SESSION MINUTES
STATED MEETING DECEMBER 14, 2006
The Session of the First Presbyterian Church,
Elders
present were Fran Keasler, Billie Ford, Carla Lacy, Sheila Moore, Lynn Jackson,
David Williams, Dean Ransdell, Lil McClerkin, Cordell Klein, Clerk Stacy
Cogbill, and Moderator Reverend Dianne Brown. Elders Richard Sexton and Don
Johnson were absent. Also present were Elder Elect Larry Davis, Administrative
Assistant Patricia Thomas, Music Director Bryan Bierbaum, and member Vicki
Deskin.
Reverend
Brown called the meeting to order, declared a quorum present, and gave the
opening prayer.
Elder elect Dr. Larry Davis visited with the Session and gave his personal Faith Statement.
Lynn Jackson presented a proposal from the Presbyterian Women to purchase new double convection ovens for the kitchen. Due to the renovation project, the ovens in the old kitchen are being removed. The new ovens would be installed in the main kitchen and would facilitate the preparation of meals. The cost would be approximately the same as the cost to remodel the storage room and purchase two new ovens for that area.
MOTION - was made by Lynn Jackson and seconded by Lil McClerkin to purchase a set of
Blodgett half-size electric convection ovens at a cost of $6,897.00. The motion
passed.
MINUTES
The Session reviewed minutes from the Special Meeting of November 12, 2006, and the Stated Meeting of November 16, 2006.
MOTION - was made by Dean Ransdell and seconded by Sheila Moore to approve the minutes.
The motion passed.
DIACONATE REPORT
Reverend Brown reported for the Deacons. She said that
Kevin Thompson had been elected Moderator for the Diaconate for the next year.
Also, Andrew Gloster has agreed to serve as Moderator of the
TREASURER’S REPORT
Administrative Assistant, Patricia Thomas, gave the Session a report on the pledges for 2007. Sixty-six pledges have been received through November, totaling $284,986.00.
The Session was given the other financial reports, including the Analysis of Bank Accounts which showed the following balances: Operating Account - $84,842.00; Money Market Account - $150,032.00; Music Account - $7,354.00. The Profit and Loss Statement showed a net loss of $3,642.35 through November, 2006.
CORRESPONDENCE TO THE CLERK – Stacy Cogbill
The Clerk presented the following items for approval:
*For the minutes to reflect the death of long time member Hazel Parker who died on
November 12, 2006.
*For the
8 and 9, 2007, for a district meeting of the Southwest Arkansas Garden Clubs.
*For Melanie Daniels to change the dates for use of the church facilities (and her wedding and rehearsal)
from February 2 and 3, 2007, to February 23 and 24, 2007.
MOTION - was made by Dr. Cordell Klein and seconded by Dr. David Williams to approve the
items and dates listed above. The motion passed.
Mr. Cogbill presented a letter from the City of Texarkana, Arkansas, which offered our church the opportunity to be included in signing a petition to include the church in the Original City Historic District. Due to possible restrictions on future changes and renovations to our property, the Session declined to approve signing the petition.
MOTION - was made by Stacy Cogbill and seconded by Lynn Jackson to decline the offer to
sign the petition set forth above. The motion passed.
PASTOR’S REPORT – Reverend Dianne Brown
Reverend Brown announced the following:
* Told the Session that Hayes and Lil McClerkin had donated an antique cabinet to the church and that it
was now in use in the pastor’s office.
* Said that she and Clerk Stacy Cogbill were to take communion to the shut-ins in the morning.
* Thanked the four elders who had served their three year term of office. Those elders are Dean
Ransdell, Lil McClerkin, Dr. Cordell Klein, and Stacy Cogbill.
*Named the Committee Moderators for 2007: Christian
Education – Sheila Moore; Evangelism –
Stewardship - Dr. Larry Davis; and Worship – Sandra Holmes.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE – Lil McClerkin
No Report
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE – Dr. Cordell Klein
Dr. Klein said that a change in the minister’s terms of call (salary change) would be presented to the congregation for approval on Sunday, December 17, 2006.
EVANGELISM COMMITTEE – Lynn Jackson
Ms. Jackson told the Session that a 3’x 5’ banner (showing the church name) had been purchased for the church. Any group representing the church at events and programs held away from the church is welcome to use it.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE – Sheila Moore
Ms. Moore reported the following:
*The Children’s Sunday School Christmas Party was held December 10, 2006.
*The W.O.W.! Christmas program was December 6, 2006, at the Joy Gift Dinner. The
W.O.W.! program will break for Christmas and resume on January 10, 2007.
*Kristi Bierbaum and Stephanie Jackson will be the new co-directors of the nursery
beginning December 31, 2006. Jeannie Sexton, current director, will be on maternity leave.
*The Youth will have a Christmas Party on December 20, 2006, at Cinema 218.
*The Christian Education Committee Job Description was reviewed and a few revisions were made.
PROPERTY COMMITTEE – Don Johnson
Mr. Johnson reported that construction and renovation of
the
WORSHIP COMMITTEE – Billie Ford
No Report
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE – Dean Ransdell
Ms. Ransdell gave the Session a list of the proposed Christmas bonuses for the church staff. The bonuses are a part of the 2006 budget.
MOTION – was made by Dean Ransdell to approve the bonuses as recommended by the
Personnel Committee. The motion passed.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
The Session elected Stacy Cogbill as Clerk and Lary Walker as Treasurer for the 2007 calendar year.
ACCEPTANCE OF
REPORTS
MOTION - was made by David Williams and seconded by Dean Ransdell to accept all
committee reports. The motion passed.
ADJOURNMENT
Sheila Moore gave the closing prayer.
Reverend Dianne Brown, Moderator Stacy Cogbill, Clerk of Session