NEW HOPE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Fort Myers, Florida Session Minutes STATED MEETING OF SESSION November 28, pm Room 209

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1 Elders Present: NEW HOPE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Fort Myers, Florida Session Minutes STATED MEETING OF SESSION November 28, pm Room 209 Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Class of 2019 Steve Boutelle Linda Hart Jim LaRue Craig Martin Kathy Orr Sharon Pierce Debi Campbell Dan Miller Mark Myers Larry Scrabis Sonja Suitor Ken Walker Scott Connell Andy Garrett Jason Harre John Nord Kathy Scharlau 1. Elders Excused: Pastor Eddie Spencer, Dan Ceilley, Carlton Anderson, Bill Roeder 2. Staff and Guests Present: Pastor Stu Austin, Chuck Knox, Steve Shimp, Joe Essick, Daniel Meade - Staff, Deborah Fransway Clerk of Session 3. Pastor Stu opened the meeting with prayer at 6:01pm. 4. A Motion to allow Pastor Stu to serve as moderator was offered from the floor. It was seconded and passed unanimously. 5. A Motion was made to approve the October Session minutes. It was seconded and passed unanimously. All minutes are posted online at minutes/ 6. A Motion was made to hold the Annual Called Congregational Meeting on Sunday, January 21, New Hope will present the 2018 Budget and vote on the Terms of call for Pastors Eddie and Stu at that time. We will also ordain the new Elders and Deacons that day during the worship services. 7. Report from Clerk of Session - Deborah Fransway Because a recent electronic vote of Session did not have a quorum of participants, Deborah requested a Motion to Approve the donation of $10,000 from the Care and Compassion (Good Samaritan Fund) for local Hurricane Irma relief efforts. (See the 2017 Electronic Voting document attached separately). A Motion was made to approve the donation. It was seconded and passed unanimously. A Motion was then made to approve the minutes for all 2017 Electronic Voting as provided in the docket. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

2 Terms of Call - Housing allowance Deborah reported that both pastors have indicated that they will maintain the 2017 housing allowance for Stu Austin - $37, Eddie Spencer - $50, Boy Scout Update and Request - Steve Shimp Steve Shimp requested permission to allow New Hope's Boy Scout Troop to sell tickets for the upcoming Edison Lights Parade. The scouts would wear their uniforms and sell block-seating tickets before and after each worship service. The tickets are $10 each with a total of 150 tickets available. This fundraiser for the Boy Scouts will help provide money for camping equipment and camp scholarships for the boys. No date was provided as to when the sale of tickets would begin. A Motion was made to allow the Boy Scouts to sell Parade tickets before and after Sunday worship services. It was seconded and passed unanimously. 9. Elder DISCUSSION Groups The Session of Elders was randomly divided into 4 groups. Each group met in separate rooms to pray for one another, church leadership, our New Hope family, and the worldwide body of Christ. After 20 minutes, the Elders reassembled in room 209 to resume the meeting. Pastor Stu gave thanks for our church family and asked God for continued blessings and protection. 10. Presentation of Joe Essick - Craig Martin Craig Martin introduced Joe Essick who will be joining the staff as our Part- Time Pastor of Discipleship in January of Joe received his MDIV at Gordon Conwell and shared his faith testimony with the Session. Pastor Stu prayed for Joe as he begins his ministry of leadership at New Hope. Joe's duties will be to: A. Plan and implement strategies for connecting new attenders and eventually existing members into groups and classes where they develop relationships with others in the Body of Christ. His initial strategy beginning in January will be to lead Connections classes during the 9:30 and 11am Sunday school hours. B. Encourage and equip group leaders. The initial strategy to begin to accomplish this is communication and encouragement of existing class and group leaders and the recruitment and equipping of future Life Group or Sunday school leaders. 11. Treasurer s Report: Chuck Knox Chuck reported that giving continues to cover expenses and that to date we have approximately $197, in surplus funds. Session will need to decide what to do with the surplus. The 2018 budget has increased in light of current giving patterns with a goal toward spending more money on various missions projects. Chuck expects that New Hope will receive all the pledged money for the building campaign by March of Chuck reported that when the money expected from the foreclosure process next door arrives, it

