Our church has two special funds. One is the Church Renovation Fund. This fund has been established by the Session to offset the cost of needed interior and exterior repairs and replacements. If you have questions concerning this fund, contact Building and Operations Chairman Dennis Wagner, and if you can help, please write "FUND" on your check and place it in the offering plate. The second fund is the Sign Fund. This fund has been established to pay for new signage on all corners of the grounds of our church property. Approximately $10,000 will be needed for this project. If you are able to help, please put "SIGN" on your check and place it in the offering plate.

    

Henderson Presbyterian Church

Session Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

The Session met in quorum in the Fireside Room at Henderson Presbyterian Church. A quorum is one-third of the active elders (three of nine). The meeting was opened with prayer at 7:00 p.m. by the Moderator, Rev. Ross Doyel.

Active Elders present: Karen Fallon; Diane Holman; Jim LaVeck; Carol Null; Janice Pratt; Dennis Wagner; Clinton Brown, Youth Elder Excused: Anne Mack, Rita Yeager

Deacon’s Report

The Maundy Thursday Seder dinner is scheduled for March 20^th. Participants may sign up at the church and indicate at that time what they would like to bring for the potluck.

Future plans include a Fourth of July party and a full list of events for that program will be discussed at the next Deacon’s meeting.

Clerk’s Report

In the Clerk’s absence, Rev. Doyel reported that the annual statistical report had been submitted to PC (USA) headquarters. Copies will be available at the next meeting.

The minutes of the annual meeting and the meeting of the corporation, held January 27^th, were unanimously approved.

A recommendation to change the monthly meeting to the second Tuesday was discussed and a decision tabled until the next meeting. Such a change would make it easier for the Clerk to get the minutes done by the deadline for the newsletter.

Treasurer’s Report

The income and expense reports for January 2008 were accepted as presented.

Following discussion, Session voted to remove Carolyn LaVeck and Carl Mayrose from all existing Nevada State Bank signature cards. Session voted to retain Rob Bumann, Church Treasurer, as a signatory on the following accounts at Nevada State Bank: checking, savings, and Certificate of Deposit. Session elected elders Karen Fallon and Rick Miller as additional signatories on said accounts.

Elder Karen Fallon, chair of Stewardship and Finance, provided copies of her report for the previous month and also gave an explanation of the new Church Pro accounting forms. She stated that the offering counting teams were in place, with one new person being trained. She reminded the Session that each committee chair must sign all reimbursement requests that fall under their purview.

Pastor’s Report

Rev. Doyel once again asked each committee chair to prepare a committee job description, for use by the Nominating committee.

Rev. Doyel will be away from the church for three weeks in June, for Council and General Assembly meetings, and will take two weeks of vacation time in July and again in August, barring any emergencies at the church. Session voted to allow him to accumulate study leave time and pay for up to three years, which is allowed by the Presbytery of Nevada. The accumulated pay will be carried over into next year’s budget. Rev. Doyel reminded the members of Session that he will be at a Presbytery meeting at Westminster Presbyterian church February 24-27^th.

Rev. Doyel asked for permission to announce the creation of a "Future Building Fund." A statement will be prepared and emailed to the members of Session for approval.

Church Group Reports

Daytimers meet once a month on the third Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.

Several members of Boy Scout Troop #37, which is sponsored by the church, have begun God and Country classes with Rev. Doyel.

Committee Reports

Janice Pratt, Christian Education chair, reported that she needs one more teacher for the K-5 Sunday school classes. Curriculum has been provided for all teachers. Sunday school numbers are down and Janice wants to encourage more participation by students of all ages. She is hoping to introduce retreats and special outings to the Sunday school program. She expressed concern over the need for space for the Sunday classes and was assured by Session that the choir will no longer be allowed to practice in the sanctuary during the 9:30-10:30 hour, when the Sr. high meets in the loft above the sanctuary. Elder Jim LaVeck will inform the choir director of this change. There have been other complaints by congregants who come early for the 10:30 a.m. service and prefer to sit in silence in the sanctuary as they prepare themselves for worship.

