Session Minutes- August 26. 2010
Grace Presbyterian Church, Round Rock, TX (PIN 11794)
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Elder
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Year
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Conference
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Team
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Marti Good
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Excused
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2011
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Clerk
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Clerk
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Celeste Yeakley
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Present
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2011
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Worship
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Worship
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Steve Brown
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Present
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2012
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Worship
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Worship
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Susan Moore
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Present
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2012
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Grow
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Adult Discipleship
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Mike Porche
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Present
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2011
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Grow
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Adult Discipleship
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John Keagy
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Present
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2011
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Grow
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Youth
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Yongmi Boswell
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Present
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2012
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Grow
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Youth
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Haley Mereness
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Present
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2011
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Grow
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Youth
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Alex Maranto
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Present
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2012
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Grow
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Young Adult
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Connie Roalson
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Present
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2011
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Grow
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Children
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Brandy Haney
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Present
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2011
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Grow
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Children
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Barbara Allen
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Present
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2011
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Connect
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Fellowship
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Chris Granger
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Present
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2012
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Connect
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Fellowship
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Nancy Porche
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Present
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2012
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Connect
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Deacons
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Joy Dehls
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Excused
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2012
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Connect
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Staff
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Tom Alexander
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Present
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2011
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Connect
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Stewardship
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Tammy Stokes
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Present
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2011
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Connect
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Stewardship
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Sandy Maranto
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Present
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2012
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Connect
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Stewardship
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Wayne Hudgens
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Excused
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2011
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Serve
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Mission
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Jana Lester
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Excused
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2012
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Serve
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Mission
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George Scherer
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Present
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2011
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Invite
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IWI
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Tina Whalen
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Present
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2012
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Invite
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IWI
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Tom Dugger
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Present
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2011
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Invite
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Building
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Rick Chichester
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Present
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2012
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Invite
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Building
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Howard Carr
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Present
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2011
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Invite
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Grounds
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Maury Morrison
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Present
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2012
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Invite
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Grounds
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Nancy Reeves
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Present
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Pastor
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Sarah Shaney Reeves
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Present
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Director Y, C, YA Min
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Jan Alexander
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Present
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Parish Assoc
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Our vision: The vision of Grace Presbyterian Church is to create a joyful community of faith that invites and welcomes all people to share their faith and doubts while celebrating together the gospel of Jesus Christ through worship, study, and service.
Call to Order
Declaration of Quorum
Prayer concerns: Corbin Hutcherson (mono), Pastor Nancy (healing foot), Natasha Chambless-kids returned, Tarlton family (vet)-miscarriage, cancer
Opening Prayer-led by Mike Porche
Clerk’s report:
1. Communion: The sacrament of communion was celebrated on the following dates:
· 09:00 worship service: May 30, June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 4.11.18.25, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
· 11:00 worship services: June 6,20, July 4,18, Aug 1, 15
2. Marriages: Rev. Nancy Reeves performed the wedding of Amanda Beittel and Dan Moran on July 31, 2010
3. Births: none
4. Baptisms: The sacrament of baptism was celebrated for Rachel and Jordan Ledington on June 27 and for Christopher Bennet McLoud on July 25.
5. Deaths: none
6. New Members: We welcomed the following into membership on June 27-
Krista and Greg Ledington by affirmation of faith
Chris Iaccio-transfer of letter
7. Membership: Current membership is 324. Current “related to members” (which is mainly children, a few spouses) is 161.
8. ***Motion to approve June Session Minutes. Motioned passed.
9. Request for baptisms: none
Pastor’s Report
1. Tina Whalen and Robert Arroyo have requested that Mark Tarrant assist in their wedding ceremony on Sept 4, and Matt Henderson, son of Celeste Yeakley, has requested that Mark perform his wedding ceremony on October 10. As per the Book of Order and the policy of Mission Presbytery, our Session must officially invite anyone who is not the pastor of the church to officiate at any wedding in our sanctuary.
*******Motion to be made-That Rev. Mark Tarrant be invited to assist in the wedding ceremony of Tina Whalen and Robert Arroyo on Sept 4 and to officiate at the wedding of Matt Henderson on October 10. Motion was approved.
