SESSION MEETING AGENDA St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church September 24, :00 P.M., Frampton Fellowship Hall

Transcription

1 Call to Order Don Frampton SESSION MEETING AGENDA St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church September 24, :00 P.M., Frampton Fellowship Hall Devotional and Opening Prayer Trudi Stafford Moderator s Report Don Frampton Clerk s Report Ken Kneipp Report o Letter of acknowledgement of SCAPC financial support 1. Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary, Atlanta GA, August 21, Action Items o Approval of Communion for Youth Retreat, October 19-21, o Approval of meeting minutes (attached) 1. Stated Session Meeting, August 27, New Member Meeting Minutes Committee Reports: Community Ministries Brad Stillwagon, Chair (Glenn Barnett, Vice Chair) o No report. Congregational Care Janet Favrot, Chair (Susie Rumsfeld, Vice Chair) o Update on inactive members. Congregational Life Ebie Strauss, Chair (Allison Tiller, Vice Chair) o No report. Finance Tom Wright, Chair (Harrison Frampton, Vice Chair) o August year-to-date financial report. Global Ministries Ann Maier, Chair (Dave Grissett, Vice Chair) o No report. Member Involvement Trudi Stafford/Brenda Stephens, Co-Chairs o No report. Membership Judith Luchsinger, Chair (Deanna McLendon, Vice Chair) o No report. Personnel Richard Seelman, Chair (Pete November, Vice Chair)

2 New Business o Staff performance reviews. Property Leigh Ferguson, Chair (Kevin Murphy, Vice Chair) o No report. Spiritual Formation Becka Curry, Chair (Sarah Edgecombe, Vice Chair) o Update on Supper Clubs. Stewardship Parke Ellis, Chair (Holly Snodgrass, Vice Chair) o Update on Elder pledges. Worship and Music Bob Weaver, Chair (Matt Guy, Vice Chair) o Elder volunteers for Communion service on Sunday, November 25, 2018 and Monday, December 24, 2018 (Christmas Eve). Action Items: o Approval of baptism of Jared Bennett Spencer, Jr. at 10:30 service on October 14, o Approval of baptism of Stephen Hunt Clement at 10:30 service on October 21, o Approval of baptism of Parke Henry Clement at 10:30 service on October 21, o Approval of baptism of Minor Maxwell Macpherson Strachan at 10:30 service on November 18, Pastoral Care Rev. Don Frampton Rev. Sarah Chancellor-Watson Staff Reports Evelyn Audler Steven Blackmon Michele Murphy Tim Shipkin Closing Prayer Sarah Chancellor-Watson

3 St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church Minutes of Stated Meeting of Session August 27, 2018 Call to Order Don Frampton, Moderator Attendance The Moderator called the meeting to order in Frampton Fellowship Hall at 6:00 P.M. Present: Evelyn Audler, Glenn Barnett, Steven Blackmon, Harry Brown, Jessie Bruggers, Sarah Chancellor-Watson, Cathy Dunn, Sarah Edgecombe, Patrick Egan, Parke Ellis, Lyn Fabacher, Janet Favrot, Leigh Ferguson, Don Frampton, Harrison Frampton, Rick Grubb, Matthew Guy, Hunter Hill, Leon Hinson, Shannon Holtzman, Ken Kneipp, Judith Luchsinger, Bob McCleskey, Kevin Murphy, Michele Murphy, Mary Dawn Pugh, Kathy Randall, Nancy Rix, Louise Schaefer, Richard Seelman, Holly Snodgrass, Trudi Stafford, David Stagg, Brenda Stephens, Brad Stillwagon, Ebie Strauss, Allison Tiller, Nate Turner, Bob Weaver, Tom Wright Excused: Sallee Benjamin, Becka Curry, John Galbraith, Dave Grissett, Ann Maier, Deanna McLendon, J. Pegues, Susie Rumsfeld, Laura Shields, Tim Shipkin Absent: Ryland Edwards (youth), Pete November, Calder Schmidt (youth), George Wilson The Clerk confirmed that a quorum was present. Devotional and Opening Prayer We were led in a devotional focusing on Stewardship and opening prayer by Parke Ellis. Moderator s Report Don Frampton The Moderator mentioned the individual Stewardship campaign packets which were being distributed to all Session members and encouraged the Session to participate fully in leadership giving toward the Stewardship campaign. It was mentioned that the Search Committee (Dawn Talbot, Chair) is continuing its work to identify candidates for the open Director of Youth and Young Adults position. Until this position is filled, leadership for the church s youth ministry program is being provided by the team of Bria Rault, Michele Murphy, and Sarah Chancellor-Watson. The Moderator described the opportunity to invite Rev. Aaron Janklow, Senior Executive Pastor at Royal Poinciana Chapel, Palm Beach, FL to be our guest preacher for Scottish Heritage Sunday, October 28, Rev. Janklow is a friend and recent graduate of the University of Edinburgh. His brother, David, was a former SCAPC member and assisted

