Jack opened the meeting with prayer. He has been preparing for Christmas and thinking particularly about the nine lessons and carols.
Our devotion was “Incarnation” John 1: 1-14. Jack noted that John’s gospel takes Jesus and puts him in the position of divine wisdom. Session discussed the importance of letting our light shine, and speaking our truth.
Steve Bauer presented the Trustee’s report. Basically things haven’t changed much. We are still on target with the budget, but it remains a deficit budget. He again noted that this year’s budget had projected proceeds from a fundraiser that never came to pass. Steve is working with Janet Fink to try to develop a fundraiser for the coming year.
He and other members of the finance committee will be meeting with a representative from Merrill Lynch, where the church has invested funds.
Jack asked if it has been the custom of the church to send out an end-of-the-year letter requesting funds. Karen noted was done two years ago. Linda will be sending out a letter to people who still have unpaid pledges.
Paul asked about the status of next year’s budget preparations. Session must present it to the congregation in January, and we need to begin focusing on it now. Chris noted that in 2008, when he was involved with the process, the trustees presented the preliminary budget to Session at their December meeting. At that time, a subcommittee that included a Session member had prepared the budget.
There was a general sense that the process was beginning somewhat late this year. Chris said the Trustees should begin preparing the budget with the fixed costs of the church, and following that, work with the Committee heads to discuss their needs. Jack asked each committee chair to make their case for funding for next year’s budget and to send copies to all the trustees and session members. This needs to be done before December 12.
Chris presented the Stewardship report. This year we have pledges of $338,759, as compared to $324,390 at this point last year. We have a total of 86 pledges. Nine people decreased their pledges, 38 increased their pledges, 27 remained at last year’s level, and we have 12 new pledges. Some 24 people either have not yet pledged or have stopped pledging. Of those, Chris believes that some will end up pledging, and the committee plans to reach out to those people. He is now “hopefully optimistic” about this year’s numbers. (Last week, it was “cautiously optimistic.”) He suggested that the Trustees be somewhat conservative in their planning, and budget $350,000 for pledges.
Sue made the clerk’s report. The minutes for the November 3 Session Meeting, as well as the November 21 Joint Session-Deacons Meeting were passed. A question was raised about what happened to the Deacon’s flower-delivery ministry. In other business, Roe will be attending Presbytery meeting on December 7.
Jack reported that the Presbytery has asked him to compile a brief history of the church. Here’s a quiz for careful readers: what do you think is the incorporated name of our church? The Session Spy would have answered “The Presbyterian Church of Mount Kisco” but she would have been wrong! Technically, we are the “Presbyterian Society of Mount Kisco.” Who knew?
So far 129 congregational surveys have been completed. Jack is going to ask Mount Zion Apostolic Church to fill out the forms as well, to get a sense of what our congregations have in common.
Jack was contacted by Immigration Equality, an organization fighting to end discrimination against gay and lesbian Americans and legal permanent residents in our nation’s immigration laws. Specifically, he was asked to sign a letter in support of a law that would allow gay and lesbian Americans in “permanent relationships” to sponsor their partner or spouse in the same manner that straight couples can. Jack asked if the church had a policy on clergy signing such letters as an individual. We determined that we did not have a policy, and felt that if Jack were going to include his affiliation with the church, the Session should review each request individually. In this case, we felt that support of the legislation fully aligned with our status as a More Light Presbyterian Church, and supported Jack’s signing the letter.
Committee reports were relatively brief, which was lucky, because the Spy’s Kleenex box was almost empty.
Christian Education reported that the pageant rehearsals are going well. The pageant will be on December 19.
Communication reported that the newsletter should be out Friday. There are continuing concerns about the website, and timely announcements on the calendar. The congregation informational meeting was standing room only and considered a success.
Facilities reported that they have met with Rev. Jose Castillo, the new pastor at Mount Zion Apostolic Church, and that they remain happy with their relationship with PCMK and want to renew their lease. There will be two concerts this weekend, one by Charis Voices and the other by the Taghkanic Chorale. Other possible facilities use issues are brewing, which may be ready to report next month.
Membership was not present, but several people noted the success of the Progressive dinner.
Nomination reports that they have 17 seats to fill for the three church boards. So far 9 of these positions are filled; three each for Session, Trustees and Deacons.
Personnel submitted a written report (bless their organized heart!) Our night security person has given notice, and the committee is debating whether we really need a nightly security check. They are not ready to make a recommendation yet, but are conducting due diligence on all issues involved, including the automatic turn off of the Bunn and Big Bertha coffee machines. Personnel is also exploring the idea of separating the performance appraisal and compensation by going to a mid-year review.
Social Justice reported that things remain very busy at the Food Pantry. Sue G. and Kate represent PCMK on the Pantry Board, and noted that the pantry is now spending $1000 a week on groceries and still faces food shortages, due to the enormous increase in demand. That said, several PCMK members have individually given generous financial support to the Pantry, and the roster of volunteers for distributions is also growing.
For the past two weeks, PCMK has been collecting Christmas cards and calendars to help support the Presbytery’s prison ministry. Response has been good. Shep has left his position at the coordinator of the prison ministry for the Hudson River Presbytery, but is expected to be replaced. Jack noted that Katonah Presbyterian Church will be holding a meeting in January on juvenile justice that will be of interest to PCMK.
Worship and Arts made a motion to serve communion at the 11 p.m. Christmas Eve service and at the Second Sunday service in January.
The meeting was adjourned with prayer at 9:30 ish.
Faithfully Submitted,
Session Correspondent
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