FPC Session Notes
Session and the Diaconate held their annual joint meeting in the Chapel that began at 5:30. The meeting was opened in prayer and each committee reported their mission statement and goals for the coming year, highlighting their most important goal.
At 6:30, Session adjourned to Room 212 for their business meeting. The following items were approved by Session:
- Finance amended the approval for improvements to the church nursery to $5,095 (last month $3,365 was approved). This will come from the First Fund, a fund established for Session’s discretion to handle unbudgeted expense
- Per the recommendation of Personnel and Finance committees, Session approved the new changes to the Board of Pensions benefit plans for all pastors as provided by the Presbytery. This change will provide cost savings to the church in the range of $8-9,000 for 2025.
- Session approved the change in schedule for the May stated Session meeting from May 12 to May 19 based on recent scheduling of new officer training sessions.
Finance: John Summerford reported the financial condition of FPC through August (see financial table) with income and expenses under budget we are in a net expense position of $ (61,559). Giving improved in August and receipts are ahead of this time last year, but income remains behind budget by ($68,862) and expenses are under budget by ($7,302). When income falls behind budget, that stresses the cash flow needs of the church. All are encouraged to catch up on giving.
The annual audit report of First Presbyterian Church for the period ended December 31, 2023, was shared with Session as prepared by Don Wallace, CPA, PC. Any interested member of the congregation may view this report by seeing Jackie Joiner, Church Administrator.
Children and Family Faith Formation: “Pizza in the Park” drew one of the biggest crowds ever with parents and children of FPC and FPP joining for a pizza outing to kick off the school year in Sokol Park (Mason’s Place) on September 4th. The new dedicated FPC nursery in Room 213 was reported to be outstanding and all were invited to take a look at the finished product with thanks expressed to Jana Henry and Robin Patton for their work on the nursery. LOGOS began on September 11th and the buses are full – approximately 65 children are participating.
College: Session expressed Kudos to Lauren Howard, Director of UKirk College Ministry for the great job she is doing. We are having 20-22 students on Tuesday nights and seeing good attendance for Sunday worship.
Preschool: We are coming upon celebrating 50 Years of the First Pres Preschool. Stay tuned for celebration plans in the coming year.
Current Membership of FPC: 766
Next Session Meeting: October 28, 2024
Next Scheduled Communion: October 6, 2024
Next Presbytery: November 21, 2024 | Cahaba Springs Presbyterian Church
6110 Deerfoot Pkwy, Trussville, AL 35173