First Presbyterian Church Session Meeting January 14, 2014

Transcription

1 First Presbyterian Church Session Meeting January 14, 2014 Dinner 5:30 PM FH 154 and FH 156 Meeting 6:30 PM Solarium Devotional and Opening Prayer Omnibus Approve November Session Meeting Minutes Approve Consent Motions Committee/Staff Reports Finance Clerk s Report 1. Proposed change in February Session Meeting date 2. Report on Reconciliation Efforts a. Dinners b. Reconciliation Team Pastor s Report Lesley Lilly Fred Robertson Jane Costello Old Business 1. Motion to Call a Congregational Meeting New Business 1. Motion concerning the Houston Church Planting Co- Op 2. Changes to the worship schedule since last Session e- vote a. 2/9 From 8:15am to 8:30am plus the addition of an 11:00am service b. 2/23 From 8:15am to 8:30am 3. Approving the letter to the congregation along with financial exhibit & PDT report (January 17) 4. The issue of a Moderator for the Congregational Meeting 5. Approval of ancillary communications to the congregation a. All church (letter and changes to worship schedule) January 15/16 b. eweekly (link to letter, changes to worship schedule) January 15/16 c. New web page (Decision) January 15/16 i. Letter ii. ECO Materials (Including TF report and Saperstein materials) iii. Worship & Meeting Schedule iv. Link to older discernment items 1. New letter from Jack Haberer and PDT d. Church Alive January 19 (will run every Sunday through 2/23) i. Audio Announcement in all services every Sunday e. Session Handout (Including preamble) January 19 f. ECO Handouts (Essential Tenants & Polity Summary) January 19 g. Vision 2020 Summary (including church planting and LTH partnerships) January 26 h. What s Going to Change... What Isn t? February 9 i. GRIT Summary (Reasons to stay ) February 9 6. Program for Sunday s Presentation 7. Report from Ad Hoc Committee on Standing Rules & Procedures a. Approval of team Victor Harris, Bill Gutermuth & Chris Derden 8. Report on preliminary plans for Staff Presentation on 1/26 9. Report from Reiser/Robertson on staff retirement and health care implications of ECO 1

2 Prayer and Praise Communion Prayer and Motion to Adjourn Important Dates (January and February): January 19 January 26 February 5 February 9 February 12 February 18 February 23 Session Presentation to Congregation (Potential) Staff Presentation To Congregation Church Wide Prayer Meeting (Potential) Town Hall Meeting Next AC Meeting Next Session Meeting (Potential) Congregational Meeting Session Attendance A= Absence E= Excused Jan June August Sept Oct Nov 7 Jan 14 Feb March April May Barnes, Martha Benn, Dorian Cornelson, Tim Costello, Jane Gerland, JoNell Johnson, Lori Lawler, Charles Lilly, Lesley Luther, Scot Lyra, Ophir McCarty, David McDonald, Marilyn Moore, Robert Morris, Dan Reiser, Tom Taylor, Danny A EX A EX EX EX Thomas, Eric EX EX Wolfe, Chris 2

3 MINUTES OF THE SESSION THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HOUSTON, TEXAS November 19, 2013 The November Stated Meeting of the Session began at 6:00 p.m. in LC181 with a quorum present. Moderator Rev. Jim Birchfield called the meeting to order and opened the meeting with prayer. Attendance: See the attached Session Attendance Record for attendance to date for this year. Michael Homan introduced Allen Blakemore who was questioned and accepted into membership of First Presbyterian Church Houston. Dan Morris gave an opening devotional and prayer. Omnibus Motions: The following omnibus motions were passed without discussion. MOVED that the October 15, 2013 Session Meeting Minutes be approved. MOVED that the October Membership Report be approved. Session hereby approves the serving of Holy Communion at the Prayer and Worship Service on December 4. Permanent Funds received approval from Session for the following: Approval for the Arrow Child & Family (Freedom Place) to receive $15,000 for city water connection. Approval for Interface Samaritan Counseling Center to receive $10,000 for start- up funds to develop a practice addressing mental health issues for Houston area veterans and their families. Approval for Pfunanane Ministries to receive $20,000 for fence around property. Approval for Presbyterian School to receive $12,849 release of scholarship funds. Approval for $80,000 from Urban Faith Initiative Task Force for Main Street Ministries. Lead Them Home: Rev. Jim Birchfield introduced Bill Henson, founder and president of Lead Them Home. Mr. Henson shared a power point presentation of his program, Posture Shift, which mobilizes church leaders and wider evangelical community to cultivate faith identity among persons of non- heterosexual orientations and gender identities. He offers teaching modules for ministry teams or whole congregations. Committee and Staff Reports: Finance Committee: Fred Robertson reported that the YTD, giving is 3% ahead of the prior year period while expenses are below the prior year period by.07%. Giving is 3% ahead of budget YTD. 3

