St. Andrew Presbyterian Church Session
Stated Meeting
St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Sonoma, CA
Conference Room
April 12, 2005
Attendees: Rich Gantenbein, (pastor and moderator), Kathleen Hawing, Caryn Prince, Bill Dempsey, Pat Ingram, Fred Nielsen, Jim Morgan, Jim MacFarlan, Jerry Sanden
Absent (excused): Sylvia Bernard
Also present: Tim Ramage, David Irvine, Judy Morgan, Tish Bulkley, Doug Davis, Don Minor (clerk of session).
Meeting called to order at 7:06 P.M. by the moderator, Rich Gantenbein, with an opening prayer.
A quorum was present.
Check in: Report by members on their status since last meeting.
Major Issues:
Discussion of $5.00 per member charge to pay legal costs incurred by The Presbytery of the Redwoods: A disciplinary charge against Rev. Jane Spahr has been filled and our presbytery is bearing the cost for the trail and possible appeal. Presbytery recommends a $5.00 per member charge to fund this. We can comply, or decline, or pay the assessment from funds designated to support the Presbytery mission. A prolonged discussion ensued. A final decision was postponed until our next meeting and session recommended that the discussions remain confidential until a decision is made.
Elder’s Meeting: A meeting of all elders of our church is scheduled for April 19 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the role of elders as an ongoing ministry.
2005 – 2006 Budget: The budget process will be staff driven. A preliminary budget should be available in about one month. A preliminary discussion on staff compensation was held by session.
Strategic Plan Progress Reports:
- Leadership Development – Job Descriptions are still not completed.
- Alternative Service – the third service group has been delayed by a Walthard family illness.
- Enhancement of Worship – David Irvine encouraged more participation by elders and deacons to be available for prayer after services and to promptly come up to the front of church at the start of the closing song.
Clerk’s Report: MSC to approve the minutes from the March 8, 2005 Session meeting and the February 20, 2005 called meeting to accept new members.
Operations:
Financial update: The current financial situation looks good as reported by our treasurer. MSC to approve the pay off of the recent loan from a member.
Building use contracts: MSC to approve the building use report as submitted.
House Commission: The house commission needs two new members. Nominations and approval is postponed to next month.
Roll of Members: Session reviewed to roll of members and the following actions were taken –
MSC to remove those people who have been on the inactive list for two years
MSC to remove those people who have transferred to another church.
A list of people who are currently attending St. Andrew and would like to become members and have submitted letters of transfer was reviewed.
MSC to contact these people and enroll them in the next new members’ class and then have them publicly received.
Other Business:
Christian Education: Plans for Vacation Bible School were presented.
Mission: Mission Possible was a success.
Worship: Session discussed the need for prayer before services
Youth: The 6:00 a.m. Easter service was put on by the youth and was well received.
Discipleship: We have a good list of classes available at this time
MSC to adjourn.
Closing prayer, by all present.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.
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Don Minor, Stated Clerk
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