4 with our youth program. A motion was made, duly seconded, and unanimously approved to invite Rev. Janklow to participate as guest preacher on October 28, The Moderator indicated that the Rev. Dr. Margaret Aymer, Professor of New Testament Studies at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, has accepted SCAPC s invitation to participate as guest preacher in the 2019 Selley Series. A motion was made, duly seconded, and unanimously approved to affirm this invitation to Dr. Aymer to participate as Selley Series guest preacher on April 28, Clerk s Report Ken Kneipp The Clerk called attention to letters which had been received from Liberty s Kitchen, New Orleans, LA expressing thanks for our church s financial support. Approval of prior month (May, 2018) stated Session meeting minutes. One addition to the published minutes for May, 2018 (under the New Business heading) was recommended. This addition deals with the previously granted approval for SCAPC to host the 2022 Synod of the Sun Presbyterian Women s gathering. For clarity concerning funding for this event, it was indicated that funding will come from either the SCAPC Visionary fund or the Pastor s Discretionary Fund. With that addition noted here, a motion was made, duly seconded, and unanimously approved to approve the May, 2018 minutes. Approval of New Member Meeting minutes (May 13, May 20, June 3, June 24, July 22, and August 19, 2018). A motion was made, duly seconded, and unanimously approved. Committee Reports Community Ministries Brad Stillwagon, Chair (Glenn Barnett, Vice Chair) Sarah Chancellor-Watson described the upcoming church-wide Day of Service scheduled for Saturday, September 15, 2018 beginning at 8:30 A.M. A number of specific projects working either within our own church or jointly with a variety of Community Ministries partner organizations are scheduled to occur on that date. There are activities planned which can use the support of people of all ages, including children, so all in the congregation are being encouraged to participate. Applications are being sought for Community Ministries grants seeking to identify new potential partner organizations. Applications are due by October 1, Congregational Care Janet Favrot, Chair (Susie Rumsfeld, Vice Chair) No report. Congregational Life Ebie Strauss, Chair (Allison Tiller, Vice Chair) Ebie reported that SCAPC s Wednesday Night Out program will be resuming on Wednesday, September 12, The Congregational Life committee has planned a full slate of activities/speakers in coordination with the scheduled dinner each week. The planned schedule for these events will be publicized on a week-to-week basis.

5 Ebie indicated that the all-church Family Picnic (barbeque at the Land Building) is scheduled after the 10:30 worship service on October 14, Finance Tom Wright Tom gave a brief report on the performance of investments in the Visionary Fund. Assets in this fund are approximately 60% equities and 40% fixed income. During 2017, the overall return averaged approximately 14% which is in line with market expectations. The fund s current balance is approximately $6.1 million. Tom referenced the July year-to-date financial summaries that were included in the Session packet, and indicated that pledge receipts are slightly behind forecast, but that expenses are in line with forecasted levels. There were no unusual items requiring discussion. Committee Chairs are reminded to review their anticipated spending for the remainder of 2018 and to seek approval in advance for any anticipated over-budget spending. The next meeting of the Finance Committee is scheduled for September 11, Global Ministries Ann Maier, Chair (Dave Grissett, Vice Chair) Sarah Chancellor Watson highlighted the attainment of 1 million gallons of delivered clean water, an achievement of the Living Waters for the World program in collaboration with our Cardenas, Cuba sister churches, El Fuerte and Juan G. Hall. Action Item: 1. Sarah Chancellor-Watson described the concept of a Mission Fair Market which is being jointly sponsored by the Global Ministries and Community Ministries Committees. This market will provide an alternative means for SCAPC members to participate in their traditional holiday gift giving by allowing individuals to purchase items such as RHINO Christmas cards, gift baskets sold by Eden House, and other items available from some of our ministry partners. The market would be held in Frampton Fellowship Hall during the 2018 holiday season, and will promote greater awareness of the activities of our mission partners in addition to being a means of providing additional monetary support. A motion was made, duly seconded, and unanimously approved to support this Mission Fair Market program. Member Involvement Trudi Stafford/Brenda Stephens, Co-Chairs Brenda asked for Session volunteers to consider attending the Presbytery of South Louisiana retreat, October 19-20, 2018 at Feliciana Retreat Center, Norwood, LA. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available. Brenda informed current Session members who are continuing to serve in 2019 that a SCAPC Session Retreat has been scheduled for February 1-2, 2019 at Solomon Episcopal Conference Center, Loranger, LA. Please Save the Date. Membership Judith Luchsinger, Chair (Deanna McLendon, Vice-Chair) No report.