2. After our first round of conference meetings, we did a little tweaking of teams to make things fit better. Now the Conferences and Teams are as follows:
Worship Grow Connect Serve Invite
Worship Adult Deacons Mission Building
Y. Adult Fellowship IWI
Youth Stewardship Grounds
Children Staff
In addition, due to need for more leadership for our Children’s Ministry Team, Brandy Haney has moved from Staff to Children’s Ministry.
3. Recently someone described life at Grace right now as being in the rapids. Things are changing quickly, water is flowing fast, big rocks are changing the flow, some hidden rocks underneath can cause bumps and bruises. We are extremely busy, tired, and struggling with the unique challenges of growth. Instead of trying to keep our head above the water in the rushing rapids, maybe we need to remove a few rocks and see how it is to float! To address some of these things I present the following motions to be discussed:
*****Motions to be approved:
A. To not add anything new this Fall. Let’s do what we are doing well, before we try to add additional activities. Motion was approved.
B. Encourage ministry teams to drop any unnecessary, or unproductive activities, from our calendar so as to help us not be so busy. Let’s focus on the basics…worship, study, service, nurturing relationships with God and one another. Motion was approved.
C. To freeze the calendar through Dec 31. This way everyone will see on the calendar right now…on the web site…etc…what is happening the rest of the year. AND we won’t get overwhelmed with all the things that keep popping up. Motion was approved.
D. To move our Session year from June –May to Feb –Jan, and that with the new Session year we have only one elder per team. This would back up everyone’s term by 5 months. Those who are scheduled to go off next May, for the most part will then have served 2 years and 7 months. In addition it would reduce the size of the Session to a more manageable group. Motion was approved.
E. To make a recommendation to the Nominating Team that all elders to be nominated must have served previously on the team. This will help in our training and continuity of programming. Motion was approved.
4. Amanda Jones has decided to leave Grace due to a series of things which caused hurt feelings. I have had a long conversation with her, as has Connie. One thing for us to learn from this is the importance of appreciating our volunteers and of us not being so critical of work others have done. Each team is going to talk about ways to encourage one another in their ministry.
5. Reminder of the page in your notebook, “Elder Expectations.” If we fulfilled these, some of our issues would go away.
Director of Children, Youth and Young Adult Session Report
1. I have been formulating program fliers for Revolve and Midwinters, fliers have been mailed to all youth with detailed information about the conferences (cost and fundraising) and can be accessed on the website. Additionally, informational meetings and ministry moments will occur for each conference throughout September.
2. Additionally, I am creating brochures of children and youth programs that are happening at Grace. Each brochure will state program details, procedures as well as expectations. Upon the approval of the team, fliers will be mailed out to members, linked on the website and placed in the sanctuary.
3. Most of August was spent meeting with Children , Youth and Young Adult Elders to discuss curriculum and visioning for Fall. With this information I created the children, youth and young adult calendar for Fall.
4. The youth retreat at John Knox Ranch, to be postponed until Fall 2011.
5. I am currently collaborating with stewardship, youth, children and worship to plan Children’s Sabbath service on October 17th.
Treasurer’s Report-
We are significantly behind in our giving. It seems as if the recession has finally hit Texas and is being reflected in our offerings. We are behind by $36,000 what we had expected. Pastor Nancy will send a letter to the congregation encouraging people to catch up on pledges, or to let our treasurer know if they will not be able to do so, so that we can make appropriate plans.
We also had significant outlay of funds this summer form our reserve fund due to having to completely replace one air conditioner and do major repairs to another. We will be looking at areas to cut our spending. IF necessary we will have to discontinue our lawn service and our cleaning service, asking members to do this. We hope that will not be necessary.
All teams were asked not to spend ANY money unless it is absolutely necessary.
Most importantly we need to pray, asking God to show us how to best use our resources.