3 will go toward paying down the loan debt. Monthly giving stats available online October Operating Income = $165,947.38/Expenses = $147, Loan debt as of 10/31/17: $1,501, Pastor Stu s Report Pastor Stu will be teaching a class entitled "What Jesus Demands of the World" in January, and beginning in February, a four- week marriage support class will be offered. 13. Message from Pastor Eddie Pastor Eddie provided a recommendation to Session regarding adding a seasonal worship service in Reasons cited included addressing over- crowdedness at 9:30am and providing a catalyst for numerical growth. Pastor Eddie recommended offering an 8:15am worship beginning January 7. He provided the following reasons: Our present crowds at 9:30am, especially anticipating our seasonal friends here in full in January. We have 50 to 70 folks who attend at 9:30am who want to have, and will attend an 8am worship service. I suggest an abbreviated service, 8:15-9am with no announcements, mission reports, less liturgy and no choir or special music. 8:15am requires the least amount of staff, as we do not offer preschool, children or youth ministry. We are not presently equipped to begin a Saturday night or Sunday night worship. Such a service has great potential for growth but I do not think we are staffed to do this presently. As the survey indicated, most of the interest in Saturday night worship was from people who presently attend the 11am worship. To offer a Saturday night service, we would minimally need to offer preschool and children ministry. In addition, we would need to recruit another worship leader or ask Kevin to take on another service. This would require recruitment of a small band to offer a contemporary worship service. We would also want to recruit a core of people to commit to this service as well as recruit greeters, ushers etc. After discussion regarding how and 8:15am start time would impact choir rehearsal, how this worship option can be best promoted, and whether a specific end date should be included, a Motion was made to begin an abbreviated traditional worship service on January 7, This service would begin around 8:15am pending Pastor Eddie's start time preference. Session will address an end date if/when attendance merits the discussion. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. 14. Presentation of the Mission Budget- Ken Seim Ken Seim and Daniel Meade presented a line item budget for projected 2018 expenditures. After a lengthy review of all recipients and overseas visits to several missionaries, it was decided that some recipients will be phased out and some will be financed more fully with the goal of becoming their permanent, reliable funding source. This would allow certain partners to focus on Kingdom efforts rather than raising money. Those being phased out were either not achieving missionary goals, were redundant projects, or were not receiving

4 much benefit from our small donation. The budget reflected an increase in discretionary funds for the purposes of addressing unforeseen community needs from $9,500 in 2017 to $20,000 in Overall, the budget increased from $164,000 to $200,000. Ministry/Council Reports: Reports from a few Councils were distributed with the Session docket. Several chairmen or council members were present and reported the following: 15. Stephen Ministries: Kathy Orr chair Current info: ministers/ Kathy will step down as Leadership Coordinator after serving for approximately six years. Alice Stanly will be attending leadership training in Orlando, in January. Kathy also reported that more people are seeking care and that the Stephen Ministry Promotion Sunday was a success. 16. Finance Council: Sharon Pierce chair Sharon reported that she will be stepping down as chairperson with the conclusion of her term as Ruling Elder this year. Elder, Ken Walker, will assume the role as chair in Pastor Stu thanked Sharon for her excellent work as chair over the past several years. Dan Miller requested that New Hope look into purchasing a small bus or 15 seat van for mission purposes. A variety of ministries at New Hope are interested in having this transportation option available. Elders cited many uses including Student Ministry, the Brittany Outreach, Wheels to Bless, or for bringing New Hope volunteers to site projects. Insurance, driver training, handicap accessibility, and safety concerns were discussed. Pastor Stu recommended that an ad hoc committee be appointed to research the details and report back to Session in early Daniel Meade and Ken Seim agreed to research this project. A Motion was made to create the ad hoc committee for Daniel Meade and Ken Seim to present a proposal to Session for purchasing a minibus or large van to be completed in early The motion was seconded and it passed unanimously. 17. Deacons: Clara Ann Foucht chair. Clara Ann shared that she will be stepping down as moderator for the Deacons at the end of this year and Doug Keno will be taking her place. Pastor Stu thanked Clara Ann for her many years of dedicated service and exemplary leadership. Current info regarding the Deacon Ministry is available online: teams/ Deacons Meeting Minutes are available online: minutes/ Deacon's Report: Doug Keno reported that the bloodmobile is still sending the smaller bus. A Celebration of Life was held for member Don, Straile. Judy Clarke and Jeannie Martin reported on cards sent to members of the church family.