Dennis Wagner, Building and Operations chair, reported that he has thoroughly inspected the building and called attention to his written report, which lists those items that need attention. The exit doors at the front of the sanctuary need to be replaced and he is in the process of soliciting bids for that work. He asked that maintenance requests be placed in his mailbox in the church office, and he thanked Rick Miller for his continuing assistance.

Diane Holman, chair of Nominations, has called a meeting of her committee for February 24^th, for the purpose of nominating an Elder to fill a vacancy in the class of 2010. This person will serve as co-chair of Worship.

Jim LaVeck, Worship committee chair, expressed concern that recent changes in church policies and procedures have made many in the congregation uncomfortable. Jan Pratt stated that members in particular have expressed frustration that they must now fill out an application in order to hold an event at the church. Rev. Doyel explained, for the benefit of the new elders in attendance, that the Session had felt a need to have more control of usage and clean-up in the church. The introduction of usage guidelines for each room and a form which reminds event planners of their responsibilities seemed an appropriate way in which to accomplish that task. It is also extremely helpful to have each event listed on the master calendar in the office, hopefully weeks in advance of an event’s occurrence. Jim also expressed concern that worship attendance appears to have decreased. Karen Fallon, however, stated that contributions are right on track. It was decided to let the Worship committee resume counting the number of people at each service, and to discuss this issue again at a future meeting. Session was encouraged by Rev. Doyel to increase their efforts in welcoming visitors to HPC.

Rev. Doyel, speaking for Membership, reported that per a decision by the Session, he has asked Rev. Pecoraro, Parish Associate, to prepare a class for prospective new members. Due to schedule conflicts, she will not be able to present the first class until after Easter. Discussion followed with regards to whether or not this class should be compulsory. Session voted not only to have a class for new members but to also offer it to all members who wish to renew their understanding of Presbyterian polity. The class will not be compulsory but will be strongly suggested as an appropriate avenue to joining the church.

Session voted to call a special meeting for March 2^nd, for the purpose of accepting into membership those people who wish to join during the Lenten season. Rev. Doyel asked that the minutes reflect the following: "I disagree with Session’s decision to take in members who have not been offered the opportunity to take the new membership class that Session previously decided would benefit all those who wish to join HPC."

Rev. Doyel reported for Rita Yeager, Mission chair, that the materials for One Great Hour of Sharing have been ordered.

Karen Fallon, Communications chair, stated that an updated address book for the congregation will be available in the coming week. She asked for comments with regards to a change in the book’s format.

Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned in prayer by Rev. Doyel.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 11, 2008, at 7:00 p.m.

Karen Fallon, Clerk Pro Tem

Sunday, March 2, 2008

The Session met in quorum in the Pastor’s office at Henderson Presbyterian Church, for the purpose of receiving new members. The meeting was opened with prayer at 10:10 a.m. by Rev. Ross Doyel. Elders in attendance were Karen Fallon, Diane Holman, Jim LaVeck, Anne Mack, Carole Null, Janice Pratt, Dennis Wagner, and Rita Yeager.

Rev. Doyel introduced Paul Liebmann, who comes to HPC by reaffirmation of faith. He is sponsored by Rev. and Mrs. Doyel. Mr. Liebmann is retired and his previous church affiliation was with Central Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City, OK. The Session voted unanimously to welcome Mr. Liebmann into membership.

Rev. Doyel then introduced David Paullin and his son, David Lee Paullin. Mr. Paullin comes to HPC by reaffirmation of faith and is sponsored by Rick Miller. Mr. Paullin was raised as a Presbyterian and has served with the U. S. Army for twenty-one years. His wife was unable to attend this meeting and will meet with the Session at a later date. The Session voted unanimously to welcome Mr. Paullin into membership.