Conference Reports
WORSHIP CONFERENCE-Celeste Yeakley and Steve Brown
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Role
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Leader
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Members
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Worship Media
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Joy Dehls
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Steve Brown, Melissa Hutcherson, Kristi Gardner, Sandy Maranto, Amy
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Worship Sound
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TBD – sound board changes have affected team
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David Babyak (later), John Keagy (back up)
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Usher/lay leader Coordinator
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TBD
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Chair set up
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TBD
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Communion Coordinator
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Special Services – events and surveys
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Christina Mereness, Kristina Langenohl, Amber Kent,
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Worship environment
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Lynn Britcher
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Worship Planning Team
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Celeste
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Kirk, Rachel Keagy, Jan Alexander, Pastors
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Worship Strategy Team
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Celeste
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Kirk, Rachel, Pastors
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Worship Elder – Music/Media
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Celeste
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N/A
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Worship Elder – Logistics
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Steve Brown
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N/A
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Children’s sermons
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1st Sunday – Connie Roalson
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2nd Sunday – Devin Miner
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3rd Sunday – The Duck
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4th Sunday – Matt Mereness
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5th Sunday – Laurel Newell
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Alternate: Laurel Newell
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Action items:
· Conference Meeting: Sept.14 at 7 pm – church house. (tentative)
· Planning session: Sept 16th (Thursday) at 5:30 pm
· Fill TBD slots
Attendance:
Date 9:00 AM/11:00 AM/Total
July:
4-129 (one service)
11-39/142=181
18-51/146=197
25-61/158=219
August;
1-55/138=193
8-40/116-156
15-50/121=171
22-51/128=179
The worship planning team met on Tuesday, August 24th. Details available on request.
Sept 5-Jan Alexander preaching (communion early)
Scripture Job 38:1-41; Ephesians 3:14-21; Psalm: 116:1-7.
Theme God’s Intentions
Sept 12-Kevin Jones preaching (communion both services)
Scripture Luke 15:1-10 and 1Tim 1:12-17.
Theme "Being Found" whether or not we want to be found
Sept 19-Nancy Reeves preaching (communion early)
Scripture Luke 16:1-13
Theme Generosity-the best investment
Sept 26-Jan Alexander preaching
Scripture Genesis 1:1-5, 31a (end with "very good."); John 6:35-51; Psalm 130.
Theme The Table of Grace and Healing (Communion both services)
Oct. 3-Sarah Jones preaching-World Communion Sunday (Communion both services),
Kevin Jones celebrant at communion
Theme-sharing about work in India-followed by potluck luncheon and slides of India
GROW CONFERENCE-Susan Moore, chair
Adult Discipleship Team-Susan Moore, Mike Porche, Lou Ann Moore
Action Items - decided to change concept of Adult Discipleship on Sunday mornings, is opening up time between worship to small groups and Emmaus reunion groups. Currently those groups are the Mommies Fellowship & the study group led by Matt Mereness.
Decided to start two classes on Wednesdays at church
One will be a class taught by Rev. Nancy Reeves on the book of Genesis. One will be a class one poetry taught by Connie Roalson - open to youth and adults. This will take the place of the “Intergenerational Chat.” Child care and homework room will be provided.
Here is a summary of those involved in small groups at Grace
Topical Bible Study: 1st & 3rd Thursday night at 6:45 pm – Kathleen Walker’s home in Georgetown
Current topic : The Truth Project, lead by Bill ________. Participants: Tina Whalen, Jana & Jerry Lester, Lee Joslin & Doretha Steen, Gerry & Marie Schubkegel, Kathleen
Walker
Topical Bible Study: 7:00 pm, each Monday, Nancy Porche’s home in Round Rock
Current Topic: “Finding Joy” by Traci Mullens of Women of Faith, led by Nancy Porche.
Participants: Brandy Haney, Gloria Tidwell, Melissa Hutcherson., Shirlee Peterson, Sharon Carr, Tammy Babyak, Jane Herman, Denise Barnes.
Topical Bible Study: 7:30 pm, each Tuesday – Jan & Tom Alexander’s home in Round Rock
Current topic: Deeper Connection video series lead by Jan Alexander. Jan & Tom Alexander, Sharon & Howard Carr, Peter & Jeannie Harvey, Susan Moore, Howard, Connie and Kathy Roalson.
