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First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Houston  Session  Agenda  –  January  20,  2015  

6:15pm    LC  181    

   Devotion  and  Prayer             Martha  Barnes        Omnibus Approve November Session Meeting Minutes Approve Membership Reports Approve Consent Motions Committee/Staff Reports PPT Fred Robertson 15 min Finance Randy Wilson 5 min Old Business Reconciliation Team David McCarty 60 min Presentation 20 min Q & A 20 min Discussion 20 min New Business Elder Nomination Committee Chris Champion/ 20 min Bill Gutermuth Pastor’s Report Jim Birchfield 20 min TAG Follow-Up Clerk’s Report Lesley Lilly 5 min Prayer and Praise Communion Doxology and Motion to Adjourn Important Dates: February 4 Churchwide Prayer Gathering February 5 Session Dinner w spouses February 17 Session Mtg February 18 Ash Wednesday service March 21 Presbytery Mtg at St. Phillips

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Session Attendance 2014-2015 A= Absence E= Excused

June August Sept Oct Nov Jan Feb March April May Barber, Don EX Barnes, Martha Benn, Dorian Champion, Chris EX Cornelius, Bill Cornelson, Tim Gutermuth, Bill Johnson, Lori Lawler, Charles Lilly, Lesley Luther, Scot McCarty, David McDonald, Marilyn Morris, Dan Reiser, Tom EX Schorre, Randy Taylor, Danny EX Wilson, Randy

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MINUTES  OF  THE  SESSION  THE  FIRST  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH  OF  HOUSTON,  TEXAS  

November  18,  2014    

The  November  Stated  Meeting  of  the  Session  began  at  6:15  p.m.  in  LC181  with  a  quorum  present.  Moderator  Rev.  Bill  Heston  called  the  meeting  to  order.    Bill  Gutermuth  opened  the  meeting  with  a  devotional  and  prayer.      Attendance:    See  the  attached  Session  Attendance  Record  for  attendance  to  date  for  this  year.    Session  moved  into  Executive  Session  at  6:30pm.    Omnibus  Motions:  The  following  omnibus  motions,  provided  to  Session  in  advance  of  the  meeting,  were  passed  without  discussion.  

• Moved  that  the  October  21,  2014  Stated  Meeting  of  the  Session  Minutes  be  approved.  • Moved  that  the  October  19,  2014  Annual  Congregation  Meeting  Minutes  be  approved  • Moved  that  the  October  Membership  Report  be  approved.  

Following  request  from  Permanent  Funds  for  approval  • Request  from  Arrow  Child  &  Family  (Freedom  Place)  for  $10,000  to  build  horse  barn.  • Request  from  Kasr  el  Dorbara  Church  for  $20,000  to  equip  media  van.  • Request  to  release  $25,000  from  Church  Plant  Fund.    • Request  to  release  $11,344  from  Youth  Fund.  

 New  Business:    Facilities  Committee:    Scot  Luther  presented  a  study  for  A/V  and  Lighting  Project  for  Sanctuary  and  Grand  Hall  for  discussion  and  input  from  the  session.  It  was  recommended  that  Facilities  and  Finance  work  together  to  establish  a  complete  capital  expenditure  budget  for  the  church;  these  requests  will  then  be  considered  in  light  of  those  financial  priorities.          A  motion  was  made  and  approved  for  the  following  members  as  members  of  the  Ad  Hoc  committee  to  work  with  representatives  of  Presbyterian  School  to  evaluate  their  proposal  for  the  expansion  of  their  facilities  on  First  Presbyterian  Church  property.    Those  approved  are  Jennifer  Boubel,  Scott  Reamer,  Debbie  Hanna,  Chris  Winters  Scot  Luther  and  Cle  Dade.    The  Museum  of  Fine  Arts  will  begin  construction  May  2015.    There  will  be  a  press  release  in  January.    Committee  and  Staff  Reports:  Finance   Committee:   Randy   Wilson   reported   that   the   Year   to   Date   giving   is   10%   below   the   prior   year   period   and  expenses   are   7%   above   the   prior   year   period.   Year   to   Date   giving   is   3%   above   budget   and   expenses   are   2%   above  budget.    Youth  Ministry:  Tim  Cornelson  reported  that  Denver  McCollister  is  currently  covering  the  Youth  Ministry  including  five  retreats,  college  prep  classes  twice  a  month,  worship  on  Sunday  night  once  a  month  and  service  projects  once  a  month.    There  will  be  a  focus  on  more  Youth  trips  with  smaller  participation  in  order  to  be  a  more  meaningful  experience.  