5 Congregational Care made 70 contacts with members in November as well as sending 55 cards. Flowers were delivered to Cape Coral Rehab Center, and Health Park Rehab Center. Meals to Bless continues to provide meals for families who are grieving or recovering from illness. Wheels to Bless reported 3 transports. Many Deacons are providing rides for members and not speaking up about them. They are giving rides to church for members, etc. Jan Zylstra and Candy Engelman are going to chair the next 4 Score and More Brunch. A date hasn t been set for the event as yet. Chris Bundscu reported that the 2018 Property budget has been approved by the Session. Beth Ceilley has volunteered to lead the Landscaping Taskforce. Chris also reported on the duties of our current cleaning crew. The signage/monument has been reinstalled. The restaking of trees is ongoing when the landscape crew is present. HVAC The controller issue on the two units has been repaired. Electrical all GFI s have been repaired. Lighting will need to be installed for the flag pole. The top of the pole light is operable. Discussed Ed s list, leaks in the Narthex, and video camera signs. It was decided to forgo providing rocking chairs in the Narthex. Discussed tasks Boy Scouts could do to help out. Security cameras and alarm systems all operational Discussed daily lock up procedures, Wednesday night dinners, exterior door issues, storm drainage, signage, mulch, the irrigation well, AC issues, pricing of palm trees, creating storage space for youth games, purchasing a new refrigerator/freezer ($600), flag pole lights, and replacing security locks. Notice for Storm Shelter general discussion of intent and possible verbiage, consensus was to keep it brief and to the point, i.e. It shall be the Senior Pastor s decision to open the facility in case of emergency. This subject shall be reviewed with the Senior Pastor and insurance Representative prior to submittal to Session. Discussed window shades in the sanctuary, concrete Slab, drainage, electrical outlets, - completed permit final inspection Police presences on campus/duties Dan Ceilley had contacted Scott and mentioned the importance to have the City Police Officer be more visible between traffic operations, touring the campus to make his presence known. Discussed purchasing a bus, residential development on adjacent land, berms, obtaining a hardcopy of the church directory, training on ELI software Prayed for Deacons and their families. 18. Women's Ministry: Debi Campbell- chair Debi reported that incoming Elder, Signe Pagel, has agreed to serve as co- leader of the Women's Ministry. She also noted that with the help of an anonymous donor, the recent bake sale raised $27,000 for the designated missions project, the Advent Luncheon has over 130 women registered including many young mothers, and that next years' retreat will be held on campus. Current info

6 Highlights from the WIM written report: Connect Future meeting emphasis will be on connection with each other, encouragement of one another, building leadership skills, and strengthening areas of service to the women of New Hope and our community. Care Cheers and an at- a- girl go to Tara Walton, who just launched a redesigned website for her business. Congratulations to Kathy Orr, who was named Office Administrator at New Hope. Grow The Leadership Lesson given by Debi and Signe focused on the benefits of including people with different spiritual gifts on various ministry teams Serve Publicity Team Danielle Studer will replace Sonja Suitor, as she is moving out of the area. Photography/Danielle Studer Danielle asked for assistance with photos at the upcoming Bake Sale, as she will be out of town. Debi Campbell volunteered to take photos of the event. Old Business Jeannie Martin will contact Barb Salmons regarding periodic assistance with kitchen cleanup Ann Anderson distributed copies of the newly designed Advent Devotional that will be available on the Member Table in the Narthex beginning Sunday, November 19. At last month s meeting, Roxanne Spencer had requested we consider using Women In Ministry funds for a summer camp scholarship for a boy who helps the Sunday School teachers. An anonymous donor has contributed those funds, so the matter is no longer before the Women In Ministry team. W.I.M. had a table at last Sunday s Fall Festival to give visibility to our ministry teams. New Business Beth Moore, will be holding an event in Ft. Lauderdale February 22 and 23 titled, The Simple Pursuit of Jesus. People who want to attend should get a check for $59 in to the church office ASAP. Another group event opportunity is in Port Charlotte in February Fresh Grounded Faith, with Jennifer Rothschild and Liz Curtis Higgs (author of Bad Girls of the Bible ). Cost is $44. Tara Walton volunteered to co- lead a team for Fun & Fellowship to plan events if another person will step up to assist her. Contact either Debi Campbell or Signe Pagel to discuss this opportunity. Kathy Orr gave an overview of the new software, ELI Everybody Loves Interconnecting. Training of group leaders, including women s ministry leaders, is currently under way and is targeted to be completed in December. The use of the software by the general church membership is expected to be rolled out in early February. Questions arose as how to best utilize ELI and the Publicity Request Form for promoting WIM events and for obtaining printed materials such as banners, brochures, etc.