Bible Study & Mah Jongg: 10:00 am, each Tuesday – at church
Current topic: "God Sightings” led by Marti Good.
Participants: Sharlene Atkinson, Billie Cunningham, Marti Good, Idalia Green, Jo Kent, Linda Lorenzen, Betty Presley, Patricia Shanney
Support Group: (anyone who has suffered any kind of past or recent loss)– will meet monthly at Georgetown restaurant beginning in Sept. Contact Kathleen Walker for information. Date/time/location will be listed on church calendar. Participants: Brenda Cornett, Andrea Jones, Lou Ann Moore, Kathleen Walker.
Prayer Group: Tuesdays 10 am at church- Kathleen Walker, Connie Roalson, Kathy Roalson, Doretha Steen, Jeanie Harvey, Marie Schubkegel
Emmaus Groups
Mondays, 5:30 am – meets at Denny’s Round Rock, I-35N
Men: Carl Burklund, Don Kent, Kevin Reeves
Mondays, 6:00 pm (every other Monday) meets at Grace
Men: Jerry Lester, Melvin Atkinson, Mike Lorenzen, Richard Willis, Bob Good, Kevin Gardner, George Scherer, Kevin Jones
Mondays, 6:00 pm (every other Monday – same Monday as men’s) meets at Grace
Women: Jana Lester, Sharlene Atkinson, Linda Lorenzen, Nancy Willis, Marti Good, Melissa Gardner, Traci Scherer
Wednesday, 6 am - meets at Kerby Lane Café
Men: Mike Porche, Kevin Reeves, folks from other churches
Wednesday, 4 pm - meets at Starbucks by Dell Children's Hospital
Women: Mari Lyn Jones, Sharon Carr, Jan Alexander
3rd Thursday-meets at Mimi’s at 1:45
Women Clergy: Jan Alexander Nancy Reeves, *Jeanne Stanley
2nd Saturday. 9:30 am - meets at Grace
Women: Tina Whalen, Brenda Krusely, Jeannie Harvey, Celeste Yeakley, *Gloria Quesada, Mary Milligan and Sandy Maranto
Saturdays, 1st & 3rd, 8:30 am - meets at The 620 Café
Women: Nancy Porche, Lou Ann Moore, Laura Kelly, *Susan Vacula, Andrea Jones, Shirlee Peterson
**** Motion to be approved: That Nancy Reeves teach a class on Genesis and Connie Roalson on Poetry on Wednesday evenings. Motion was approved.
Youth Ministry Team-John Keagy, chair
Members: John Keagy, Yongmi Boswell, Sarah Reeves, Kevin Reeves, Cory Kent, Christina Mereness, Idalia Green, Jan Root, Richard Chaffee, Tammy Stokes
Sunday School
· Curriculum – Youth want central topic connected to bible verse followed by in depth discussion (no activities)
· Planning meeting held monthly – next on 8/5 5:30PM
· J.H. – Christina Mereness
· H.S. – Cory Kent
· Back-up teachers: Kevin Reeves, Yongmi Boswell, John Keagy
Weekly Fellowship
· Need Leader to work with Sarah – Idalia Green and Yongmi Boswell
· Sponsors available: The whole team
· Meeting with Sunday school planning to create an integrated experience for the youth on Sunday
· Curriculum – We are reviewing several suggestions for Sunday Schoo.
Explore possibly creating Saturday night worship service geared for youth and their friends – Everyone is very interested in this topic, we need Session approval to start once a month on Saturday night in October
Midwinters:
· J.H. – January 7-9
· H.S. – January 14-16
· Needs:
o 2 Sponsors for each group – Yongmi, Cory, Sarah, and Christina are interested
o Fundraising: Taco bar lunch on 8/29 after 2nd service
Revolve:
· January 21-23
· Needs: Leader and 1 Sponsor
Mission:
· Need leader and 3+ Sponsors to form team – Idalia, Jan, and Richard
· Research 2 or 3 mission opportunities
· Will work with Sunday Fellowship team at least once a month to provide mission opportunity for youth (Ex. Angel house, Trinity nursing home, etc.)
