I just downloaded this report from the Substitute Session Correspondent. Thought you might be interested in what we did on Wednesday.
--Jack Lohr, Interim Pastor
It has been only three weeks since Session last convened, but we had a lot to discuss this month as our boards and committees get busy with many year end activities. Your regular correspondent is away this month and your substitute (not) spy will try to fill her shoes. Here goes…..
November 3, 2010
Jack Lohr, Interim Pastor and Moderator of Session, called us to order shortly after 7 p.m. After the agenda review, our devotions came from The Message, specifically 1 Corinthians 10:23-33. The message for us in this passage is because of God’s grace and generosity we do not have to be overly concerned about what others think. We should eat our meals (and do everything else) heartily, grateful to God for what is before us, and not scrutinize the ethical purity of the gifts we receive. Some of us learned a new word for overdoing this insight: antinomianism. It's the belief that because Christians are freed from required obedience to any law and salvation is solely through faith and the gift of divine grace, anything goes.
A keen session member observed that this is a fitting message as we prepare to dine together at the upcoming Progressive Dinner.
There was no Trustee present, but Moderator Lohr shared the minutes of their last meeting. There is the fall clean-up, scheduled for this Sunday, November 7 at 8 a.m. It was noted that the Brancati family has donated bulbs to be planted. The trustees are reviewing estimates for painting the exterior of the church. Janet Fink is looking into some ideas for fundraising.
The Clerk’s Report was two-fold: approval of the previous session minutes of October 13 (done, with a minor clerical error corrected); and the date for the joint session/trustee meeting as required by the Book of Order to take place once a year. The tentative date is November 21.
The Clerk also reminded Session of the Presbytery’s policy on the relationship between church members and their former pastors. Session affirmed the official policy of the Committee on Ministry and recalled that guidelines (slightly edited) were published in the bulletin in September.
Interim Pastor’s Report: Moderator Lohr proposed the baptism of Sierra Rose Squire, born May 19, 2010 to Carrie and Evan Squire. Non-members, they were married by him in NJ and asked him to baptize their baby. He explained that the congregation would make its promise “on behalf of the worldwide church,” and the First Presbyterian Church of Flemington would be asked to take pastoral care for the family. Permission was granted.
We discussed denominational Special Offerings that occur throughout the year: One Great Hour of Sharing, Pentecost, Peacemaking, and the Christmas Joy Offering. The latter is designated for retired pastors to supplement their pensions and to support minority education. We've historically only promoted the OGHS offering. The Social Justice and Stewardship committees will look into approving and interpreting all the offerings, and bring a recommendation to the December session meeting.
We gratefully received a gift of $500 from Hudson Valley National Foundation, Inc. the philanthropic arm of our bank, Hudson Valley Bank. Apparently this gift is made every year. It was mentioned that this bank might be a sponsor at any fundraiser we may have.
The Mission Study process is underway. Joanne Dobson has kindly agreed to represent Session on the team. The first step is a Congregational Life Survey. Every member of the congregation will participate in the survey, which will take place Sunday, November 21, during worship. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to fill out.
We were on a roll, so we decided not to break and dive right into committee reports.
Christian Ed – Rebecca Wassem reported that the Trunk or Treat party was a success and 45 children attended.
Rebecca and Denise Schutz are preparing for the children’s Christmas pageant, scheduled for December 19. They are writing the program this year and it will be different from all previous pageants. The working title for the pageant is “'Twas the Night”.
Communications – Mary Mannarino reported that the committee just met and they have determined the content of the Advent/Christmas issue of the Bell Tower, to be distributed in early December.
It is hoped that we can schedule a congregational informational session soon so that boards can be on hand to report on developments and answer questions. It is tentatively scheduled for November 21, after church.
She shared two items from the suggestion box. One, anonymously submitted, requested less music (shorter hymns and less verses); service length be one hour max; and that ciabatta bread be served for communion.
The other suggestion was a very thoughtfully written letter from Manton Martin regarding greeting visitors and making them feel welcome. Very good suggestions and the membership committee will respond directly to Manton.
Facilities Use – Hugh Sigmon reported that there will be two Christmas concerts renting our space in December, both on the 4th. The Taghkanic Chorale will perform at 4 p.m. and Charis Voices will perform at 8 p.m. Both of these entities will have a revenue sharing agreement with PCMK, meaning we will benefit from the sale of the tickets, in addition to the rentals.
Hugh will be meeting soon with José Castillo, the new minister of Mt. Zion Church to discuss some maintenance issues.
All major tenants will have their contracts renewed. He is working on building the recycling costs into their leases so that this expense can be shared.
Membership – Rady Bauer reported that she is hard at work organizing the logistics for the Nov. 6 Progressive Dinner. There are 5 hosts for 27 guests.
Nominating – Hugh Sigmon reported that they are meeting this Sunday, the 7th. He is open to suggestions from all with ideas for all boards, and suggested that maybe some retiring session members consider staying on. He is working closely with Moderator Lohr on emphasizing the spiritual calling of serving on boards. There will be notices in the bulletin that this process is underway. Jack has proposed the the nominating committee arrange personal visits to those being tapped for nominations.
Social Justice – Moderator Lohr reported that the Crop Walk was a resounding success with the PCMK team raising $2400.
Stewardship – Chris Dalrymple reported that the fall campaign, “Seeds for Growth,” is well underway. Thanks to Susie Condit and Roe Gift for their “Minute for Mission” presentations. The written materials are being printed and will be mailed soon. The Brunch is being organized and will be held after church November 14.
Worship and the Arts – Wayne TeBrake recalled with joy the World Communion Sunday held in October. Currently there are two Stewardship Banners in place. A proposed “ministry of banners” may create additional banners. These additions to our worship space would enrich our services for many years to come.
The Organ Concert by Terry Flanagan in October raised $1,920.
Communion was approved for Sunday December 5.
Wayne shared with us his decision to step down as head of this committee due to personal and professional commitments. He will remain a member of the committee, however.
Personnel – Roe Gift reported that Sarah Lucas signed her employment contract for her youth ministry.
The committee is working on a Personnel Policy for presentation to session.
The nighttime security person is leaving, and the position is being reviewed.
Our next session meeting is scheduled for December 1.
We closed with The Lord’s Prayer at 9 p.m.
Faithfully Submitted,
Your Substitute Session Correspondent
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