4 Next Steps to Vision 2020: Lesley Lilly proposed two questions to the ministry liaisons: (1) How do we hold grace and truth together?, and (2) To begin their ministry meetings with prayer and to bring more prayer into their ministry. New Church Development Meetings: Jeremiah Morris presented a power point presentation of a vision for church planting. New Christians are attracted to new churches more than to established churches. A prayer was given for Jeremiah and his vision. Clerk s Report: Jane Costello reminded the session of the Café Dialogue Wednesday night and encouraged the elders to attend. The elders were encouraged to attend the beginning of the meeting of the Presbytery Discernment Team to offer prayer prior to their meeting. Volunteers are needed for the serving of communion at the Church wide Prayer Gathering Wednesday, December 4. A motion was made, seconded and approved to add Maurine Bybee, Tom Montgomery and Lija Shah to the Ad Hoc Reconciliation Committee. Pastor s Report: A motion was made, seconded and approved to endorse Jonathan Ramsey s pursuit of Candidacy into ordained ministry with ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians. Jeremiah Morris offered a prayer for Jonathan. Rev. Birchfield reviewed Key Calendar Dates. The Advent season will be a season of silence in regard to the Discernment process. Jon Crantz and Dorian Benn reported that the coffee and dinners with concerned members has been very helpful. A schedule of future gatherings was distributed. Old Business: Fred Robertson reported that they are continuing to follow up on the members who have not returned their preference for membership with First Presbyterian Houston. New Business: - none Prayer and Praise: Community prayers of concerns and praise were offered. Communion was served by intinction with Rev. Jon Crantz officiating and elder Scott Luther assisting. The meeting was adjourned with prayer at: 9:45 p.m. Rev. Jim Birchfield, Moderator Jane Costello, Clerk of Session 4

5 Consent Motions (1) Session hereby approves the designation of the 2014 Easter offering for the Nehemiah Center and further approves that the Easter offering be designated on an ongoing basis to the Nehemiah Center. (2) Session hereby approves a revision to the worship schedule for services on February 9, 2014 to include an 11:00 am service to be held in the sanctuary in addition to the 8:15 service already planned. (3) In October and November 2013, FPC received gifts totaling approximately $400 thousand from the estate of John W. Morrow Jr. This is a donor- directed estate gift designating that the funds are to be endowed with the annual earnings to support the operating budget of FPC Houston. Consent Motion: The spend rate of the John Morrow Fund will be set by the Permanent Funds Ministry Committee annually. The annual distribution of the earnings will be administered by the FPC Finance Committee. Reports FINANCE January 8, 2014 Members Present: Chris Champion, Canon Coleman, Burdette Huffman, Paul Palmer, Tom Reiser, Fred Robertson, Bret Stanley Staff Present: Susan Aldana, Jim Birchfield, Jennifer Boubel Members and Staff Absent: Michael Casey, Rebecca Davis, Janet Lionberger, Steve Oldham Next Meeting: February 12th at 7 a.m. The meeting opened with prayer. Review of Financial Results The committee reviewed the financial information for December The financial dashboard that the committee reviewed is attached. The chairman reviewed the following results with the committee: Operating and Giving YTD December 31, 2013 YTD, giving is 3.3% behind the prior year period and expenses exceeded the prior year period by 6.0%. Giving is 1.7% ahead of budget YTD. General Fund Cash Position as of December 31, 2013 The Church s general fund cash position was approximately $2 million as of December 31, After adjusting the general fund cash balance for funds that are designated for others, the Church s unrestricted cash position was $1.6 million. Church s Mineral Interests The Texas Presbyterian Foundation is assisting the committee by researching and analyzing the Church s mineral interests. Once we receive a report from the Foundation, the committee will determine next steps. 5

6 Investigation of Potential Migration to Accrual Accounting The committee and staff expressed interest in investigating a potential move from the cash accounting method which we currently utilize to an accrual accounting method. Chris Champion, Susan Aldana, and Jennifer Boubel will investigate: i) the critical components of the process, ii) potential cost of the transition, and iii) the most appropriate timing. They will provide a recommendation on next steps by the end of the fiscal year. Stewardship (Generous Living) Pledge Sunday will take place on March 30th. Presbyterian School Cost Formula and Contracts Bret Stanley and Rebecca Davis are actively meeting with Presbyterian School staff and volunteers to: i) update the cost sharing formula between the Church and the School and ii) determine roles and responsibilities in the vendor contract attainment and management processes. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 a.m. with prayer. Burdette Huffman Chair, Finance Committee 6