Important Dates:
o Taco Bar - 8/29 11:45AM
o Team Planning meeting - 9/2 5:30PM – Youth Room
o Grow Conference meeting - 9/23 7PM
o Team Planning meeting - 10/7 5:30PM – Youth Room
o Team Planning meeting - 11/4 5:30PM – Youth Room
o Team Planning meeting – 12/2 5:30PM – Youth Room
o Team Planning meeting – 1/6 5:30PM – Youth Room
o J.H. Midwinters – 1/7-9 – Mo Ranch
o H.S. Midwinters – 1/14-16 – Mo Ranch
o Revolve – 1/21-23 – Dallas
******Motion to be approved: That the Youth Ministry team be given approval to hold a worship service once a month on Saturday nights beginning in October. Motion failed so that we can support the motion of not additing anything new this fall. We will explore this possibility in the spring.
****Motion to be approved: That the following curriculum to be approved for Sunday mornings for our youth. Middle School will be using “Ten Minute Moments-God’s Word.” High School youth will be using “31 Days with Jesus” Student Devotionals published by Youth Ministry.com. Motion was approved.
****Motion to be approved: That the following teachers be approved for youth: Christina Mereness for Middle School and Cory Kent for High School. Motion was approved.
Young Adults Team-Alex Maranto. Team members: Ty Granger, Alecea Gardner, Kristie Gardner, Ian Stokes.
The Young Adults will begin having a class on Sunday morningsa t 10:10. They will be doing a fellowship activity every other week.
Children’s Ministry-Connie Roalson, Brandy Haney
* Children's Discipleship meeting on Thursday, September 2
* Curriculum purchased for fall
* Sarah working on procedures and 3-5 curriculum for presentation
* Connie working on K-2 curriculum for presentation
* Brandy working on Children's Church curriculum for presentation
* Working with youth on combined openings for Sunday School at 10:10 on the deck
***Motion to be approved-That Lori Shortes, Joanna Mitchell, Lori Black, Chad Black, Kristina Langenohl, Michael Langenohl, and Kat Dallo be approved as teachers for children’s Sunday School beginning August 29. Motion was approved.
****Motion to be approved-That Galactic Blast, published by Group Publishing, be approved as curriculum for Sunday School classes for our children in K-2 and “Molly Pickens and the Rainy Day Castle” published by Cokesbury be approved for 3-5th grade. Motion was approved.
****Motion to be approved-That “Kids Own Worship” be approved as curriculum for Children’s Worship. Motion was approved.
CONNECT CONFERENCE: Nancy Porche, Chair
Board of Deacons-Nancy Porche, moderator
· Deacons met in July during the Ministry Team gathering. Following are highlights from the meeting.
· Discussion of what a deacon is and does – the purpose of parishes
· Lists of parish members were reviewed and updates/changes noted (New print outs are in the office ready for pick-up)
· Current needs/issues were discussed along with the difficulty in getting people to respond
· Detailed conversation ensued about how to involve parishes more in the life of Grace.
ACTION ITEMS:
· Start with visibility- article in newsletter explaining parishes and deacons (DONE-AUGUST)
· Next article to ask, “what color is your parish?”
· Add “parish colors” to name tags and let parishioners start to recognize who their neighbors are (deacons to add colored ribbon to nametags at Sept meeting and hand out name tags as people come to church). Also sort nametags on magnetic board by parishes/colors.
· Have parishes sit in groups for stewardship kick-off, wearing their colors
· Have parishes compete in games/fundraising (pairing smaller groups so it’s fair)
Fellowship Team- Barbara Allen and Chris Granger, co-chairs
Team Members: Richard & Nancy Willis, Melvin & Sharlene Atkinson, Mike & Linda Lorenzen, Mark & Karen Guenther, Jana & Jerry Lester, Dorthea Steen & Lee Joslin, Jan Root & Richard Chaffee, Idalia Green, Sherry Lawson, Eva Burklund, Melissa Gardner, Linda Ward, Sharon Carr, and Nolana Owens.