6 Personnel Richard Seelman, Chair (Pete November, Vice-Chair) Richard briefly highlighted the work of the Search Committee seeking to fill the position of Director of Youth and Young Adults, and the fact that Bria Rault, Michele Murphy, and Sarah Chancellor-Watson will share leadership for Youth Ministry activities until that position is filled. (This was discussed previously in the Moderator s Report.) Property Leigh Ferguson, Chair (Kevin Murphy, Vice-Chair) Leigh indicated that the Property Committee has completed a total of 11 important property related projects that were on its to do list for 2018, indicative of good progress by the Committee this year. Action Item: 1. The Property Committee this year has placed a high priority on developing a formal Real Property Donation Policy which can be used to help SCAPC determine the advisability of accepting real property which is being offered as a donation to the church. The policy being recommended was included in the Session packet. This policy will permit the Property Committee to obtain detailed information on the property in question and allow for a risk assessment to be made prior to accepting the donation. (It was indicated that current Louisiana law prohibits the simple deeding of property from one party to another without full disclosure to the receiving party.) Following its assessment using this policy, the Property Committee will make a recommendation to Session regarding acceptance of the property. (Session ultimately has the responsibility of approval, modification, or denial.) Leigh indicated that, while SCAPC does currently own certain property with limited value from previous donations, there is no known current liability associated with the ownership of this property. A motion was made, duly seconded, and unanimously approved to approve the Real Property Donation Policy as written. Spiritual Formation Becka Curry, Chair (Sarah Edgecombe, Vice-Chair) Sarah indicated that the fall Sunday School schedule begins on September 9, There is a full assortment of offerings available for all age groups. The youngest children will be focusing on learning familiar worship elements like the Doxology and Apostles Creed. Grades 2/3 and their parents will be focusing on what it means to be in worship. The Challenger Class, grades 4/5 will be led by Michele Murphy, and there are interesting offerings for adults, including classes related to Bible study, history, and parenting. Sarah indicated that a total of about 90 people have signed up for the Supper Clubs. Stewardship Parke Ellis, Chair (Holly Snodgrass, Vice-Chair) Parke distributed Stewardship campaign packets to each Session member, and briefly reviewed their contents, focusing on information regarding pledging unit breakdown and a summary of the ministries supported with our pledge dollars. A

7 goal of a 5% pledge increase was suggested as a realistic target for the upcoming campaign. Parke indicated that the formal Stewardship campaign will begin on September 23, 2018, and he requested that all Session members return their pledge cards indicating their commitment by no later than that date. Dedication Sunday is scheduled for October 21, Worship and Music Bob Weaver, Chair (Matt Guy, Vice Chair) Communion is scheduled for the 10:30 service on October 7, Elders participating in that service have been notified. Action Items: 1. The following baptisms were approved: o Laurel Evelyn Rowland on August 12, o Romeo Miloro Newcomer on August 19, o Andrew Foster Elkins on August 19, o Miles Henry Elkins on August 19, 2018 o Katherine Scott Habetz on September 16, 2018 (date change only) o Beau Everett Thornton on November 11, Pastoral Care Sarah Chancellor-Watson The following individuals were mentioned as currently having special health-related needs: Nancy Ellis, Bernie Strauss, Lauren Habetz, J. Pegues, and Carole Troutt. They will continue to be supported by the prayers of our congregation and staff. Pastoral Care Don Frampton Rev. Harry Brown, recently retired pastor of John Calvin Presbyterian Church, Metairie, LA, was introduced as the new SCAPC Parish Associate. Harry will be working on Tuesdays and Thursdays primarily visiting church members with special needs. He will also be supervising the Eden program. Staff Reports Evelyn Audler No report. Steven Blackmon The Christmas music concert is scheduled for December 16, The choir has returned to their normal schedule following the summer break. Jodi McWilliams is currently undergoing cancer treatments. Bob Weaver s book, A Christian scientist, has recently been published. Michele Murphy A Sunday School focus this fall will be on teaching grades 2/3 and their parents about worship and the differences between going to church and going to worship. Tim Shipkin SCAPC has just completed its 8 th summer of RHINO activities.