 Young  Adults  Ministry:    Bill  Cornelius  reported  that  the  Young  Adults  are  continuing  to  have  new  members  and  are  attending  the  monthly  prayer  gathering.        Clerk’s  Report:    

• Lesley  Lilly  thanked  the  session  for  their  attendance  at  the  Presbytery  Meeting.    The  next  meeting  will  be  at  St.  Philip  Presbyterian,  March  21,  2015.  

   

• The  session  will  continue  to  focus  on  prayer  and  spiritual  growth.  • Sunday  is  Communion  Sunday.    Elders  are  asked  to  find  their  replacement  if  they  cannot  be  present.  

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   Pastor’s  Report:    

• Bill  Heston  reported  that  the  monthly  dinner  and  prayer  meeting  was  very  well  attended.  • Manna  bags  were  assembled  Sunday  for  distribution  • November  30  is  Advent  and  Messiah  Sing-­‐a-­‐Long  night.  

 Old  Business:    Reconciliation  Team:  Lori  Johnson  gave  an  update  on  the  work  of  the  Reconciliation  Team.  The  committee  is  honing  their  recommendations  to  be  presented  at  the  January  Session  Meeting.    Prayer  and  Praise:  Following  corporate  prayer,  Communion  was  served  by  intinction  with  Rev  Michael  Homan  officiating  and  elder  Jennifer  Boubel  assisting.    The  meeting  was  adjourned  at  8:10  p.m.  with  a  prayer  by  Rev.  Michael  Homan  and  the  singing  of  the  doxology.              ___________________________________                                                              _____________________________  Rev.  Bill  Heston,  Moderator                                                                                                         Lesley  Lilly,  Clerk  of  Session      

       

Consent  Motions        Proposed  Consent  motion    1.  Session  approve  the  initial  $100,000  contribution  to  the  Houston  Church  Planting  Network*  approved  by  the  Session  

at  the  Jan  7,  2014  meeting  be  funded  from  the  Church  Plant  Permanent  Fund  for  the  fiscal  year  2014.  *formal  name  of  Co-­‐Op)      Support  information  for  the  proposed  motion  Previous  motions  from  session  in  support  of  the  Houston  Church  Planting  Co-­‐Op  1. Called  Meeting  Jan  7,  2014  -­‐  Session  approved  that  FPC  become  an  "Anchor  Church"  with  an  initial  investment  of  

$100,000  as  the  first  annual    installment  of  a  potential,  but  not  pre-­‐authorized,  five  year,  $100,000  per  year,  financial  support  of  this  mission.  

Session  Meeting  Jan  14,  2014  instructed  that  the  initial  contribution  of  $100,000  for  the  fiscal  year  beginning  June  1,  2014  be  from  the  FPC  operating  budget.    (Also  that  a  member  of  Session  of  FPC  or  a  Shepherding  Elder  be  on  the  Co-­‐Op  board/advisory  team)        

Reports    

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CFM    December  4,  2014    Present:  Kim  Hock,  Erika  Roberts,  Annie  Heinbuch,  Morgan  Gilliland,  Andrew  Hebert,  Jessica  Gregg,  Bob  Davis,  David  Grimes,  Brooke  Shelton,  Heather  Homan,  Emily  Gannaway,  Karen  Bordas  Absent:  Jane  Friou,  Chris  Champion,  Taylor  Reid,  Keith  Calcote,  Stephanie  Fregia    Nursery/Early  Childhood  Report:  • Annie  has  found  coverage  for  next  semester  with  4  moms  going  out  on  maternity.    Elementary:  • All  Nehemiah  family  gifts  (but  3  and  Morgan  is  still  working  these)  were  covered  by  donations  from  church  for  Advent  

Night  • 12  families  signed  up  for  Dodgeball  with  Dads  this  Friday  • Thanksgiving  baskets  were  a  big  success.    31  baskets  delivered  to  Generation  1  for  Thanksgiving.  • Morgan  talking  with  Main  Street  Ministries  and  planning  to  start  up  Thursday  night  meal  servicing  with  CFM  families  • Roadmaps  Bible  study  ended  for  semester.    Kids  loved  it.    Longer  time  of  6-­‐7:30pm  worked  well  this  last  Sunday.    

Planning  to  start  up  again  after  break.    WINGS:  • Renewed  license.  • Special  Needs  curriculum  still  to  be  reviewed  and  purchased  from  Orange.    KDO  Report:  • Email  went  out  discussing  enrollment  process    • 2  teachers  completed  Child  Development  Associates  certification  with  scholarship  from  KDO  • Venue  and  mid-­‐April  date  in  place  for  Spring  Fundraiser  • KDO  fully  staffed    Advent  Night:  • Successful  night  with  over  300  participants  • Emily  provided  the  feedback  that  45  minutes  wasn’t  much  time  for  choir  kids  to  eat  and  do  crafts.    Kim  suggested  

choir  kids  come  at  4:30  next  year  for  extra  time.  • Also,  it  was  distracting  for  Allelulia  choir  to  sing  during  the  offertory  this  year  because  of  all  the  people  coming  down  

to  give  their  offerings  instead  of  passing  baskets.  • Next  year  Kim  wants  to  restart  practice  of  an  Advent  committee  which  would  help  plan  and  execute  Advent  Night.    