August - 08/29 Taco Bar (Youth/Chris Granger)
September - 09/17 Game Night/Movie Night (Nolana Owens/Chris Granger)
October - 10/3 Stewardship Potluck Luncheon (Open)
- 10/29 Trunk or Treat (Nancy Willis)
- 10/31 Birthday Celebration (Team)
December - 12/04 Ornament Exchange (Barbara Allen)
- 12/12 Christmas Pageant Soup/Sandwiches/Cookies (Open)
January - 01/21 Chili Cook-off (Sharlene Atkinson/Linda Lorenzen)
February - 02/12 Valentine's Dinner (Nancy Willis)
March - 03/09 Ash Wednesday Pancake Supper (Open)
April - 04/23 Neighborhood Egg Hunt (Open)
- 04/24 Easter Breakfast (Open)
Staff Support Team-Joy Dehls chair
1. Frequently we have discovered that one reason for frustration and burnout among staff is that the congregation doesn’t really understand what their job description is, and often comes to them with unrealistic expectations. So beginning in September we will be highlighting a different staff person each month in the newsletter. Part of this will include their job descriptions. We will begin with our secretaries in September. Joy met with them this month to hear about what they do, their joys and frustrations.
2. We are in the process of reviewing and updating the policies and procedure manual.
3. Mission Presbytery has a policy concerning a sabbatical leave for pastors. It is as follows and can be found on Mission Presbytery’s web site:
Mission Presbytery Policy Pertaining to Sabbatical Leave For Pastors and Church Educators
Policy Statement: The Presbytery of Mission recommends to the sessions of its churches that Ministers of the Word and Sacrament and Church Educators be granted a compensated sabbatical of at least three (3) months after each six (6) years of service to an individual church. (This sabbatical is not mandated as part of the minimum terms of call. Any sabbatical, of any length, is based upon negotiations between the pastor and the session.)
Rationale: The purpose of a sabbatical is to enable the pastor/educator to be renewed through the vital pursuit of continuing education, extended time spent in spiritual formation, and fresh mentoring by respected teachers. A sabbatical enables a pastor/educator to return to the responsibilities of the parish with new energy, spiritual vision and effectiveness. Also sabbaticals can allow a pastor/educator to commit to a longer term of service, which will benefit the life and mission of a congregation.
The Process for Developing a Sabbatical Leave
Pastor or Educator Responsibilities
1. Bring the sabbatical proposal before the session – at least in outline form - a minimum of six
months before the intended commencement of the sabbatical.
2. Secure the approval of the session for the sabbatical proposal and work out the necessary
coverage of pastoral and pulpit responsibilities.
3. Assure the session of continued service to the church for at least one full year from the
conclusion of the sabbatical.
4. Bring up to date all pending responsibilities as determined in consultation with the session
before departing on a sabbatical.
5. Upon return, present a written and oral report of experiences, learnings and recommendations growing out of the sabbatical experience to the session. A written report shall also be sent to the Committee on Ministry.
Session Responsibilities
1. Receive “for approval” the pastor/educator’s proposal for a sabbatical, at least six (6)
months in advance of the intended commencement of the sabbatical.
2. Continue terms of call commitments to the pastor/educator during sabbatical leave and
budget for any additional, necessary pastoral leadership.
3. Communicate to the congregation the importance and values to the church of a
sabbatical.
4. Submit to Committee on Ministry in writing the sabbatical timetable and outline of plans.
These plans will include, for pastoral sabbaticals, the names of persons who will provide
pastoral leadership and care for the congregation in the pastor’s absence.
5. Receive a report of experiences, learnings and recommendations growing out of the
sabbatical experience from the pastor/educator upon return.
Committee on Ministry Responsibilities
1. Review the sabbatical timetable and usage plan as submitted by the pastor/educator.
2. Serve as mediator in any concerns of session, educator or pastor relative to the sabbatical.
3. Assist the session, if necessary, to find, then approve, a moderator for the session during the pastor’s absence.
4. Receive a report from pastor, through the session
Additional Responsibilities/Information
1. It is expected that pastors/educators will return to service for a minimum of one year following their sabbatical.
2. If agreed upon by session and the pastor, the sabbatical may be combined with study leave.
Pastor Nancy has served Grace for 15 years. We would like to explore the possibility of offering our pastor a sabbatical leave during the spring/summer of 2011. We will bring more info to the next meeting.