8 Camp RHINO this summer involved participation by over 120 youth and the donation of more than 3,400 hours of service. A Reverse RHINO trip to work in Puerto Rico is scheduled for November 11-17, Scholarships are available if needed to support those wishing to attend. Closing Prayer Sarah Chancellor-Watson offered the closing prayer. A motion to adjourn was made, duly seconded, and unanimously approved, and the Session adjourned at 7:00 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Kenneth G. Kneipp Clerk of Session Donald R. Frampton Moderator of Session

9 Run Date 9/13/ St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church Page 1 Time 16:00:45 Fiscal Year Beginning 1/1/2018 Budgeted Financial Statement for Period 08 August 66.67% SCAPC Monthly Financial Report Var. Actual Actual for Actual for Actual Budget to Annual Actual YTD Description Period Period Last Year YTD Annual Budget % Last Year RECEIPTS Prior Yr Pledge Revenue 1, , , ****** 39, Current Year Pledge Revenue 55, , , ,259, , Draw on Prepaid Pledges , , , Members w/o Pledges 8, , , , , Loose Plate Collections 1, , , , Operating Receipts 66, , ,130, ,746, ,042, Visionary Fund Operating Draw , , , Visionary Fund Housing Draw 2, , , , , Visionary Fund Property Draw.00 30, , Visionary Fund Special Draw.00 65, , Music Fund Draw , , Funds from Gifts & Memorials , , Interest & Inv Income (Fees) , , , Miscellaneous Budgeted Income , TOTAL REVENUE 69, , ,265, ,094, ,272, DISBURSEMENTS Benevolences Presbytery Tax , , , Greater Church Support , , , Seminary Support Expense , Local Community Ministry 5, , , , Global Ministries , , , , Total Benevolences 5, , , , , Adult Spiritual Formation , , , Children's Spiritual Formation 1, , , , Youth Spiritual Formation , , , , Selley Speaker Series , Congregational Care 1, , , Congregational Life , , , Property & Insurance 27, , , , , Membership Music 5, , , , , Personnel 80, , , ,212, , Member Involvement , , , Stewardship Worship , , , Office 7, , , , , Nursery School TOTAL EXPENSES 132, , ,311, ,134, ,318, NET FROM BUDGETED OPERATIONS -63, , , , ,034.37

10 Run Date 9/13/ St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church Page 2 Time 16:00:45 Fiscal Year Beginning 1/1/2018 Budgeted Financial Statement for Period 08 August 66.67% SCAPC Monthly Financial Report Var. Actual Actual for Actual for Actual Budget to Annual Actual YTD Description Period Period Last Year YTD Annual Budget % Last Year NET FROM BUDGETED OPERATIONS -63, , , , , UNBUDGETED ITEMS Wedding/Funeral/Rental Revenue , , Wedding/Funeral/Rental Expense , , Net Weddings Surplus (Deficit) , , RHINO Revenue 5, , , , RHINO Expenses -5, , , , Net RHINO Surplus (Deficit) , Miscellaneous Revenue , Miscellaneous Expenses , Net Misc. Surplus (Deficit) Fixed Asset Revenue , Fixed Asset Expenses , Net Fixed Asset Surplus (Def) Net Renovation Surplus (Deficit) Gifts & Memorials Revenue.00 4, , , Gifts & Memorials Expenses.00-4, , , Net G&M Surplus (Deficit) , Total Net Unbudgeted Surplus , , (Deficit) NET OPERATING INCOME (DEFICIT) -63, , , , , ============ ============ ============ ============ ======= ============

11 Minutes Meeting of the Session St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church New Orleans, Louisiana September 9, 2018 The Session of St. Charles Ave. Presbyterian Church was called to order by Moderator, Pastor Sarah Chancellor-Watson, on September 9, An opening prayer was given. The purpose of the meeting was to receive new members. In attendance were: Lyn Fabacher Patricia Brinson Julie Nice Judith Luchsinger Phil Luchsinger Upon motion, the following persons were formally received by the Session: Transfer of Membership Reaffirmation of Faith: Jenny Bennett Cody Bennett Profession of Faith: Reactivation of Membership: Affiliate: Following prayer, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Louise Schaefer

12 Minutes Meeting of the Session St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church New Orleans, Louisiana September 16, 2018 The Session of St. Charles Ave. Presbyterian Church was called to order by Moderator, Pastor Sarah Chancellor-Watson, on September 16, An opening prayer was given. The purpose of the meeting was to receive new members. In attendance were: Lyn Fabacher Julie Nice Judith Luchsinger Phil Luchsinger Holly Snodgrass Upon motion, the following persons were formally received by the Session: Transfer of Membership Kathleen Kathy Dickey Reaffirmation of Faith: Margaret Wilbourne Profession of Faith: Reactivation of Membership: Affiliate: Following prayer, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Judith Luchsinger