The Diaconate and Session had a joint meeting in the Chapel. The meeting was opened in prayer read aloud by the officers. Each Committee Chair presented the mission statement and the Committee goals for the ‘23-24 year. Committee members present were introduced and there was limited discussion. At 6:20 p.m., the officers adjourned to their respective Diaconate and Session meetings.
Finance/Endowment: John Summerford reported at the end of August, giving was behind and expenses exceeded receipts by $123,879 despite being frugal on expenses. Statements were sent out to the congregation on YTD giving and it is expected that receipts will begin to catch up. Session approved a motion from Endowment to move $17,000 from the First Fund to pay for security enhancements that were not planned during the budget.
Long Range Planning: Session approved an extension to the sales contract on the Moundville property between REMLAP and First Presbyterian Church to Dec. 29, 2023, providing an additional $3,000 in earnest money is paid making a total of $6,000 held in escrow. Session approved LRP committee to manage the sale of two properties, previously approved for sale in a Congregational Meeting, Hilltop Loop & Glasshouse Road, and the proceeds to be deposited into the 1820 Fund at FPC.
Youth: At the request of Emily Meriwether, Chairperson of Youth, Session approved 5 UKirk students to be volunteers for our Youth programs, subject to successful background checks and training.
Worship: Session approved Communion to be served on October 4th at the Wednesday night Service of Healing and Wholeness in the Chapel. The revised Funeral Policy was included in the Session Packet for Session’s information.
Stewardship: Emily Deal reported that stewardship season was in full swing & pledge cards had been mailed to every FPC member/family. They were beginning to be returned. All officers were encouraged to lead the way in the pledged giving as October 1st will be Stewardship Dedication Sunday.
Nominating Committee: Mike Henderson stated that Nominating Committee is beginning to work on the slate of new officers for the Class of ’27 which will come before the Congregation in February 2024.
Personnel: Ministry Architects will present its report to Session on October 12, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Security Taskforce: James Tucker introduced the Emergency Action Plan that has been a product of the Security Taskforce with many thanks to Jackie Joiner (staff) and Kristi Thomson and the entire taskforce team. This is a living document which currently stands at 26 pages and covers a wide variety of instructions for various emergency/disasters at FPC. Session was asked to endorse this plan and unanimously did so. The work of the security taskforce is not done, but this is a tremendous step forward.
Next Stated Meeting: Session next meets on Monday, Oct. 23 at 5:30 p.m.