7 Generous Living Committee/GenerousChurch Workshop December 11, 2013 Attendees: Sharon Epps (GenerousChurch consultant), Bill Heston, Cody Nath, Jeremiah Morris, Jonathan Ramsay, Jill Barlow, Bain Head, Bailey Price, John McKee, Mary Ella Price, Billy Reed, Margot Athon, and Martha Barnes. Attendees were divided into three groups: Boomers, The Table, and Trinity. Committee members were mixed in with the groups. We worked through the why of generosity; a concept called the Generosity Ladder and discussed where our groups fell on this ladder. All groups expressed feeling their group fell short of the pinnacle of Christ- like generosity (deemed Kingdom- minded Generosity on the ladder). The practical next steps were discussed: (1) Boomers: Bill Heston will begin a Generosity Series with the Boomers Sunday School class in January. (2) Trinity: Still working through the next steps; teaching this spring will be a component. (3) The Table: Plans to hold a two- day Journey of Generosity with key leaders in The Table community. Plans also to establish some accountability practices and lead our community through examples All three groups came away with the idea that we need to do a better job as a whole of capturing and sharing stories where people s generosity has impacted lives for Christ. These stories encourage others to do the same. Next meeting date TBD Cody Nath Chair of Generous Living Committee Facilities December 9, 2013 Present: Sharon Corzine, Mark Carleton, David Calkins, Jennifer Boubel (by phone), Jose Perez, Ken Humphries, Debbie Hanna, Eugene Lee, Amy Winstead, Scot Luther Absent: Chris Athon, Janet Lionberger, Deborah Harper FUTURE FACILITIES COMMITTEE MEETINGS 2013/2014: (The committee generally meets on the second Monday of the month.) Monday, January 13, 2014 Monday, February 10, 2014 Monday, March 10, 2014 Monday, April 14, 2014 Monday May 12, 2014 AGENDA ITEMS Projects in progress: 1. Chapel renovation: Chairs have been installed. A cushion fabric has been selected. It appears that individual chair cushions will be needed to accommodate the chair design. Jennifer will Cindy Cook to move this forward. 2. Campus Security: Facilities Committee discussed the need to form a Risk Management Committee to deal with security issues for the FPC Campus. Jennifer will organize this effort. 7

8 3. Physical Facilities Assessment: Detailed review by the Facilities Committee members is ongoing, and input is needed by Parsons. The Committee is asked to keep this information confidential until the study is finalized. All Facilities Committee members are asked to bring review comments to the next meeting. 4. Roof/Ceiling Repairs: This project is now in the mobilization stage. Bill Merriman will ask Forney Construction to do pricing for the additional roofing identified as needing replacement. 5. Connections Center Plans: The contract was signed and this project is in progress. 6. Upgrade Sound System in Sanctuary: The Media Department is currently studying new devices and upgrades of the Sanctuary sound system. 7. North Parking Lot: The North Lot needs paving repair. Ken Humphries reported that about $10,000 was spent maintaining the North lot in The lot needs patching and an overlay/seal coat of asphalt and restriping. This is thought to cost about $25,000. Ken will solicit pricing, and will investigate expanding the lot into the North corner. Projects being Initiated 1. Landscape Subcommittee: The subcommittee will develop a plan for deferred maintenance and enhancement so that landscape maintenance can be included in each annual budget. Pruning of live oaks and other mature trees has begun. Committee plans to replant the crepe myrtles in the beds on the building s south side in the ground on the west side of the building. Committee was concerned that moving the trees could cost more than either leaving them in place and pruning or buying new plant material to replace them. The subcommittee to discuss and make recommendation. 2. Hallway Graphics Repair: Ken and Jennifer will review damaged hallway graphics and have them repaired. They will also fix inaccurate signage. Ken to call Bill Merriman for background information on who would be the source for the repair work. No update in March. 3. Kitchen and Dining Facilities for Presbyterian School: Mark Carleton suggested that we wait until spring to discuss this. Future Projects (not as active or discussion deferred to later date) 1. Interior Decorating Subcommittee: Chris suggested that a subcommittee be formed to fill in the gap between facilities management and architectural issues at the church. It would deal with decorating issues and managing donated decorative items. Such a committee has been in place for years but the group has gotten older and less involved. The committee suggested involving Cindy Cook, Janet and Jackie Dunlop. No update since February Connection Ministry Connecting Value: Connecting people to God and one another through Kingdom ministry Members Present: Lori Johnson, Kelly Laning, JJ Laning, Callie Patterson, Sheila Heinle, Shelley Homeyer Members unable to attend: Tiana Won, Debbie Balsaver, Kikki Hamilton Discussion: Review Committee s ideas for forming a Connectors Ministry, design and schedule training What is the role of a Connector? A Connector is someone who will help connect visitors and members of FPC to God and one another through kingdom ministry. There are various types of Connectors. Chairs of New Connectors Ministry: Nicole and Todd Bennett (New Members) and Lori and Robert Thomson Ø Leadership Qualities for Connectors Ministry Highly relational; Caring and compassionate; Well connected with extensive knowledge of FPC Community and ministries; Trained 8

