STATED MEETING OF SESSION
OLD PRESBYTERIAN MEETING HOUSE
NOVEMBER 26, 2007
- INITIAL ACTS
The meeting was called to order with prayer in Heritage Hall by the Moderator, the Rev. Dr. Robert Laha, Jr., at 7:05 p.m. The Moderator noted that a quorum was present.
Dr. Laha offered a guided meditation on First Corinthians Chapter 12. .
The pastors shared pastoral concerns within the Congregation.
Roll was taken:
MEMBERS OF SESSION PRESENT: David Anderson, III, Camilo Bearman, Rebecca Bostick, Ed Cassidy, Dona de Leon, Lee Dorman, Cynthia Douglass, Thomas Downey, Douglas Feaver, James Foley, Cristy Gallagher, Rev. Ann Herlin, Christine Heiby, Peggy Jeens, Eric Johnson, Kem Toole Johnson, Richard Johnson, Carole Kordich, Jeffrey Lenn, Joseph McCoy, Larry Rood, Beth Sanderson
MEMBERS OF SESSION EXCUSED: Denise Ferguson, Robert Neitz, Cary Pugh
MEMBERS OF SESSION ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Christian Educator Priscilla Andre-Colton; Youth Director Cristy Gallagher; Business Administrator Casey Naatjes; Elder Richard Leveridge, Chair, Capital Campaign Committee; Members of the Presbyterian Cemetery Board: Robert Sennewald, Olivia Michener, Hugh Van Horn and Robert Ellis, Cemetery Superintendent
The minutes of the stated meeting of Session of October 22, 2007, were moved, seconded and approved as distributed.
2. COMMUNICATIONS
The Moderator acknowledged a letter of appreciation from the Covenant Network for the $900 contribution from the Meeting House.
3. COMMISSIONS TO RECORD
Baptisms: Caroline Frances Peterson (b. 8/30/07), daughter of Jennifer and Eli Peterson, on 11/11/07, Rev. Ann Herlin officiating.
Weddings: None.
Membership: It was moved, seconded and approved to dismiss from the active roll with
letter of transfer the following members:
Amy Covington Vardell to Covenant Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, N.C.
William and Jane Hoover to Immanuel Presbyterian Church, McLean, VA
Charles Bolton to Old South, First Presbyterian Church, Newburyport,
James F. Padgett to Babcock Presbyterian Church, Towson, MD
Celebration of the Lord’s Supper: 8:30 a.m. services on October 28, November 11, 18 and 25; communion at the home of Peggy Bartow on October 25, served by the Rev. Ann Herlin and Deacon Susan Tuttle.
Capital Campaign Committee: The Moderator introduced Elder Richard Leveridge, who has agreed to serve as Chairman of the Capital Campaign Committee.
Elder Leveridge stated that the goals of the campaign are to retire the debt incurred to construct Elliot House and to address some significant items of deferred maintenance. He observed that interest on the debt creates a $110,000 obligation in the annual budget. With the debt retired, money would be available for the mission and programs of the Church.
Elder Leveridge asked for any recommendations from Session members for his committee.
Columbarium at the Presbyterian Cemetery: The Moderator introduced Elder Sennewald and those present on behalf of the Cemetery Board. Elder Sennewald announced to the Session that the structure of the columbarium in the cemetery is now complete; only some landscaping is necessary for full completion. He stated that the total cost of the columbarium would be approximately $442,000. None of that sum came from the operating funds or other restricted funds of the Meeting House but rather from the cemetery funds only.
Elder Sennewald also announced that the completion would be recognized with a pictorial display and presentation following the 11:00 worship services on December 16 and December 23. A dedication of the columbarium is tentatively scheduled for early January.
The Session thanked the Cemetery Board members for their faithful and fruitful work in bringing the columbarium to completion.
5. STANDING MINISTRIES In addition to the written reports distributed prior to and at the meeting, the following matters were addressed during the meeting:
MINISTRY OF MISSION & OUTREACH – Elder Bearman described this year’s Alternative Giving Program which will emphasize more opportunities for giving and fewer items for sale.
MINISTRY OF MEMBERSHIP & EVANGELISM – Elder de Leon stated that dinner groups were being organized for initial events commencing in January. She also stated that the Congregational dinner was tentatively scheduled for February 24.
MINISTRY OF ADMINSTRATION – It was moved, seconded and approved to elect Elders Bostick and Foley as Session’s representatives to the 2008-2009 Church Officer Nominating Committee.
Elder Feaver, who is chairing the Minister of Music search committee, reported that 90-95 responses had been received to the survey circulated regarding the position.
It was reported that Elder Robert C. Dunn has agreed to chair the Search Committee for the position of Youth Director.
The Moderator announced that Don Dahmann, who has served so conscientiously, is stepping down as Chair of History and Archives. The Session expressed its gratitude for his service.
MINSTRY OF FACILITIES – Elder McCoy reported that a contract has been executed for snow removal for the winter season. There will be parking lot and step/sidewalk crews.
He acknowledged receipt of a letter from Member Barbara Evans concerning use and management of the Church Yard.
MINISTRY OF WORSHIP – Elder Heiby acknowledged the effort of Member Mary McElveen in organizing and editing the Advent devotional booklet, which is now available both in paper and electronic form.
It was moved, seconded and approved to authorize nunc pro tunc the Clergy to schedule all baptisms for 2007.
MINISTRY OF STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE – Elder Richard Johnson reported that Member Caswell Hobbs has agreed to serve as Chairman of a Planned Giving Program Committee.
Elder Johnson provided an update on the operating budget pledge campaign and reported that 27 of the pledges are from new members.
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION – Elder Sanderson reported that Elder Gallagher will serve in the position of Interim Youth Director only through the end of January, 2008. She will remain an active member of Session but personal commitments compel her to step down from the staff position.
Elder Sanderson reported that rotation teachers and shepherds are being assigned for upcoming blocks.
6. NEW BUSINESS. It was moved, seconded and approved to elect the following elders as commissioners to the November meeting of Presbytery: Kem Toole Johnson, Ed Cassidy and Cynthia Douglass.
Church Life 