At this time, the Session chose to briefly discuss two other items of business. The first was the membership class which will be presented by Rev. Hilda Pecoraro on Saturday, April 5^th, from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Rev. Doyel stated that the class will be beneficial not only to those wishing to join the church but also to current members and to all who are interested in learning more about the Presbyterian Church. The second item of business was the approval of the minutes for the regular Session meeting on February 19^th. There were several corrections to be made: 1) the time that Rev. Doyel will take off for attendance at General Assembly and a Council meeting will not be counted as vacation time; 2) he will be allowed to accumulate study leave time and pay and the accumulated amount of pay will be added into next year’s budget; 3) the correct name of the bank with whom HPC does business is Nevada State Bank; 4) for the purpose of legally identifying those who will be signatories for the church on all accounts, those names must be listed in the minutes of the meeting held in February, where Session voted to remove Carl Mayrose and Carolyn LaVeck as signatories and to add Karen Fallon and Rick Miller. The Session voted to approve the minutes as corrected.

The Clerk asked the Session to reaffirm that only ordained Elders and Deacons will be asked to serve communion at worship services, and that home communion will be served only by those authorized by Session to do so. A list of the latter should be generated by the Chairman of the Worship Committee. Session complied with the Clerk’s request.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 a.m.

Anne Mack, Clerk of Session

Henderson Presbyterian Church

Session Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

The Session met in quorum in the Fireside Room at Henderson Presbyterian Church. The meeting was opened with prayer at 7:02 p.m. by the Moderator, Rev. Ross Doyel.

Active Elders present: Karen Fallon, Jim LaVeck, Anne Mack, Carol Null, Janice Pratt, Rita Yeager

Absent: Diane Holman; Dennis Wagner; Clinton Brown, Youth Elder

Deacon’s Report

Following discussion on upcoming Church and Family Life events, Session agreed to suggest to the Board of Deacons that they consider some type of mission-oriented dinner or potluck, wherein a particular mission or missionary would be highlighted. It was also suggested that the Deacons might want to consider hosting a breakfast with a theme that encouraged volunteerism and/or mission work in general. The minutes of the Deacon’s meeting of February 25 were approved with the following exceptions: Rick Willson is still the Moderator of the Board of Deacons; the office staff is the group re-organizing the Food Pantry; Carol Coleman is not co-chair of that project (the Deacons did not wish to be in charge of the Food Pantry).

Clerk’s Report

The Clerk reported that Paul Liebmann and David Paullin had been welcomed into membership on March 6, 2008. Karen Miller has indicated that she would like to join the church, by way of a letter of transfer. A note of thanks from Adrienne Garcia-Mondeau, organist and choir director, was read.

Session noted the following:

Karen Fallon, chairperson of Stewardship and Finance, presented an oral report, due to a computer problem that prevented the distribution of a written report. She stated that all bills had been paid and that on at least a quarterly basis, she will provide a report that shows what has been spent against each item on the budget for this year.

Pastor’s Report

Rev. Doyel reported on those members or friends of the church whom he has visited since the last meeting of Session. He asked for approval of a change in his vacation schedule that would allow him to take ten days in April. This will prevent him from being away for an even greater part of the summer, as he will be attending a Council meeting and General Assembly in June, and had previously scheduled personal vacation time in July and August. Session unanimously approved his request.

Rev. Doyel stated that HACA (Henderson Allied Community Advocates) is changing its name to "Hopelink." As this organization is housed in a building on church land, he suggested that Hopelink send a representative to the next Session meeting to describe their new changes in staff and programs. Session agreed that this would be most appropriate.

Church Group Reports

Daytimers will be hosting a program on wills, burial, and funeral planning at their next meeting.

God and Country classes continue for several members of Boy Scout Troop #37, which is sponsored by the church. Session asked to have at least a quarterly report from the Girl Scout troops that meet at the church.