9 Ø Training: Jan 19 th 12:00-2: Discerning Spiritual Gifts Jan 26 th 12:00-2:30 FPC Ministry Overview, discern ministry in workplace, neighborhoods, etc. Content: Discerning personal gifts and learn how to help others discern gifts and calling Learn process for matching gifts to ministry Overview of FPC Ministries / discern ministry opportunities in workplace, neighborhoods, etc. Connectors to be trained: Floating Connectors New Member Small Group Leaders Connections Desk Volunteers Gifts Connector 5 Different Types of Connectors: Welcome Brigade: Wear a Welcome Name Tag, intentionally welcome people and discern folks who may need assistance throughout church campus on Sunday mornings. Relational Wayfinders - - Help people find their way to their destination and make a relational connection on the way. Floating Connectors: Meet and greet folks on Sunday mornings and Special Events. Intentionally connect to people within School classes, Small Groups, Palm Court, Hallways, etc. Watch for folks who may need help. In conversations with visitors and members, gather contact info for follow up visit and for Connections Ministry. Also, as needed connect folks to Caring Ministry (Opportunities to be served). Connections Desk: At Connections desk, greet and respond to first time visitors from website Plan you first Visit. Respond to folks with information to various questions about classes and ministry opportunities. Send information to Connections Ministry for follow up. New Member Small Group Leaders: Lead a small group during New Members class. Help New Members connect to Sunday school class, Small group and community as well as ministry opportunities. Gifts Connectors: Go deeper with folks who are identified by Floating Connectors- - have lunch, listen to person s story, help discern gifts and connect folks to various service opportunities (Opportunities to serve). *Connections Centers to be installed at the beginning of February: New desk and graphics for Palm Court and current Information desk, new graphics for Welcome Center. a Advisory Council Meeting Minutes January 8, 2014 The monthly meeting of the Advisory Council of First Presbyterian Church of Houston was held on January 8, 2014 in the Pastor s Conference Room. The meeting opened at 8:30 A.M. In attendance were Jim Birchfield, Jane Costello, Lesley Lilly, David McCarty, Fred Robertson and Victor Harris. The meeting was opened with a devotional and prayer by Jane Costello. Fred Robertson gave a preliminary financial report for December. Calendar year- end contributions are still being posted but indications are that revenues through December will be in excess of expenses. An updated report will be available for the January 14 Session meeting. Jim Birchfield reported on several personnel matters. The group then entered into a discussion of several items pertaining to the Discernment Process. - Jane Costello summarized the potential scheduled meetings for January and February. A combined Sunday school class meeting with no 9:30 worship service will be held on January 19 for the purpose of allowing the 9

10 Session to present its case to the congregation for their decision on whether or not to call a congregational meeting to vote on seeking dismissal from the PCUSA. If a congregational meeting is called, another combined Sunday school class meeting will be scheduled with no 9:30 worship service on January 26 for the congregation to hear from the staff. A third meeting will be scheduled for February 9 at the 9:30 hour. This will be a moderated Town Hall meeting that will allow members of the congregation to share their thoughts on the issues at hand. - Lesley Lilly, as chair of the GRIT Prayer Team shared their thoughts about ways to provide prayer opportunities for the congregation during the next several weeks and during Lent. - Jim Birchfield reported on the communications plans over the next several weeks. The Session members are writing individual messages to the congregation that will be combined into one document. Information about Vision 202 will be provided. If there is a congregational vote, information about ECO will be made available along with some of the information compiled by the GRIT Issues Team. - Victor Harris reported on the progress made in determining the format of a potential congregational meeting. Jim Birchfield reported on the schedule for the Lenten season, the theme of which will be reconciliation. Lesley Lilly reported that plans are being formulated for the Spoken Word project to be offered during Lent. Jane Costello reported that training sessions for the Session class of 2017 are being postponed until March because of the time and attention that has been required for the discernment issues There being no further business, following a closing prayer by Jim Birchfield the meeting was adjourned at 11:00 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Jane Costello Clerk of the Class of