SESSION MINUTES

STATED MEETING MAY 17, 2007

The Session of the First Presbyterian Church, Texarkana, Arkansas met in a Stated Meeting on Thursday, May 17, 2007, at 5:00 p.m. in the Library/Session Room.

Elders present were Martha Nell Richards, Charles Morgan, Fran Keasler, Billie Ford, Carla Lacy, Sheila Moore, Don Johnson, Lynn Jackson, Dr. David Williams, and Moderator Reverend Dianne Brown. Elders absent were Larry Davis, Pat Davitt, and Richard Sexton. Also present were Treasurer Lary Walker, Diaconate Moderator Kevin Thompson, Music Director Bryan Bierbaum, Youth/Education Director Jane Portis, Administrative Assistant Patricia Thomas, and Clerk Stacy Cogbill.

Reverend Brown called the meeting to order, declared a quorum present, and asked Sheila Moore to give the opening prayer.

MOTHER’S DAY OUT REPORT

The director of the Mother’s Day Out, Nancy Emerson, reported financial and attendance information regarding the Mother’s Day Out Program. Ms. Emerson said that enrollment was down and that this summer there would be two classes in lieu of three. She said the committee was considering advertising the program in the Four States Living Magazine.

DEVOTIONAL

Reverend Brown led the Session in a devotional that included scripture and prayer. The Elders then participated in Communion.

MINUTES

The Session reviewed minutes from the Stated Meeting of April 26, 2007.

MOTION - was made by Charles Morgan and seconded by Don Johnson to approve the

minutes. The motion passed.

DIACONATE REPORT – Kevin Thompson

Mr. Thompson gave the following report:

*The April Monthly Mission was completed with delivery of items to the Juvenile Detention Center.

*The May Monthly Mission of collecting items for the Texarkana Animal Shelter is in progress.

*The June Monthly Mission will be a collection of school supplies for the Goodland Academy in

Hugo, Oklahoma. Also, through the summer, fans will be collected to give to families that need them.

*Family Camp sign-up is in progress.

*The Deacons will meet early Sunday morning on May 20^th to help prepare the breakfast for the senior

high graduates.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Lary Walker

The Session reviewed financial reports through the period ending April 30, 2007. The various accounts showed the following balances:

Operating Account - $46,496.00 Money Market Account - $102,447.00

Music Account - $ 7,490.00 Total of All Accounts - $156,433.00

Profit and Loss Statement - $ 10,824.36

CORRESPONDENCE TO THE CLERK – Stacy Cogbill

The Clerk gave the Session a request from Remica Gray in which she asked for approval for three Bell Tower events in late 2007 and early 2008. Ms. Gray has written a detailed description of each event and asks for approval to use the church facilities. The Clerk said all dates requested had been cleared on the church calendar.

MOTION - was made by Dr. David Williams and seconded by Charles Morgan to approve Ms.

Gray’s requests. The motion passed.

Mr. Cogbill read a request from Dean Ransdell for use of the Fellowship Hall for a meeting of the Single Parent Scholarship Fund. The date for the program is June 12, 2007, and would include use of the kitchen.

MOTION - was made by Charles Morgan and seconded by Lynn Jackson to approve Ms.

Ransdell’s request. The motion passed.

The Session unanimously approved a scheduled showing of quilted banners celebrating women’s ordination anniversaries in the Presbyterian Church. The banners are to be displayed in our Fellowship Hall January 9 – 18, 2008.

PASTOR’S REPORT – Reverend Dianne Brown

Reverend Brown reported the following:

1. She will officiate at the wedding of Joseph Wilson Owen and Wendy Bond in Hot Springs,

Arkansas on June 17, 2007. Mr. Owen is the son of Dr. and Ms. Randy Owen and the grandson of June Owen.

2. On Sunday, June 24, 2007, she will dedicate Laney Nicole Bryant, daughter of Mr. and Ms. Kevin

Bryant.

MOTION - was made by Sheila Moore and seconded by Don Johnson to approve the

dedication of Laney Bryant. The motion passed.

3. Proposed that all church regular activities be cancelled on Wednesday, July 4, 2007, due to the

holiday.

MOTION - was made by Don Johnson and seconded by Charles Morgan to approve the

request for no church activities on July 4^th. The motion passed.

4. Advised the Session that she would be out of the office on the following dates: June 10^th through June

15^th and from July 20^th through July 28^th. Charles Morgan will fill the pulpit on Sunday, July 22^nd.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE – Fran Keasler

No activity or business to report.

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE – Larry Davis

Reverend Brown reported that the committee would be meeting soon to begin work on the 2008 budget.

EVANGELISM COMMITTEE – Lynn Jackson

No activities to report.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE – Sheila Moore

Ms. Moore reported the following:

*Sunday School attendance is averaging 58 people.

*The W.O.W.! program had their final meeting of the term and will be on break for the summer.

*Youth/Senior Sunday will be May 20, 2007.

*Vacation Bible School plans are on schedule.

Jane Portis, Youth/Education Director asked for approval of the following Youth activities:

1. An extensive Youth Mission Trip to McAllen, Texas and Reynosa, Mexico planned for June 15-21,

2008.

MOTION - was made by Sheila Moore and seconded by Fran Keasler to approve the

Mission Trip. The motion passed.

2. A dinner and silent auction planned for February 15, 2008. This will be a fundraiser for the 2008 Youth

Mission Trip.

MOTION - was made by Lynn Jackson and seconded by Sheila Moore to approve the dinner

and silent auction. The motion passed.

3. To divide the Youth Group into a Junior High group and Senior High group effective June 3, 2007. The

request is being made to accommodate the larger number of youth participating (16 to 19 total).

MOTION - was made by Sheila Moore and seconded by Fran Keasler to divide the Youth

Group. The motion passed.

PROPERTY COMMITTEE – Don Johnson

Mr. Johnson reported the following:

1. The automatic dishwasher needs more repair and the cost will be approximately $1,200.00.

2. The light behind the cross in the sanctuary is out and Whatley Sign Company will give us an estimate

to repair.

3. The church passed the latest fire safety inspection by the Texarkana, Arkansas Fire Department.

4. A donation has been made to the church for the installation of a new sound system for the Fellowship

Hall.

WORSHIP COMMITTEE – Dr. David Williams

Dr. Williams reported that the Worship Committee is studying the proposal to serve Communion every Sunday. A report on this will be made in July.

Dr. Williams asked for approval for Danny Gray to fill the pulpit on Laymen’s Sunday.

MOTION - was made by Dr. Williams to approve Danny Gray to preach on Laymen’s Sunday.

The motion passed.

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE – Charles Morgan

No activity or business to report.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

Martha Nell Richards reported the following:

1. She attended the Presbytery Meeting at Camp Alabama on May 15, 2007. The primary items discussed

were:

+Need for Missionary Support

+The Living Waters Program

+The Chilean Partnership Report

2. The church was able to secure several items of office furniture from the Internal Revenue Service

donation program. Mark Richards, Bob Ransdell, Ronnie Walraven, and Martha Nell Richards helped

move the furniture.

3. Due to the heavy volume of calls coming in to the Patient Assistance Program, it was decided a new

telephone service carrier was needed for the Patient Assistance Program. After researching several

programs the new service was purchased from Vonage Systems. No new or additional electronics or

hardware was required.

4. An organized clean-up plan will be needed when the renovation project is complete.

ADJOURNMAMENT

Reverend Brown gave the closing prayer.

Reverend Dianne Brown, Moderator Stacy Cogbill, Clerk of Session