SESSION MINUTES (The following are drafts and yet to be officially approved by the session- but are for your informaion)
Sunday, May 15, 2011
7:00 pm
The Session of Lake Murray Presbyterian Church met Lake Murray Presbyterian Church with the following in attendance: Senior Pastor, Dr. Ben Sloan; Elders, Bill Bearden, Ben Breland, Peggy Burgin, Mark Clement, Gail Comalander, Eddie Edwards, John Ferguson, Alan Grimsley, Pam Harrell, Danny Hood, Pam Hutto, Ray Peterson, Spencer Plowden, Eric Rogers, and Mze Wilkins. Excused: Phil Trefsgar, Lovic Brooks, Jennifer Aldrich, Lorrie Watkins, and Robbie Johnson.
The meeting was opened by Ben Sloan and as a group read the scriptures from 1 Peter 5:1-5 followed by a prayer.
The following minutes were approved: The April Session Minutes were reviewed and approved as written by Ben Breland and a 2nd from Mze Wilkins.
Old Business:
Rick and Carrie Laird, along with their two sons – Dylan and Aiden, joined the church on Sunday morning, May 15th as they come to Lake Murray Presbyterian Church by Transfer of Letter from St Ferdinand Church in Cranberry Township, PA.
The vote by the General Assembly to change the standards in which we operate was discussed. The session decided as a whole that Ben Sloan would make an announcement from the pulpit on Sunday explaining what this means for our church and that if anyone was interested in any further detail concerning the standards that a special meeting would be held after service. A letter explaining the changes to our standards would not be sent.
A motion was made and 2nd that Pam Hutto, Elder, act as clerk of session of the May Session Meeting. The motion was carried.
Committee Reports
Presbyterian Women-
To date, the PW women have collected approximately $ 7,900.00 from their rummage sale which is the largest amount so far. The PW Birthday celebration was held this past week and Ruthanne Nicholson received the PW Honorary Life Membership at this meeting.
Deacons-
Deacons have made 112 contacts for the month of April. Helping Hands is now under the direction of the Deacons and they are in the process of contacting church members to see if they will still participate in preparing meals for our church families when needed. The pastoral care list is being updated as well.
A request made by Sue Madden, member of the church, to begin a ministry for our widows in the church. This request was referred to the Deacons under pastoral care. Also, Deacons need to oversee the Grief Share Group led by Sue Madden meets weekly and has approximately 15-20 attendees per week.
New Church Development Meeting will be meeting the first week of August.
Finance Report-
Written minutes were distributed and highlighted by Mze Wilkins. Monthly reports were reviewed. Mze stated that Melissa Hattaway will begin May 17th working on reconciling all back bank statements and getting the church statements caught up.
Discussion concerning the payment of per capita dues to the General Assembly was discussed. The Finance Committee recommended that we as a church defer the payment until a later date. A question was asked if by delaying the per capita dues would we possibility choose not to pay at a later date. After much discussion, it was decided to delay until further information comes from the General Assembly concerning the change in standards.
Members of the LMPC Congregation have raised the question concerning giving to the church but not having any of their funds to go towards General Assembly. Finance Committee is looking into this question and will see what the best solution may be concerning this request.
Finance Committee stated that the accounting software that we currently use cannot produce a monthly balance sheet. Working with the appropriate personnel to reconcile so that a balance sheet can be produced on a monthly basis.
Time and Talent Sheets – All committees have contacted interested church members who filled out the Time and Talent Sheets wanting to serve the church in some capacity.
Preschool parents have been using the On Line Giving Program on our website for paying preschool fees. This has worked extremely well and the cost to administer this program will be split between the preschool and church budgets. The On-Line Giving Program will give our congregation the options to continue tithing during the summer months
Administration-
Personnel Committee made a request to close the church office close early during the summer months. The office will close by 12:30 PM each Friday. This was discussed with the church staff and they were in full agreement with this decision.
Personnel Committee stated that we will host the October Presbytery Meeting and that a large number of elders and deacons from our church should be present for this meeting.
Administration Committee is putting together a Nomination Committee for Deacons and Elders. Ben Breland and Gail Comalander have been asked to represent the Elders and serve on the Nominating Committee. Clare McGill will represent the deacons, one youth will be asked to serve and two church members at large. A motion was made to accept both Gail and Ben to represent the elders on the Nominating Committee and there was second.
Congregational meeting will be called on May 29th for the purpose of electing the Nominating Committee for Elders and Deacons.
