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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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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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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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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