Committee Reports

STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE: Karen Fallon gave a report on the income generated by HPC during the past month.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: Janice Pratt reported that the nursery is in need of a new round table and that she is having some difficulty in locating one locally in the appropriate size. The Vacation Bible School materials have arrived. VBS will be held this year from July 21-25. She stated that she has planned for a teacher’s meeting in the near future and she thanked Carolyn LaVeck for agreeing to be a new teacher for K-5. Jan presented a written report that included Sunday School attendance figures for the past month. Session approved a Teacher’s Appreciation Day, to be held in conjunction with the ceremony in which Bibles are presented to graduating second graders. June 15, 2008 was selected as the date for this event. The Sunday School offering will be collected and turned in to the finance chairman on a monthly basis.

BUILDING AND OPERATIONS: The issue of speakers in the nursery was raised once again. Said speakers would allow the nursery attendants to hear the worship service if Rev. Doyel was wearing a lavaliere microphone. The church paid for such a mike several months ago. Adrienne Garcia-Mondeau will be asked to bring the mike in so that Rev. Doyel can test its capabilities.

The subject of the reorganization of the Food Pantry was raised and one member of Session expressed concern that the pantry was now only going to be open two mornings a week. This member felt that such short hours violated the mission statement of HPC and that such short hours would be detrimental to people who found themselves in an emergency situation and in need of food. Anne Mack stated that the Food Pantry hours were mandated by the lack of volunteers for that project. Session decided that the congregation needs to be reminded of the many volunteer opportunities available to them at HPC. It was suggested that a Minute for Mission be done on this subject. In the meantime, the signs for the Food Pantry should clearly state the church’s telephone number, for emergency food needs.

It was suggested that Session ask for a cleaning deposit from every group who uses the church and that it consider overtime for those employees who are called upon in an emergency or asked to put in extra time for a special event. No formal action was taken on this subject but Session agreed that both topics were worth further discussion.

NOMINATIONS: In Diane Holman’s absence, Rev. Doyel reported that the Nominating Committee has a candidate for Elder, to replace Ken Meats, who resigned in December. Session voted to hold a congregational meeting on Sunday, March 30, at 10:00 a.m., for the purpose of electing one new Elder.

WORSHIP: Jim LaVeck reported that he has begun to seek assistance in filling the pulpit while Rev. Doyel is away on business and on vacation this summer. He stated that communion at the 8:30 a.m. service will be served in the conventional manner on Easter, as a larger crowd is expected that day. Carole Null stated that while she understood the reasoning for this change, she preferred to take communion at the table, as it made her feel more a part of the service. It was suggested that a communion schedule be devised, wherein each Elder and Deacon would be asked to serve at least once a year. It was also suggested that a class be given for those ordained Elders and Deacons who will be serving communion to those isolated from worship. Jim stated that he will continue to ask the congregation to volunteer to serve as a lay leader at a Sunday worship service.

MEMBERSHIP: Carole Null will be in charge of the brunch following the class for new members on April 5^th (old members are also invited to come and learn more about what it means to be a Presbyterian). Carole will be posting sign-up sheets for this event. Session voted to call a special meeting for Sunday, April 20, at 9:30 a.m., for the purpose of receiving new members. Carole will prepare membership certificates for those joining the church on that day.

MISSION: Rita Yeager reported that One Great Hour of Sharing brochures and offering envelopes will be in the Sunday bulletins for the next few weeks. She instigated a discussion on the Crop Walk, which will take place April 13. Session agreed that it was too late this year to push this event. It is hoped that HPC can participate next year, when there will be more time for planning. Discussion ensued again with regards to a mission-oriented potluck, with a possible guest speaker and/or a particular cause that might benefit from HPC’s interest and involvement.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned with prayer by Rev. Doyel at 9:01 p.m.

The next regular Session meeting will be on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, at 7:00 p.m.

A Congregational meeting will take place on March 30, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.

A Special Session meeting will be held on Sunday, April 20, 2008 at 9:30 a.m.

Karen Fallon

Clerk Pro Tem