Also,  we  discussed  asking  for  parent  volunteers  to  help  with  craft  prep.      Budget  • Briefly  reviewed  and  both  CFM  and  KDO  on  budget.    Kim  to  present  again  in  January      Miscellaneous  • Kim  told  us  that  all  3  children’s  choirs  will  now  be  falling  under  CFM.  • David  going  to  get  more  information  about  a  New  York  special  needs  outreach  ministry  program  from  Redeemer  

Church  called  Mustard  Seeds    Action  Items:    Kim  to  buy  special  needs  curriculum         Due  1/8  CFM  staff  to  create  a  Youth  Volunteer  Training  From  Due  1/8  

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KDO  to  submit  Parent  Handbook  for  Review       Due  with  complete  Add  budget  to  agenda  for  January,  April  and  May     Due  1/8      

Worship    January  6,  2015    The  January  6,  2015  meeting  of  the  Worship  Committee  began,  with  prayer,  at  approximately          6  pm.    The  meeting  ended,  with  prayer,  at  approximately  7:00  pm.    In  attendance  were  the  following:    In  Attendance:Jan  Smith,  Chris  Wolfe,  Randy  Schorre,  Carrie  Lelsz,  Nicole  Kenley-­‐Miller,  Micki  Edwards,  Michael  Homan,  Alan  Stewart,  Russell  Willingham  Scott  Jenkins,  Dan  Morris  Sheila  Heinle,    Alan  Sexton      Absent  John  Yarrington,  Chris  Athon,  Sue  White          Opening  Prayer  –  Dan  Morris        Chairman’s  Report  –  Chris  Wolfe  (3  minutes)  –  Repeating  three  points  to  analyze  during  the  year:      

Worship  services  are  the  public  face  of  the  church  to  the  congregation  and  visitors,  and  will  always  be  judged  accordingly.      How  can  Worship  help  shift  FPC’s  culture  from  passively  “consuming”  church  to  active  participation  in  FPC’s  missions,  by  more  members?      How  can  Worship  help  spread  the  Good  News,  particularly  beyond  the  campus  of  FPC?  

   Financial  Report  –  Alan  Stewart  (10  minutes)    Pastor  Homan’s  Report  (30  minutes)        Brief  Updates  from  the  Staff    –  (15  minutes)                              Nicole  Kenley-­‐Miller                          Carrie  Leslz                                New  Business        Sending  Prayer  –  Nicole  Kenley-­‐Miller    Note:    The  Committee  was  pleased  to  learn  that  the  Creativity  Team  of  the  Staff  meets  weekly  to  ensure  that  FPC’s  worship  services  have  the  finest  creative  support  available  from  our  community.          Respectfully  submitted,    Chris  Wolfe,  Chairman    

Connections    January  11,  2015.        Members  present  were  JJ  &  Kelly  Laning,  Tiana  Won,  Callie  Patterson,  Debbie  Balsaver,  Sheila  Heinle  

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Members  Absent:  Linda  Cooper,  Dorian  Benn,  Lori  and  Robert  Thomson  Staff  Present:  Lija  Shah    The  Connections  Committee  gave  updates  in  the  following  areas  of  the  connections  ministry:    VISITORS  Greeters:    

1. We  are  in  need  of  more  greeters  to  serve  on  Sunday  mornings.    The  intention  is  to  focus  having  enough  people  to  welcome  new  people  the  minute  they  walk  into  the  church.  The  ultimate  goal  is  that  a  new  person  should  never  have  to  go  to  an  information  desk  because  someone  would  be  at  the  doors  to  help  them.  

 2. Christmas  Eve  greeting  and  ushering  was  a  little  short  handed  and  next  year,  our  focus  from  a  volunteer  

