FPC Session Notes
Inner Work: Session met at 5:30pm on January 27 in the Chapel for the purpose of Installation of David Wright to the office of Elder and every Elder on Session participated in a Reaffirmation of their Ordination vows. David Wright was installed to active service on Session.
Clerk’s Report: The Session approved the annual statistical report of the church for reporting to the Office of the General Assembly PC(USA). Our membership at the end of 2024 was 766. The per capita assessment for 2025 will be $28.42, an increase from $27.00.
Worship: The committee requested February 23, 2025, be approved as a date for Communion while other 2025 dates were being worked on. Session approved. Property: Kristi Thomson reported that the Sanctuary ceiling tile that was sent to a lab for testing did not contain asbestos. The committee will continue to work on a plan to address repairs needed in the Sanctuary.
Stewardship: Richard Henry reported that we ended 2024 with 217 pledges being made totaling $1,623,230. Session thanked Richard and the entire Stewardship committee for their hard work and successful year.
Finance: John Summerford reported the financial condition of FPC through December (see financial table). We had a successful year-end with receipts coming in over budget and we ended the year with a surplus of $48,128. Elder Summerford presented a balanced budget to Session for 2025 with income and expenses of $2,058,648, an increase of $85,011 over the 2024 budget, a 4.3% increase. Session approved the 2025 budget with gratitude to the Finance Committee and Jackie Joiner, Church Administrator.
The Finance and Endowment Committee approved the annual request for $18,000 from the Bryant Fund for the Poor to aid in assistance for 2025.
Personnel: The Committee recommended approval of the 3-month sabbatical request of Rev. Michael Bailey during the summer of 2025. The dates for his sabbatical are expected to be May 5 – August 3, 2025. Session approved. Dr. Ed Hurley, Honorably Retired Minister from South Highland Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, has accepted an invitation to fill in the pulpit and be on call to help with other pastoral duties as needed during Rev. Bailey’s absence.
Called Congregational Meeting: The Session has called a Congregational Meeting for February 23, 2025, during the 11:00 worship service. This meeting will serve as our annual meeting for the State of the Church and the Election of Officers for the class of ’28.
Next Stated Meeting: Monday, February 24, 2025, at 5:30 pm.
Current Membership of FPC: 764
Next Session Meeting: February 24, 2025
Next Scheduled Communion: February 23, 2025
Next Presbytery: February 20, 2025
First Presbyterian Wetumpka