Stewardship Team-Tom Alexander, Tammy Stokes, Sandy Maranto
Present: Richard Willis, Sandy Maranto, Jan Alexander, Tom Alexander
A. Membership
A general discussion of recruiting new members. The committee will consider possible people and bring to next meeting. A personal invitation can be extended.
B. Committee Roles:
Tom Alexander, Chair
Sandy Maranto: Liaison to Treasurer
Richard Willis: Audits/Counters/Inventory/Insurance/ “Odds and ends”
Jan Alexander: Recorder, Stewardship Lead
C. Stewardship Campaign
Jan: Gather ideas for stewardship; talk with Nancy about her plans
Tom: Facilitate retreat—August 28 from 9-1, our house
A general discussion for possible stewardship campaign ideas—parish home meetings, small group class, etc. Remember that the idea of giving time, talent, and treasure is a prayer-filled experience.
Tentative Dates: Kick-off campaign: Oct. 10. Theme: ? Around tapestry, weaving
Dedication: Nov. 7
D. Miscellaneous
Capital Campaign: It is time to start thinking about a campaign for a new building. A leader will need to be considered.
Year-round Stewardship ideas: monthly newsletter items, periodic sermon, moment for mission, etc. Congregational member testimony about use of time, talent, treasures.
Development of stewardship subcommittees
Newsletter, stewardship campaign, kick-off, dedication, stewardship education
E. Budget Review
Stewardship has $1500/year for expenses.
Richard discussed the audit review which has been completed. Question of whether Session actually received it into minutes? Will discuss at next Session meeting.
There was a general discussion of the current church budget and parish pay.
SERVE CONFERENCE-Wayne Hudgens, chair
Mission Team-Jana Lester and Wayne Hudgens, Members-Brad Chapin, Don Moore, Lynn and Lew Suders, Kerri Reeves
Angel House Ministry-Jana Lester
Angel Tree-Brad Chapin
Faith in Action Caregivers-Don Moore
Round Rock Area Serving Center-
Manos de Cristo-Jana Lester
Agape Pregnancy Center-
Cancer Connection-
Minute for Mission- Once a month have someone who is involved with an agency supported by Grace present a brief (we really do mean no more than 3 minutes) overview of that agency, it's service and accomplishments, and Grace's role in delivering those accomplishments. Opportunities for Grace members to volunteer and assist the mission will be stressed and a means for folks to commit presented.
First one will be Sept 12, Grandparents Day. We will focus on Faith In Action Caregivers Round Rock. This agency, that Grace and over 15 other RR churches support, aids folks over 60 to stay independent by offering transportation to healthcare, food markets, and other necessary destinations--a great link to Grandparents Day.
The team decided not to add any new mission areas, but to put energy into working more effectively with the ones with whom we are already involved.
INVITE CONFERENCE-George Scherer Chair
Building Team-Tom Dugger Chair, Rick Chichester, co-chair
Team members: Melvin Atkinson, Richard Willis, Julie Dugger, Jerry Lester, Kristie Gardner, Mike Lorenzen, J.T. Fields
July/Aug 2010
· New location for Ice Maker prepared – electrical, water – still needs to be moved
· 3 of the outside lights on deck either replaced or repaired
· New playground equipment received-needs to be installed
· 2 light fixtures repaired in 4A, bulbs replaced in all portables where needed
· New storage building lock replaced and keyed to be same as other doors
· Light fixtures replaced and fans repaired in purple and peach rooms in house
· Multiple deck boards reattached with screws
· AC unit in house replaced – complete inside and out
· AC unit in sanctuary repaired – compressor
· Helped grounds team cleanup around the area, trimmed trees, bushes, etc.
· Nancy Porche worked with cleaning vendors to get new cleaning service – begins Sept. 1 – better service and at less cost
· Calking and paint touchup on office exterior
· Other minor repairs and cleanup
Ongoing Projects
· List of projects/work items posted on storage room door in old house.