standpoint  should  be  to  make  sure  the  ushers  have  enough  coverage  then  greeters  at  the  doors.        Welcome  Brigade:  An  email  will  be  sent  those  already  wearing  them  to  encourage  them  to  continue.      Friendship  Pads:    new  pads  were  put  out  to  help  identify  brand  new  visitors  faster.    The  pads  now  have  one  side  that  say  Members/Frequent  Visitors  and  the  other  side  that  says  Visitors  (specifically  for  1st  time  and  2nd  time)  or  those  needing  information.    The  information  from  the  pads  is  received  on  Monday  mornings  to  insure  contacting  visitors  by  mid  week.    Follow-­‐up  with  Visitors:  Lija  currently  follows  up  with  potential  visitors  to  meet  them  one  on  one  during  the  week  and  is  stationed  at  the  Palm  Court  Connections  Desk  from  9-­‐9:30  and  10:30-­‐11am  on  Sundays  to  meet  new  people.    The  idea  of  giving  free  Java  Pura  coffee  cards  has  been  in  discussion  with  Fielding  Cocke  as  a  next  step.    Other  ideas  that  were  discussed  are  to  host  meet  and  greets  once  a  quarter  where  staff/elders  are  present  to  meet  visitors  following  the  11:05  service.        NEW  MEMBERS  New  Members  Class:    The  next  new  member  class  will  be  hosted  the  weekend  of  Feb  6-­‐8th.    We  already  have  7  people  signed  up  without  it  being  publicized.    Callie  Patterson  spoke  about  restructuring  the  way  we  do  small  groups  in  our  new  member’s  class.    The  small  group  leaders  will  play  more  of  a  role  in  follow-­‐up  with  the  new  members.    The  process  for  follow-­‐up  is  still  to  be  determined  but  for  now  each  small  group  will  have  one  male  and  one  female  leader.        New  Members  Follow-­‐Up:  (from  previous  Fall  class)  There  has  been  no  formal  process  for  follow-­‐up  with  new  members,  this  is  something  to  be  formalized  over  time.    For  now,  new  members  have  been  taken  to  lunch  by  Callie  and  Lija  for  those  not  currently  involved  in  a  Sunday  school,  small  group  or  ministry  here  at  FPC.      CONNECTIONS  VISION  &  OBJECTIVES  Shan  Eng  was  asked  to  help  define  the  Connection  committee’s  vision,  objectives  and  outcomes  we  desire  to  see  in  the  ministry.    He  presented  some  examples  of  outcomes  to  consider  and  defined  our  current  approach  to  various  parts  of  the  ministry  and  potential  proposed  changes.  The  objectives  and  outcomes  and  yet  to  be  defined  rather  this  was  presented  as  a  starting  point.        NEXT  MEETING:  in  lieu  of  a  meeting  next  month,  the  committee  is  asked  to  attend  the  new  members  luncheon  Sunday  February  15th.        For  the  meeting  in  March,  members  are  asked  to  come  prepared  to  discuss  Fusion:  Turning  First  time  Guests  to  Fully  Engaged  Members  of  your  Church.    This  book  gives  practical  tips  to  help  engage  visitors.      

Missions    January  13,  2015    

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Members  Present:  Edet  Okon  (Chair),  Ryan  Smith,  Ryan  Mossman,  Linda  Moore,  Matt  Offenbacher,  Kelly  Gerland,  Laura  Davis,  Stephanie  Justus,  Andrew  Stepp,  Lija  Shah,  Charles  Lawler  Members  Absent:  Manish  Shah,  Sue  Baumgarten,  Don  Barber    Prayer  

• The  meeting  was  opened  with  prayer    

November  Minutes  • Ryan  Smith  moved  to  approve  the  minutes,  Andrew  Stepp  seconded  the  motion.  The  minutes  were  approved.  

 Devotional  

• Ryan  Smith  led  a  devotional  based  upon  John  Piper’s  message  about  the  recent  attack  in  France.  The  focus  is  on  calling  for  honor  versus  Christ  calling  Himself  to  be  mocked.      

Prayer  • Time  was  spent  praying  for  local  and  global  missions  and  FPC  Houston  

 Short  Term  Missions  

• Stephanie  Justus  provided  an  update  on  short  term  missions.  The  college  trip  will  be  to  Hungary.  There  is  also  a  trip  to  attend  the  graduation  in  Uganda.    

   Global  Missions  

• The  Christmas  Eve  Offering  was  ~$53,000  directed  to  help  fight  Ebola  • Mission  Market  totals  to  be  announced  next  month  • Women’s  Ministry  and  Global  Missions  are  sponsoring  a  special  speaker  event  featuring  Isik  Abla  Thursday,  

February  19th    Pastor’s  Report  

• As  of  the  current  fiscal  year  there  is  ~$118,000  in  designated  funds  • Global  Missions  Forum  –  Mark  Kline  to  give  talk  “Pediatric  AIDS  in  Africa:  Worlds  Apart”  Thursday  February  5  • KDEC  Missions  Conference  taking  place  in  Orlando.  April  16-­‐18  conference  taking  place  in  Egypt.  • Esperanza  Proposal  –  request  $20,000  in  funding  of  a  total  $97,000  needed.  It  is  unclear  if  the  request  falls  

under  permanent  funds.  One  option  is  to  seek  if  there  are  elements  that  would  fall  under  permanent  funds  or  give  a  gift  of  some  amount  outside  permanent  funds.  Discussions  focused  on  our  existing  relationship  and  also  making  sure  funds  are  focused  upon  our  mission  partners.  Stephanie  Justus  highlighted  the  college  teams  having  gone  to  visit  on  two  separate  trips.  It  was  suggested  by  Linda  Moore  to  follow  up  with  additional  questions:  

o Is  this  an  ongoing  need?  Would  we  expect  a  similar  request  next  year?  o Are  there  other  elements  of  the  request  outside  of  the  line  items  cited  in  the  request?  o Are  there  funds  requested  with  a  specific  missional  focus?  