7 19. Men s Ministry: Stu Austin Current info There will be a Men's Dinner on Thursday, January 25, The theme will be "Calling" and will feature three New Hope members who will share their personal testimonies of God's calling on their lives. Pastor Stu noted that more men's small group Bible studies are in the works with details TBA. 20. Personnel: Craig Martin, Kathy Orr, Scott Connell Personnel will be recommending to session to activate a search committee for Asst. Director of Youth Ministries. The committee will consist of the following people: Steve Boutelle (Leader), Jackie Elliott, Shannon Schram, Jenny Kraver, Judy Mayer, and Jim Clark. After discussion regarding the need for another paid staff position in this ministry, a Motion was made to activate the Search Committee, which will identify the person God has called to become the new Assistant Director of Youth Ministries. Session will have the opportunity to review the job description for this position when it becomes available. The motion was seconded and passed by majority vote. Also- Jim Clark has talked to a college student (Taylor Boutelle) who is willing to work 20 hours per week at $12.50 per hour to assist him in Youth Ministries until we find a full time Assistant. Session approved this temporary expenditure without an official vote. 21. Events/Membership/Fellowship: Bill Roeder, chair A Motion was made to accept the Statistics Reports from October. The motion was seconded and it passed unanimously. Notes: Active membership as of = 1,104 October additions: By Transfer of Membership: Ashley Collins, Clyde & Shirley Markland, Anthony & Maureen Zito By Reaffirmation of Faith: Elene Brooks,Corey & Kelly Crocker, Jim & Vickie Jaquette, Suzanne Krzyzek, Daniel & Victoria Meade, Elaine Quinn, Molly Rockafellow, Danielle Studer, Carolyn Thomas, Judy Lamper Remove due to Death: Don Straile Affiliate Membership as of = 48 Wedding: Derek & Samantha Soutar Discipleship: a) Children s Ministries Larry Scrabis chair Current details: Larry reported that the children and parents are looking forward to Adent- ure Night, and caroling at local assisted living facilities. Confirmation classes are scheduled to begin in April. The children are continuing their relationship with Immokalee Baptist

8 Church. They are collecting gifts to wrap and give to the migrant worker children living in that community. b) Student Ministries Steve Boutelle - chair Current details: Steve reported that the students are looking forward to the January retreat and Jim is looking forward to having additional female help in this ministry. It was noted that the Middle School and High School years are particularly challenging in the students' spiritual journeys. c) Adult Discipleship - Pastor Eddie Sunday class details: Wednesday Night class details: Life Group details: groups/ FF&F details: fellowship- fun/ 23. Missions: Ken Seim - chair and Jim LaRue Current details: See budget notes in Section There being no other business, Deborah Fransway concluded with prayer. 25. The next Stated Meeting of Session will be Tuesday, January 23, 2018, at 6pm. Those who are finishing their term of service in 2017 are invited to join us for an Appreciation Dinner that day. We will also be welcoming the new class of Elders at that time. Details TBA. Information and motions for the January docket should be ed to Deborah Fransway at deb@newhopefortmyers.org one week in advance. Respectfully submitted, Pastor Stu Austin, Moderator Deborah Fransway, Clerk of Session