STATED MEETING OF SESSION OLD PRESBYTERIAN MEETING HOUSE September 23, 2013 1. INITIAL ACTS The meeting was called to order in Fellowship Hall by the Rev. Dr. Robert Laha, Jr., at 7:01 pm. The Clerk noted that a quorum was present. Elder Browne opened with a Devotional and prayer based on Paul Tillich. Roll was taken: MEMBERS OF SESSION PRESENT: Marty Barolo, Leo Biette-Timmons, Paul Browne, Dana Chipman, Gerry Cooper, Anna Davis, Catherine Davis, Susan Grandy, David Gray, Jan Herring, Rich Johnson, Linda Lanam, Shannon Lisecki, Joe McCoy, Peggy Newman, Pete Osman, Jenny Parker, Lora Ries, Beth Sanderson, Larry Williams, the Rev. Dr. Robert Laha (Moderator). MEMBERS OF SESSION ABSENT: Derrick Surratt, Mark Yachmetz. MEMBERS OF SESSION EXCUSED: Sam Chamberlain, Meredith Poe, Jerry Stalun, Hugh Van Horn, the Rev. Ann Herlin OTHERS PRESENT: Clerk of Session Cary Pugh, Director of Music Sam Baker, Church Administrator Bob Clark, Church Youth Director Mary Pratt, Deacon representative Jennifer Crawford. Approval of Minutes: Minutes of Stated Meeting of Session, August 26, 2013, approved with corrections. This meeting was the second stated meeting of Session since the ordination and installation of new church officers on Sunday, June 9, 2013, and Sunday, August 25, 2013. As presently comprised, the Session (excluding Clergy) has 14 men and 12 women; there are 2 younger members, 19 middle-aged members and 5 senior members. There are no disabilities among the elders and all are Caucasian. This profile is generally representative of the Congregation. Class of 2014 Class of 2015 Class of 2016 Leo Biette-Timmons Marty Barolo Paul Browne Sam Chamberlain Catherine Davis Dana Chipman Gerry Cooper Richard Johnson Anna Davis David Gray Joe McCoy Susan Grandy Linda Lanam Pete Osman Jan Herring
Peggy Newman Beth Sanderson Shannon Lisecki Jenny Parker Hugh Van Horn Jerry Stalun Meredith Poe Larry Williams Mark Yachmetz Lora Ries Derrick Surratt 2. COMMUNICATIONS AND CLERK S REPORT The Clerk shared communications from Union Theological Seminary, More Light Presbyterians, and Presbyterian Mission Agency. The Clerk also reviewed several administrative items in anticipation of the annual review of church records. The Clerk reviewed and confirmed that the church s insurance coverage is appropriate and that the Business Administrator also reviews that coverage regularly with the Trustees. The Clerk also reviewed and confirmed that the minutes of the Diaconate are in order. The Moderator of the Board of Deacons noted one that one month of minutes is missing and is pursuing those minutes. Elder Johnson reviewed and confirmed that the minutes of the Board of Trustees are in order. The Clerk noted that there is an annual requirement that the session review the roll of members at least annually. The Session s monthly review and discussion (as needed) of members moved to inactive satisfies this requirement but the Moderator also asked that a Task Force be formed to review the rolls along with the Board of Deacons through their Deacon-net. 3. COMMISSIONS TO RECORD Baptisms: Vernon Britt Richardson IV, son of Catherine and Vernon Britt Richardson III, on September 15, 2013, the Rev. Dr. Robert Laha officiating; Evelyn Mae Asmus-Hothan, daughter of Garrett Hothan and Emily Asmus, on September 22, 2013, the Rev. Dr. Robert Laha officiating. Weddings: Sandra Hopper Welch (m) and Robert Eugene Griffiths (nm) on July 13, 2013, at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, Rev. Ann Herlin officiating. Deaths: Membership: Communion: Teel Zetterstrom (m), on September 17, 2013. A memorial service will be held at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House on October 12, 2013, the Rev. Dr. Robert Laha officiating. Dismiss by Letter of Transfer Peter and Jeanine Jeffrey to First Congregational Church, Falmouth, MA Louanne Wheeler to First Presbyterian Church, Arlington, VA; Ellen McCrary-Mayer to Calvin Presbyterian Church, Annandale, VA. September 8, 2013, 8:30 am; September 15, 2013, 8:30 am; September 22, 2013, 8:30 am. -2-
4. ORDER OF THE DAY The Moderator noted that MIF approved at the August 26, 2013, stated meeting had to be updated to reflect the salary minimum required by the Presbytery. As this was a Presbytery requirement, session action was not required and this was an item of information only. The MIF will go live as soon as final paperwork is completed. 5. SPECIAL REPORTS DIACONATE REPORT TO SESSION Deacon Jennifer Crawford reported on a presentation from Susan Grandy and Christine Heiby on the Stephen Ministry. Youth want to be more involved in assisting members of church at home and are working with Diaconate on ways to do so. Ideas include visiting members who cannot come to church and acting as digital connection between members (e.g., Skype with youth help). REPORT TO SESSION FROM DIACONATE MEETING Elder Ries supplemented Deacon Crawford s presentation by noting that Stephen Ministers are available to non-members. Elder Ries added that new members are added to the Deacon-net. REPORT TO SESSION FROM PRESBYTERY MEETING. The Moderator noted the upcoming presbytery meeting. Elder Johnson noted continuing concerns with Covenant Church Manassas. Because of the smaller balance sheet of Presbytery, the Presbytery is more focused on Covenant Church and other potential financial commitments. The Clerk asked all to sign up for future Presbytery meetings and circulated a sign up sheet later by email. Elders Barolo, Chipman and Grandy will attend the September meeting. 