Andrew  Stepp  will  ask  Mary-­‐Floye  Federer  to  follow  up  on  clarification  and  the  committee  will  proceed  with  the  new  information.  

 Book  Discussion:  Miraculous  Movements  

• Linda  Moore  led  the  discussion  of  Miraculous  Movements.      Closing  Prayer  

• Stephanie  Justus  led  the  closing  prayer        

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Young  Adults      Staff:       Jonathan  Ramsey     Session  Liaison:     Bill  Cornelius  Meeting  Details:   January  15,  2015  7:00  PM  Robert  Smith’s  home  Members  present:   Jonathan   Ramsey,   Bill   Cornelius,   Garrett   Lowry,   Emily   Pyle,   Meredith   Offenbacher,   Anna  

Carlson,  Robert  Smith,  and  Steve  Jenkins  Members  absent:   Andrew  Felton,  Maggie  Gunn    Items  discussed  1.  Update  on  Vision  2020  and  Prayer  and  Evangelism  Initiative  

• Bill  C  gave  an  overview  of  the  Session’s  12-­‐18  month  priorities  (SCORE)  and  our  Focus  Statement  • The   group   discussed   how   this   impacts   the   Young   Adults   ministries   and   how   to   encourage   our   group   to  

participate  in  the  Evangelism  training  in  Feb      2.  Small  group  discussion  and  changes  (Jill  Barlow)  

• Jill   Barlow   joined   our   group   for   the   evening   to   discuss   changes   in   the   leadership   of   small   groups,   the   new  training  manual  she  has  written  to  help  leaders,  and  the  3  new  small  groups  that  have  been  formed  

• The  group  was  delighted  that  leaders  will  receive  more  equipping  to  lead  small  groups  as  this  has  been  lacking  in  the  past  

• There  was  discussion  about   the   fact   that  V2020  will   significantly   leverage   small   groups   to   reach  out   into   the  world  

 3.  Update  on  events  planned  for  the  future  

• Young  Adults  Retreat  (March),  College  Ministry  (various  on  campus  events)    Actions  taken  none    Items  for  Session  consideration  Our  group  will  need  clarity  over  time  to  understand  how  V2020  will  be  accomplished  through  small  groups  and  what  the  YA  ministry  can  do  to  enable  our  leadership.    At  this  time,  we  are  waiting  for  direction  from  church  leadership.    Motions  for  Session  consideration  none      

Adult  Discipleship      January  14,  2015  Present:  Staff-­‐-­‐Jon  Crantz,  Michael  Homan,  Jill  Barlow;  Session  Liaison—Marilyn  McDonald,  Tom  Reiser;    Committee  Members—Carter  Higley  (chairman),  Rachel  Quan,  Jane  Champion,  Brian  Robertson;      Guests—Andrew  Stepp,  Melissa  Reed  Absent:    Melissa  Carbajal,  Jim  Kennet,  Scott  Reamer      Items  discussed:  

1.  The  group  completed  discussion  of  In  the  Name  of  Jesus:  Reflections  on  Christian  Leadership,  Henri  Nouwen.  

2.  It  was  reported  that  all  FPC  adult  Sunday  school  classes  signed  agreements  with  guidelines  for  teaching  aligned  with  FPC  statement  of  faith.      The  guidelines  for  guest/outside  teachers  are  being  completed.    

3.    Realignment  of  FPC  lead  teams  will  combine  Adult  Discipleship  with  Missions  under  the  leadership  of  Dr.  Andrew  Stepp.    Dr.  Jon  Crantz  will  lead  the  Congregational  Care  group.    Marriage  ministry  will  be  in  the  Congregational  Care  group.  

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4.  Spiritual  assessment  was  discussed.  