Christian Education-
Christian Education met on April 18th and will meet again on May 16th. CEC reported that Sunday schools classes are averaging approximately 56 people per week. The summer curriculum has been approved and there will be 6 different curriculums during the summer. The Christian Education Committee is also looking at the curriculum for the fall and will present to the session once a decision is made.
A request was made to reimburse Austin Shelley for her flight expenses of $ 500.00 which she incurred. Christian Education Committee will discuss at their next meeting and report to back to the session next month.
Fellowship-
On July 31st a dinner will be held after church for new members.
Canoe trip down the Saluda River is being planned – details will be forthcoming.
Evangelism & Assimilation-
No Report
Worship-
Worship Committee did not meet the month of April due to the Maundy Thursday service; however, the Worship Committee is pursuing looking into a Contemporary Worship Service. Anyone that would like to service on this committee should contact Ben Breland.
Brandon Frick will lead us in worship on June 12th. Brandon is a member of the church and we supported him through seminary. A motion was made to invite Brandon Frick to lead us in worship in June and there was a 2nd. Motion carried.
Long Range Planning Committee discussed plans concerning expanding the Nursery area due to an overflow of infants and toddlers in our church. The expansion would cost approximately $ 10,000 - $ 12,000.00. It was recommended that Eddie Edwards, chairman of the Long Range Planning Committee, present the plan at next session meeting, the Long Range Planning Committee will provide actual cost of the renovation to the nursery area. The nursery renovation needs to be done due to the overflow of nursery children and also to keep a positive experience for our visitors and church members during worship. Other concerns are the signs at the church indicating parking areas, preschool sign, kitchen renovations and the main church sign. The recommendation for the main church sign is a digital sign that can be updated from the church office. The cost of that sign will run approximately $ 18,000.00.
Our mortgage is a little over $ 300,000 for the sanctuary and a recommendation was made by the Long Range Planning Committee that when the mortgage drops under $ 300,00.00 that a mini campaign be conducted to pay down the mortgage and also use the extra funds to fund some of the other renovations needed around the church. A mini fundraising campaign was discussed but will not pursue at this time.
The Milton Moore family has proposed an agreement with LMPC that provides usage of their property for church related functions. The Long Range Planning Committee has reviewed the agreement and has no problem with this agreement. The Moore family has also suggested that the church place a structure on the property with restrooms and meeting facility so that the property will be better utilized. The Long Range Planning Committee is not in agreement with the placing a structure on the Moore Property. The recommendation from the Long Range Planning Committee recommended that the session approve the Land and Property Use Agreement drawn up for Lake Murray Presbyterian Church and the Moore Family. The session voted to approve as written with no objections. Motion carried.
Property-
Electrical breaker panel has been installed in the new shed that will provide electricity to the well for the We Care Garden. Well has been installed and is working properly.
Missions –
Missions Committee reported that $ 1,000.00 was sent to Alabama Presbytery to help in disaster relief. June 11th a scout troop from Florida has contacted John Ferguson concerning spending the night at the church. A motion was made to allow the scout troop to use our gym facility – there was a 2nd – Motion carried.
Good Works Blitz date is set for June 27th – 30th. This is much earlier than years past. Sites for the blitz are still being identified. Sue Madden has requested that this year we reach out and include widows and orphans in our church and community. If you know of a widow within our congregation that may need help during the blitz, contact the Missions Committee.
Peru Trip is coming up – leaving July 8th. There is one person still in need of financial assistance – still short $ 300.00. Anyone that would like to contribute, contact the Missions Committee. The Peru trip will consist of helping with the water system providing good, clean drinking water and also working with the partnership church and getting to know the Pastor of that church in Peru.
Personnel-
Personnel Committee will be meeting to review the staff contracts.
New Business
Need to remember the following members in prayer this week:
Ed & Bambi Rice upon the loss of Ed’s sister, Laure Lawrence. Service will be Monday in Rock Hill at 3:30 PM.
Vicki McGhee upon the loss of her father.
Midge Burgess, Robbie Johnson, & Ruthie Burkhalter upon the loss of their mother, Rudell Johnson. Mrs. Johnson’s service was held Saturday, May 14th in Sumter, SC.
Pam and Blake Helms upon the loss of Ed Helms. Ed’s funeral was held at the church on Monday, May 9th.
Need to look at assisting Austin Shelley financially as she attend seminary at Princeton. Deferred to the Finance Committee to look at the budget to see if funds are available to assist Austin.
The meeting was closed with prayer by Dr. Ben Sloan.
Respectfully submitted,
Pam Hutto
Acting Clerk of Session