6. STANDING MINISTRIES In addition to the written reports distributed prior to the meeting, the following matters were addressed during the meeting: STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE MINISTRY Elder Osman reported that the Capital Campaign was a $1.2 million success story, thanking Elders Sanderson and Chamberlain. A letter will be sent to the congregation with the good news and instructions on how to begin contributing (Church Administrator Clark is happy to accept contributions now). Elder Herring will serve as chair of the stewardship campaign. The theme will be Living a Generous Life and the church will hear more in weeks ahead. As of August the budget was a little behind (other contributions items not pledged), as expected, and, as expected, in September that deficit is shrinking. Lastly, the Ministry is seeking to re-energize the planned giving program. -3-
EDUCATION MINISTRY Elder Catherine Davis highlighted Educator Andre-Colton s sabbatical until December 1. All Sunday school teachers for small children were trained on the protection policy prior to her departure. Elder Lisecki highlighted need for door keepers for bridges to worship. Youth have been active, redecorating their own space, and painting Jean Peaknik s fence. Youth Educator Pratt emphasized the youth s desire find time to connect between generations. She is urging strong participation in the Stop Hunger Now project and the retreat. Elder Davis reported also that Rally Day was packed as has been adult ed since the beginning of the program year. On behalf of the Ministry, Elder Davis moved for approval of additional middle school and high school teachers and youth advisors as reflected in the written report. The motion was approved unanimously. MISSION MINISTRY Following up on the August 26, 2013, stated meeting report, Elder Williams reported on a very successful concert for a cause raising over $900, which means we have raised more than the required amount for Stop Hunger Now. He also commended Music Director Baker for the quality of Ars Nova. Elder Williams and others urged all to come to the October 20 event and wear hair nets. The Ministry will be planning a class in the spring highlighting local missions and provided some history of Guest House. On behalf of the Ministry, Elder Williams moved for session approval for the Ministry to seek a Presbytery grant for new ministries for up to $7500 to match congregational contributions (both cash and in kind) toward Open Table. The Moderator explained that, with Session approval, the Ministry would apply and the Moderator would sign on behalf of Session. The motion was approved unanimously. MEMBERSHIP AND EVANGELISM MINISTRY Elder Barolo reported on a successful Rally Day and asked for Session feedback on how worthwhile the Rally Day tables are for the various ministries. The Moderator noted the need for a called Session meeting for Sunday, September 29, 2013, to receive new members (eight inquirers are currently attending an inquirer s class that will conclude then). The new members will be recognized at worship on October 13. The Clerk will provide an additional notice of the called meeting. Planning has commenced for the annual congregational dinner and auction. The Ministry also is working on a tour of the church facilities for new members in October. Another new member class will be held in November. -4-
ADMINISTRATION MINISTRY Elder Sanderson praised the work of History and Archives and noted the continued work of the Ministry on staffing and personnel. FACILITIES MINISTRY Church Administrator Clark reported on the summer events (flooding with heavy rains, sewage ejector pump, and new air conditioning), which was not anticipated and therefore not part of the budget for Facilities. Therefore Facilities will be reviewing the budget in light of these unanticipated expenses. The Moderator emphasized the need to make the congregation aware of these unexpected costs, the foresight of the capital campaign to fund significant maintenance issues, and the pre school s goal to provide new locks on doors and consideration to new doors if more cost effective. The Moderator discussed the need to alert members to begin making payments on capital campaign pledges. Elder Sanderson suggested a note in the newsletter and elder Gray suggested a note in the quarterly statements. WORSHIP MINISTRY Worship will be preparing for Advent and urged members to volunteer to help with Noonday Noels, and is hoping to identify groups in the church to sponsor (e.g., new members, recent retirees, moms groups). 7. SPECIAL COMMISSIONS None. 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 9. NEW BUSINESS None. 10. JOYS AND CONCERNS The Moderator and Session members shared pastoral joys and concerns within the congregation and in the greater world. The Moderator noted especially the need to reach out to more senior church members. The Moderator observed with joy the arrival of the newest Staley and thanked Elder Lanam for her continuing support and contributions during the time Associate Pastor Herlin is on maternity leave. The Moderator lifted in prayer those affected by the tragic events in Kenya, Pakistan, and the Navy Yard. -5-
11. ADJOURN/PRAYER The meeting was closed with prayer by Elder Herring at 8:04 pm. - Cary Pugh Clerk of Session -6-