5.    Dr.  Kyle  Strobel’s  presentation  on  prayer  was  reviewed.    It  was  very  favorably  received.    

Action  taken:  

1.  Complete  guidelines  for  guest/outside  teachers  

2.  Review  possible  spiritual  assessment  instruments.  

3.  Prepare  Work  and  Faith  video  

Items  for  Session  consideration:    NA  

Motions  for  Session  consideration:    NA  

 

Generous  Living      Staff:  Bill  Heston  -­‐    FH253,  1/8/2015  –  6  p.m.  Present:  Bill  Heston,  Cody  Nath,  Gil  Baumgarten  Absent:  Margot  Athon,  Leo  Espinoza,  Mary  Beth  Seifert  (sent  written  report)  

 Items  discussed:  

1. Generosity  Initiatives  for  2015  2. Theme  for  Ministry  Support  2015:  –  Carry  the  Gospel  to  Houston  and  to  the  World  

Commitment  Sunday  (February  1,  2015)  3. Estate  Gift  –  Leona  Glueck  Land  bequest  of  property  appraisal  update  by  Bill  Heston  

Action  Taken:     1.  Generosity  Initiatives  for  2015  –  Sub-­‐team  shared  research  and  recommendations.  

a.    Host  two  “JOG”  Events  –  home  generous  living  workshops  b.    Select  a  Christian-­‐based  financial  planning  curriculum  and  offer  to  at  least  one  Sunday            School  class.    

  2.    Reviewed  progress  of  Ministry  Support  2015  –  new  theme  for  campaign  and  Commitment  Sunday              The  ministry  commitment  emphasis  will  be  focused  on  support  of  Vision  2020  

Theme:    …Carry  the  Gospel  to  Houston  and  to  the  World  • Sermon  Topics  “Key  Values  of  a  Sending  Church”  

§ January  11    |    Prayer  -­‐  Kevin  Lilly  testimony  § January  18    |    Love  -­‐  Natalie  Javidi  testimony  § January  25    |    Generosity  -­‐  Joe  and  Kim  Dang  § February  1    |    Outward  Focus  (Commitment  Sunday)  -­‐  Luke  Carlson  testimony  o A  call  for  supporting  a  challenging  vision  that  requires  a  challenging  commitment  and  support  o Shavonnah  Schreiber  serves  as  interviewer  of  the  testimonies  each  Sunday  

Live  Interviews    Live  interview  testimonials  each  Sunday  morning  will  coincide  with  sermon  topic.    • Expanded  video  of  testimony  on  FPC  website  available  same  day  • Written  version  of  testimony  in  Church  Alive  and  the  E-­‐Weekly  following  link  

           Spring  Brochure  Generous  Living  information  page  printed  in  Spring  Brochure  –  distributed  mid-­‐February    Mailings  January  14    |    Letter  to  all  FPC  members  from  Jim  with  a  commitment  card  enclosed  –  new  opportunity  to  request  information  on  estate  gifts  to  FPC  February      |    Follow-­‐up  thank  you  note  to  those  who  returned  their  commitment  for  supporting  the  vision  of  being  a  Sending  Church  by  Pastor  Birchfield  March  3    |    Follow-­‐up  letter  from  the  Church  Treasurer  to  members  who  pledged  the  past  year,    but  not  to  this  year’s  pledge    

   

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Meeting  adjourned  at  7:30  p.m.  Next  meeting  TBD      

 Adult  Discipleship      January  14,  2015/11:30  a.m./Library,  FPC    Present:  Staff-­‐-­‐Jon  Crantz,  Michael  Homan,  Jill  Barlow;  Session  Liaison—Marilyn  McDonald,  Tom  Reiser;    Committee  Members—Carter  Higley  (chairman),  Rachel  Quan,  Jane  Champion,  Brian  Robertson;      Guests—Andrew  Stepp,  Melissa  Reed  Absent:    Melissa  Carbajal,  Jim  Kennet,  Scott  Reamer      Items  discussed:  

1.  The  group  completed  discussion  of  In  the  Name  of  Jesus:  Reflections  on  Christian  Leadership,  Henri  Nouwen.  

2.  It  was  reported  that  all  FPC  adult  Sunday  school  classes  signed  agreements  with  guidelines  for  teaching  aligned  with  FPC  statement  of  faith.      The  guidelines  for  guest/outside  teachers  are  being  completed.    

3.    Realignment  of  FPC  lead  teams  will  combine  Adult  Discipleship  with  Missions  under  the  leadership  of  Dr.  Andrew  Stepp.    Dr.  Jon  Crantz  will  lead  the  Congregational  Care  group.    Marriage  ministry  will  be  in  the  Congregational  Care  group.  

4.  Spiritual  assessment  was  discussed.  

5.    Dr.  Kyle  Strobel’s  presentation  on  prayer  was  reviewed.    It  was  very  favorably  received.    

Action  taken:  

1.  Complete  guidelines  for  guest/outside  teachers  

2.  Review  possible  spiritual  assessment  instruments.  

3.  Prepare  Work  and  Faith  video  

Items  for  Session  consideration:    NA  

Motions  for  Session  consideration:    NA  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Priorities    

Life  In  Faith  

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 What  will  success  look  like?    