IWI Team-Tina Whalen, chair
Publicity (this is for community information) Tina Whalen
*Need to bring up in session that any event that we want to announce to the community that they will need to send me the information so that I can get them publicized.
Events - Team Effort
Current:
· Round Rock 4th of July Parade
· Round Rock Family Christmas Night - date is not announced yet but we think it will be Dec 17th
· Trunk or Treat – Friday, Oct 29th (with Youth, Children, Fellowship)
· Grace Christmas Pageant - Sunday December 12th
Grace T-Shirts (Amazing Grace)
· We will start to publicize the sale of the shirts August 15th, asking Chuck Schoenfeld to print
· Orders will be taken September 5 - 26th
· Shirts will be blue and available in women's style, regular style and youth
New Members Welcome - George, Tina & Jo
· IWI will be putting together new member packets in lieu of classes. Packets will contain the Directory, Pamphlet of What Presbyterians Believe, Outline of Teams, List of Deacons and Parishes, Elders and the teams they serve and a Current Calendar of Events.
Welcome Jars - Jo Kent
· Jo will also keep track of jars and needs as far as needing to make more
Web Site Design - Chris Reeves
New Member Board - Tina Whalen
Grounds Team-Howard Carr, Maury Morrison
Action items: Need to determine what we are going to do with chairs in shed.
Work day before Advent season to get ready for x-mas. Nov 27
*****Motions to be approved: That we build a two-sided fence around slab next to shed. Motion was approved.
Parker Hutcherson has requested to do an Eagle Scout project of creating a sand volleyball ****Motion to be approved-That Parker Hutcherson do an Eagle Scout project of constructing a sand volleyball court. The Session approved the motion that a sand volleyball court would be a great addition, but we need more information on ongoing maintenance.
Old Business: none
New Business:
· Mission Presbytery is meeting on October 22-23 in Austin at the Korean Presbyterian Church.
****Motion-to elect Connie Roalson and Tom Dugger as commissioners with Susan Moore serving as alternate. Motion passed.
· The Book of Order mandates that the Committee on Ministry visit with each session of the presbytery at least once every three years, discussing with them the mission and ministry of the particular church and encouraging the full participation of each session and congregation in the life and work of presbytery and the larger church (G-11.0502c) and …should discuss with those sessions the quality of worship, the standards governing it, and the fruit it is bearing in the life of God’s people as they proclaim the gospel and communicate its joy and justice (W-1.4002).
These are the questions we are to answer when the COM representative meets with our session in October at our regular meeting.
We divided up the questions so different people will come with answers.
How does your church’s ministry support your mission statement? Connie Roalson
What are some of your successes? What makes you proud of Grace PC? Nancy POrche
What successes has your church had in accomplishing the tasks of the church:
Worship (Celeste and Steve)
Christian education (All Grow teams)
Fellowship (Barbara and Chris)
Stewardship (Tom, Tammy and Sandy)
Mission (Wayne and Jana)
Evangelism (George and Tina)
How are you enabling members of the congregation to better articulate their faith? (Grow Conference)
What is your vision for ministry in your community over the next three years? (Serve Conference)
What would a visitor entering Grace Presbyterian Church for the first time notice about the church? (Howard Carr)
Are any of your elders participating on presbytery committees?
What requests or needs do you have for the presbytery? (Everyone!)
Have you reviewed the Mission Presbytery Policies Concerning Ministers and Educators?
Everyone needs to be thinking on how we will answer these questions!
· Mission Presbytery has asked our input on some questions as they work on their “emerging vision.” Please answer these questions and return your answers to Pastor Nancy:
A. What kind of people do we want to send into the world?
B. What kind of congregations builds that kind of people?
C. What kind of leadership equips those kinds of congregations to send that kind of people?
D. What kind of Presbytery (leadership, staff, structure) sets free those kinds of leaders to equip those kinds of congregations to build and send that kind of people into the world?
Each elder will send their responses by e-mail to Pastor Nancy by the next Team meeting.
Closing Prayer: Being no further business the meeting was closed with prayer by Jan Alexander.
Respectively submitted, Approved:
Barbara Allen Nancy Reeves
Clerk of Session Moderator
