritage Hall by the Rev. Dr. Robert Laha, Jr., at 7:10 pm. The Clerk noted a quorum was present.
Elder Williams opened the meeting with a Devotional centered around an article about the little miracles through God that help the author connect with the people around her. He closed with a prayer.
Roll was taken:
MEMBERS OF SESSION PRESENT:
Marty Barolo, Jim Beall, Laura Campbell, Sam Chamberlain, Gerry Cooper, Catherine Davis,Gail Freunsch, Rich Johnson, Alan Matney, Joe McCoy, Peggy Newman, Pete Osman, Jenny Parker, Lora Ries, Beth Sanderson, Derrick Surratt, Hugh Van Horn, Larry Williams, Mark Yachmetz, the Rev. Ann Herlin, the Rev. Dr. Robert Laha, Jr. (Moderator)
MEMBERS OF SESSION EXCUSED:
Emma Beall, Kathy Callahan, Brian Comey, Rob Dunn, David Gray, Linda Lanam, Norma Roberts
OTHERS PRESENT:
Church Educator Priscilla Andre-Colton, Church Administrator Bob Clark, Church Director of Music Sam Baker, Diaconate representative Carol Black, Confirmands and their families.
Confirmands were introduced by elders and shared with the Session a bit about themselves. Session members welcomed the Confirmands and expressed encouragement on their journey toward full membership in the church.
Approval of Minutes:
Minutes of Stated Meeting of Session, January 28, 2013, were approved without exception.
- COMMUNICATIONS
None
- COMMISSIONS TO RECORD
Baptisms:Bryce Alexander Daugherity, son of Reid and Jennifer Daugherity, on February 17, 2013, the Rev. Ann Herlin officiating;
Beau Alexander Gorham, son of Richard and Hollis Gorham, on February 17, 2013, the Rev. Ann Herlin officiating.
Weddings:None.
Deaths:None.
Membership:Transferred byLetter of Transfer
Camilo, Lisa and Paul Bearman to Westminster Presbyterian Church, Charlottesville, VA
Communion:February 3, 2013; 8:30 and 11:00 am;
February 10, 2013; 8:30 am;
February 17, 2013; 8:30 am;
February 24, 2013; 8:30 am.
- ORDER OF THE DAY
Elders Sanderson and Chamberlain, co-chairs of the upcoming capital campaign, gave an introduction to the campaign and the anticipated next steps towards implementation.
The campaign will be entitled "The Spirit of 1772" and be centered around remembering and rediscovering connections with the founding members of the Meeting House along with other past congregations and how our present day church benefits greatly from their past contributions. A primary goal of the campaign will be to recognize our present day relative position of abundance, compared to previous congregations, and to explore how we can contribute now in a meaningful way that will be equally meaningful for future generations.
Session was asked for their support of the campaign both as participants and promoters of this significant effort.
- SPECIAL REPORTS
DIACONATE REPORT TO SESSION
Deacon Carol Black reported on the general activities of the Diaconate emphasizing their on-going NET outreach effort which continues to evolve and is successfully building connections among congregation members.
REPORT TO SESSION FROM DIACONATE MEETING
None
REPORT TO SESSION FROM PRESBYTERY MEETING.
Elder Williamsreported on his participation in a small group session on gun violence that preceded the business meeting. Elders Williams and Parker summarized activities of the Plenary Session which included a report on status of the Presbytery owned camp at Meadowkirk, voting on proposed amendments to the Book of Order, approval of an updated translation of the Heidelberg Catechism and the first reading of proposed restructuring of the Council structure.
- STANDING MINISTRIES
In addition to the written reports distributed prior to the meeting, the following matters were addressed during the meeting:
EDUCATION MINISTRY
Church Educator Priscilla Andre-Colton provided a summary of offerings for Adult Education and reminded Session of the upcoming Chili Cook-off organized by the youth.
MISSION MINISTRY
Elder Williams presented a joint proposal with the Youth Education Committee to organize a packaging event for the group Stop Hunger Now. This event will be held at the church and with volunteers from the congregation will prepare 10,000 meals to be delivered world-wide by this organization. The event will cost $2,500 and the ministry plans to conduct a fundraising effort for approximately $1,200 of this amount. It was moved, seconded and unanimously approved to allow the ministry to conduct the fundraising effort.
MEMBERSHIP AND EVANGELISM MINISTRY
Elder Newman reported on the upcoming annual church dinner to be held at Goodwin House on March 3rd, a new member Tea & Tour planned for April and the church-wide picnic scheduled for May 5 at Fort Hunt Park.
ADMINISTRATION MINISTRY
No meeting this month.
FACILITIES MINISTRY
Elder Yachmetz reminded about the Church-wide Spring Work-Day scheduled for March 16, 2013. Everyone is encouraged to attend.
WORSHIP MINISTRY
Elder Beall distributed a revised Elder Duty Schedule and noted that the assignments in the Session agenda did not yet reflect this update.
STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE MINISTRY
Church Administrator Bob Clark reminded ministry chairs to submit line item breakdowns of their approved budgets for 2013.
- SPECIAL COMMISSIONS
None.
- UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
- NEW BUSINESS
Rev. Laha reminded Session of the Meeting House's long-standing commitment to and support of the Reformed Institute. The institute has asked for a renewal of the Meeting House's financial commitment and Rev. Laha recommended approval by Session. There was no objection.
Report from Gun Violence Task Force: Elder Osman reported on recent activities of the task force including ideas for education and a proposal to offer individual congregation members opportunities for action. He will offer a Minute for Mission during the next worship service and asked Session for authorization to inform the congregation about a sample letter, prepared by the task force, that individuals can use as a template for contacting elected leaders. It was moved, seconded and unanimously approved to allow the task force to promote this opportunity for individual action.
Elder Williams informed Session of an upcoming event, planned for March 2, 2013 at New York Ave. Presbyterian Church, that will examine the larger church's responsibility towards promoting non-violence and what a church might look like that seeks this goal. He extended an invitation to others to join him at the event.
The next Stated Meeting of the Session will be on March 25, 2013 at 7:00 pm., in Heritage Hall.
- JOYS AND CONCERNS
The Pastors and Session members shared pastoral joys and concerns within the congregation and in the greater world, including special prayers for the upcoming retreat for Confirmands.
- ADJOURN/PRAYER
The meeting was closed with prayer by Elder Parker at 8:22 pm.
______
Joseph B. McCoy
Acting Clerk of Session