• Measuring  participation  and  stories.  • 100%  Session  participation  in  Faith  In  Life  initiative  (some  form)  

 

Action  Steps:    

• Who  is  in  my  circle?  • What  are  their  names?  • What  are  their  needs?  • Gather  resources  • Pray  for  their  needs  • Meet  needs  if  possible  • Collect  stories  • Report  stories  to  Session  • Share  with  congregation  through  preaching  and  testimonies  

 

Resources:    

• Evangelism  training  • Work  In  Faith  training  • Other  –  we  need  encouraging  testimonials  

 

Priorities:    Restructure  Leadership:    What  will  success  look  like?    

• Only  essential  committees    -­‐  clearly  defined  role/purpose  Alignment  to  mission/  Vision  2020  

• Resolution  on  role/authority  of  AC  • Clarity  on  staff/Elder/Pastors/Clerks/Shepherding  Elders  roles  • Balance  within  role  (Session)    

Adaptive  vs  tactical  Governance  vs  management  

• Information  storage  and  transfer    

Action  Steps:    

• Sunset  approach  on  committees  • True  zero  base  budgeting  • Operations  Manuel(s)  • Ad  Hoc  Task  Force  –  Shepherding  Elders  • Ad  Hoc  restructure  Task  Force  

   

Priorities:  Equipping    In  twelve  months  see  every  Elder  and  key  staff  living  as  a  missionary.  Develop  competency  for  a  missionary  and  teach  it.    

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 • Common  theological  vision  • Words  to  gospel  communication  • Understand  “circle  of  influence”  • Fervent  prayer  and  fasting  • “John”  evangelism  training  

(own  it,  put  it  in  place)  (staff  starts  living  it  to  push  behavior  change)      

Session  Evaluation    

Strengths:    

• Prayer/Spiritual  Formation  during  Session  Meetings  • Mutual  respect  • Non-­‐critical  evaluation  • Willingness  to  speak  and  listen  • Highly  skilled/competent  • Passionate  • Responsibly  accept  our  role  (leading/governing)  • Directionally  unified  • Navigated  last  two  years  well  through  God’s  help  • Sense  of  decorum  • Renewed  emphasis  on  spirituality    

Growth  Areas:    

• Session  Meetings-­‐  pack  too  much:  § Not  efficient  § Need  more  vision/strategy  § Agenda  earlier  distributed  § Handle  operations  outside  of  meeting?  § Two  monthly  meetings?(Bill  &  Chris)  § More  focus/  thematic?  topical?  

• More  information  given  to  Elders  (operations)  • Clarify  AC  role/functions  • Roberts  Rules  inefficient?  • Pertinent  information  /minimize  redundancy  • Grow  in  our  sensitivity  to  one  another/  topic  at  hand  • Consistent  communication  with  congregation  • Fellowship  outside  of  Session  Meetings  • Credibility  with  congregation  • Session  members  available  on  Sunday  before  the  services  • Walk  the  talk  • Committee  structure  takes  work.  Where  should  it  be  used?  • Differentiate  between  functioning  committees  and  service  teams  • Shorter/  broader  • Focused  meeting  purposes  quarterly  vision,  etc.  • Each  meeting  10  minutes  on  a  focus  area  by  a  liaison  • Flow  of  Session  for  the  year  • Focus  time  at  meetings,  more  offline  reading  

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• Session  leading  in  their  area,  gathering  others  into  it  • Think  about  Session  reports  • Shepherding  Elders  inclusion  • Gospel  fluency-­‐  getting  people  to  join  in  active  ministry  • Who  runs  the  church?  Clerks  vs  Pastors  • Personnel  Committee  -­‐  discipline  

       

Going  Forward:    

• Messaging  to  congregation  • Clarity  of  message  • Time  for  honesty  evaluation  • Participation  in  training  • Strategic  view/planning  for  meetings/training  • Monthly  training  during  Session  meeting  • Time  each  meeting  focused  on  areas  of  church  mission  • Focus  meetings  to  be  razor  sharp  on  business,  learn  how  to  effectively  move  more  communication  offline  • Quarterly  or  bi-­‐yearly  spiritual  /  vision  • Bring  Shepherding  Elders  along  quickly  • Online  tool  to  connect  Session  • Limit/define  AC  decision  making  role  • AC  =  Exec  Committee  of  Session?  • At  Large  member  is  still  valuable  • Retain  focused  humility  • Open  sharing  is  a  strength  • Balance  between  spiritual,  operations,  strategic,  relationships  • Last  18  months  is  unique  period  • Deliberate/intentional  “drifting”  as  part  of  Session  training  • Role  of  committees  • Church  circle  of  influence  –  Rice,  museum  (mission  field)  • Functionality  –  limit  number  of  committees  to  meet  real  functional  needs  • Accountability  –  better  way  than  current  structure?  • Term  of  Session  discussion  

Reinvented  every  three  years  “term”  limits  may  be  too  strict  

• Session  focused  on  aligning  decisions  to  Vision  2020  • Session  asks  “are  we  doing  the  right  things?”    Ask  staff  and  committees  “are  we  doing  things  right?”  • Responsibilities  of  Session  beyond  “function”  outreach  • Discuss  role  of  AC  • Team  that  communicates  vision  to  the  church  • Deacons?  • Should  Session  reflect  church?  

