STATED MEETING OF SESSION
OLD PRESBYTERIAN MEETING HOUSE
OCTOBER 22, 2007
- INITIAL ACTS
The meeting was called to order with prayer in Heritage Hall by the Moderator, the Rev. Dr. Robert Laha, Jr., at 7:03 p.m. The Moderator noted that a quorum was present.
The pastors shared pastoral concerns within the Congregation and Elder Jeens shared a devotion on the children of the Congregation and a prayer.
Roll was taken:
MEMBERS OF SESSION PRESENT: David Anderson, C. L. Bearman, Ed Cassidy, Dona DeLeon, Lee Dorman, Tom Downey, Cynthia Douglass, Douglas Feaver, Denise Ferguson, James Foley, Christine Gallagher, Rev. Ann Herlin, Christine Heiby, Peggy Jeens, Kem Toole Johnson, Richard Johnson, Carole Kordich, Jeffrey Lenn, Joseph McCoy, Robert Neitz, Cary Pugh
MEMBERS OF SESSION EXCUSED: Rebecca Bostick, Eric Johnson, Lawrence Rood, Beth Sanderson
MEMBERS OF SESSION ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Pastor Larry Lees, Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, Elder Betsy Preston, Westminster Presbyterian Church
The minutes of the stated meeting of September 24, 2007, and the called meetings of October 7, 2007, and October 14, 2007, were moved, seconded and approved as corrected.
2. COMMUNICATIONS – The Moderator acknowledged thank-you letters from Habitat for Humanity and Good News Jail & Prison Ministry. The Clerk acknowledged receipt of a copy of the email communication from Wayne Earnest; a newsletter from Alexandria Tutoring Consortium; a letter and promotional materials from Louisville Seminary; and a copy of the September minutes of the Diaconate.
- COMMISSIONS TO RECORD
Baptisms: Sean Michael Cialdella (b.9/29/06), son of Adriana and Michael Cialdella, on 9/30/07, Rev. Herlin officiating;
Caroline Maclean DeGuenther (b.2/14/06)), daughter of Meredith and John DeGuenther, on 9/30/07, Rev. Laha officiating;
Bennett Kerr Tien Van Hook (b.7/17/06), son of Peggy and Paul Van Hook, on 9/30/07, Rev. Herlin officiating;
Kathryn Elizabeth Adria Whitson (b.5/16/07), daughter of Temple and Stuart Whitson, on 9/30/07, Rev. Laha officiating;
Charles “Charlie” Robert Barwell (b.8/2/07), son of Anne Brooks Barwell and Owen Barwell, on 10/14/07, Rev. Herlin officiating;
Andrew “Drew” David Farley (b.7/28/07), son of Elizabeth and Todd Farley, on 10/14/07, Rev. Herlin officiating;
Kirwan John Prendergast (b.6/20/07), son of Susan and Thomas Prendergast, on 10/14/07, Rev. Laha officiating.
Membership: Dismiss from active roll with letter of transfer:
4. ORDER OF THE DAY
Triennial visit from Presbytery. Rev. Lees opened the dialog with prayer. The Session engaged in a thoughtful discussion of the current state of the church and hopes and challenges for the future based on the questions from Presbytery. Rev. Lees expressed thanks for the discussion and hope that the dialog would continue. Elder Preston closed the discussion with prayer and the Session exchanged greetings with the visitors.
5. SPECIAL REPORTS
Report from Presbytery – Rev. Herlin reported that the Presbytery is considering looking at incorporating Meadowkirk separate from the Presbytery. The Moderator urged the Session to volunteer to serve as Commissioners to Presbytery meetings. Elder Toole will redistribute sign up sheets.
6. 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 EDUCATION – The Adult Education program is actively seeking assistance with set up and clean up; the youth are going to make stockings for soldiers.
MINISTRY OF MISSION AND OUTREACH – Elder Toole noted that alternative giving is coming soon. Session also discussed the future of Concerts for a Cause. This touches several Ministries and an approach for discerning the future of the program will be discussed at the next leadership council meeting. As part of this process, consideration will be given to how to advertise, promote and communicate concerts.
MINISTRY OF MEMBERSHIP AND EVANGELISM – Elder DeLeon reported on the successful intergenerational retreat and efforts to broaden its reach in the coming year. She also reported on an upcoming social event for new members.
MINISTRY OF ADMINISTRATION – Elder Cassidy explained the draft staff design chart and the continuing work of Personnel on the most appropriate staff design for the ministry of the church.
MINISTRY OF WORSHIP – Elder Heiby reported that Worship is seeking new lay readers and will offer training. In addition, the church will offer “Noonday Noels” during Advent.
MINISTRY OF STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE – Elder R. Johnson reported that the Budget appears balanced and updated Session on “Project Pegasus”. Elder Kordich noted that the stewardship campaign is doing well and reminded Session that Commitment Sunday is Nov. 11.
7. SPECIAL COMMISSIONS.
Review of Minutes. The Clerk reported that the Session Records Committee had approved the minute book and the registers without exception on October 13, 2007. The Clerk expressed gratitude to former Clerk Robert Dunn and staff members Susan Thomas and Lily Lianto for their contributions in achieving this result.
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS. None.
9. NEW BUSINESS. None.
10. ADJOURN/PRAYER – The meeting adjourned with prayer by Elder Douglass at 9:12 p.m.
Church Life 
