February 9, 2011
We were called to order at 7:10 p.m. with prayer. Interim Pastor Lohr asked for wisdom and guidance as the elders begin a new term.
After approval of the agenda we moved on to our devotions, which on this night was a review of the by-laws of the Presbyterian Society of Mt. Kisco. Jack wondered why our church was referred to as a society back when it was incorporated in 1851. One explanation could be that “society” was a more inclusive term, including all baptized adults whether or not they had had a conversion experience.
This new look at our by-laws was a precurser to a later discussion of amending them to reflect current realities in our church.
We then introduced ourselves. From new to outgoing board members. Needless to say, our outgoing class will be sorely missed but the new elders are strong and capable replacements.
There was no Trustees report. It was pointed out that the trustees need to start working now with the bank on options for financing our mortgage as a balloon payment will be due in July.
The Clerk’s report consisted of approving the minutes for three previous session meetings: January 5, 26 and 30; as well as the annual meeting on Jan. 30. All were approved with very small, minor adjustments.
Elder Sue Godshall also presented the membership statistics of our church for the last year, which is due to Presbytery on Feb. 16. Our active membership totals 296, inactive members bring the total to 490. Jack pointed out that all members (including inactive) are members of our flock and session is responsible for them. The ethnic and disabilities breakdown is also part of this statistical report. The motion to accept this report for the presbytery was presented, seconded and approved. It was noted that the increased diversity in our ranks, both in the general congregation and in leadership, bodes well for the future of PCMK.
Our moderator then drew our attention to upcoming events in our church. Most immediate is yet another session meeting to receive the new class of elders this Sunday, Feb. 13 at 9 a.m. prior to ordination.
Another upcoming event is the leadership training Darkness to Light, led by Elder Roe Gift, for Sunday School teachers and others who care for children. The training sessions will be held on Feb.12, March 5 and 6.
The next time we host the ESP will be the week of Feb 21-27.
Elder Herb Reinke gave a heartfelt and enthusiastic report on his participation in the presbytery meeting in January, which celebrated the Hudson River Presbytery’s 50th anniversary. Herb underscored how important our relationship with the presbytery is for our church.
The next item on our agenda was discussion of committee assignments, which are as follows (chairs are in bold):
- Clerk of Session – Sue Godshall
- Membership – Rady Bauer, Lisa Murakami, Gerard Carelli
- Communication – Paul Meyer, Herb Reinke, Mary Mannarino
- Stewardship – Chris Dalrymple, Lisa Murakami, Ian Bradie
- Personnel – Roe Gift, Andy Bacon, Paul Meyer
- Christian Ed – Wayne TeBrake (adult); Tim Byrne (children) Rady Bauer
- Social Justice – Paula Wiles Sigmon, Louise Crawford, Sue Godshall
- Nominating – Chris Dalrymple, Tim Byrne
- Worship and the Arts - Andy Bacon, Roe Gift
- Facilities Use Liaison – Ian Bradie.
Hugh Sigmon – presented the Facilities Use Committee report on suggested upcoming rent rate increases. Hugh raised the possibility that some tenants might not be able to meet the increases and may look elsewhere.
A motion was presented to approve the use of our space by the Westchester Oratorio Society on Saturday May 21 from 1 to 10 p.m. Approval on the use of the space was granted, but not details, such as alcohol selling or consumption. That will be considered when their request comes in writing.
Moderator Lohr asked for a review team to look at our By-laws and put them into context of the current realities of our membership. Paul Meyer, Wayne Tebrake and Paula Sigmon will participate in the review.
Other Motions were made and approved:
-Deacons’ request to take the Lord’s Supper to the homebound in our congregation.
-Sue Godshall authorized to make deposits and enter them into books in Linda Mones’s absence.
-Church Worship and Picnic at Gedney Park on June 12.
-Establish Team to review and propose changes in our current By-Laws
-Allow a free-will offering for the Muskingum University Choir and Chamber Singers who will have a concert in our Sanctuary on Sunday March 6.
Moderator Lohr discussed his “Golden Rule” Lenten Supper and Study series on Wednesdays beginning March 16.
Herb Reinke presented posters that he has created to welcome visitors at both entrances to the church.
Jack gave another welcome to our new elders and we lauded the departing elders; Kate Lombardi, Joanne Dobson, Karen Seduski, Hugh Sigmon and Rebecca Wassem; their hard work and accomplishments on Session during a very trying and momentous time for our church.
We adjourned with prayer at 9:40 p.m.
Your faithful Session Correspondent
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