             

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3!

1) Experience Jesus through Gospel-based preaching, teaching and worship!2) Initiate ways to share Christ's love near and far!3) Connect in community with all (or “for” all) !4) Leverage our legacy to be a beacon for Christ!5) Grow in grace together!

Final Draft!

 

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4!

Compelled by the love of Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we carry the Gospel to Houston and the world. !

Our Ongoing Mission!

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6!

What’s Our Core Score? Clarifying Vision 20/20!

•  S"="Sustaining"Strength"

•  C"="Capability"

•  O"="Outreach"

•  R"="Resources"

•  E"="Engagement"

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7!

Sustaining Strength – Gospel-Based Worship (Preaching and Teaching) !Extend our Gospel-based worship, preaching, and teaching beyond the boundaries of 5300 Main.!Capabilities – Equipping Our People!Develop a capacity for equipping our people to be missionaries beginning by retraining leadership. !Outreach – Experiment with the Circle of Influence Concept!Develop a faith in life initiative as an outreach experiment for “circle of influence”.!Resources – Leadership Functioning Differently!Restructure leadership (Session, Staff, and Committees) to create a culture of empowerment.!Engagement – Ministry through Small Groups!Develop and expand our small group ministry so that every small group or class will identify a particular “circle of influence”, giving an opportunity for every person to become a missionary.!

SCORE: 12-18 Month Priorities!

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8!

12 Month Planning – Still need transcription!

For your group’s priority, develop a basic 12 month project plan that includes the following:!1.  Define success upon completion.!2.  List all actions that need to take

place. !3.  Sequence those actions.!4.  Assign responsibilities and

resources.!!

                                               

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First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Houston  Advisory  Council  Meeting  Minutes    

January  14,  2015    

 The  monthly  meeting  of  the  Advisory  Council  of  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Houston  was  held  on  January  14,  2015  in  the  Pastor’s  Conference  room  at  8:30AM.    In  attendance  were  Lesley  Lilly,  David  McCarty,  Randy  Wilson,  Chris  Athon,  Bill  Heston,  Bill  Gutermuth,  and  Jim  Birchfield.      Lesley  Lilly  opened  with  a  devotional  and  prayer.    Randy  Wilson  reported  from  the  Finance  Committee.    December  giving  was  up  $660K  over  last  year  and  $750K  over  budget.    Expenses  are  up  $85K  over  budget  and  overall  we  have  a  budget  surplus  of  $1.1MM.      AC  asked  the  Finance  Committee  to  develop  a  proposal  for  salary  adjustments  as  was  suggested  at  the  Annual  Congregational  meeting.    This  proposal  will  be  informed  by  as  much  comparable  salary  information  as  can  be  obtained.    Further  action  will  be  considered  by  session  upon  a  report  from  Finance  committee.        Wilson  gave  a  brief  PPT  report,  including  a  review  of  legal  expenses  year  to  date.      Fred  Robertson  will  update  the  session  on  the  lawsuit  at  Tuesday’s  meeting.      The  Reconciliation  Report  had  been  sent  to  session  for  review  prior  to  the  meeting.    The  AC  discussed  the  various  recommendations  with  a  desire  to  interface  these  reconciliation  priorities  with  the  Vision  2020  priorities.                    Heston  gave  a  quick  overview  on  the  plans  for  kicking  off  the  Stewardship  campaign  the  week  of  January  19.    The  ministry  focus  will  start  in  mid  January  with  sermons  and  testimonials.    Pledge  Sunday  will  be  Febuary  1.    Gutermuth    has  been  in  discussion  with  Chris  Champion,  chairman  of  the  Elder  Nomination  committee.  This  committee  will  present  a  request  for  session  to  consider  electing  alternates,  further  defining  elder  expectations,  and  possibly  using  an  Elder  Skills  Assessement  for  balance  and  diversity  on  session.          Birchfield  and  Lilly  reviewed  the  results  from  the  TAG    retreat.    Session  will  consider  the  next  step  of  implementation  for  the  congregation  as  we  realign  into  Vision  2020.        There  being  no  further  business,  the  meeting  was  closed  in  prayer  and  adjourned  at  11:45  am.    Respectfully  submitted,         Lesley  Lilly,  Clerk  of  Session  2015