Summary of the Session Meeting of November 27, 2007

The members of Session gathered with the Board of Deacons in the sanctuary at 7:30 p.m. Moderator Louis Kilgore led devotions, focusing on the forthcoming season of Advent, reminding the Elders and Deacons that Advent was a season “to be aware and be awake.” Following announcements, the meeting of Session was called to order at 8:01 p.m. in the conference room and constituted with prayer by Moderator Louis Kilgore.

OLD BUSINESS

Elder Betsy Kamienowski updated the Session on the recent activities of the Building Committee (see report elsewhere in this issue), particularly in regards to completion of the work on the organ, which has not progressed to the satisfaction of the Building Committee, staff, and Session.

Elder Nancy Adams Fry reported on the progress of the Stewardship campaign, with amounts pledged to date.

Nancy also reported on the ongoing flood-relief efforts. Approximately $48,000 remains of money received from the denomination, individuals, and Red Cross reimbursements. The Session voted to retain $10,000 of these funds in accounts at Bound Brook Presbyterian Church so that the church may be prepared to launch relief efforts immediately in the event of another flood; $8,000 as a fund for families who are victims of the 2007 flood; and $30,000 to New Jersey Interfaith Disaster Recovery.

Personnel reported on performance evaluations to be done this month for both program and support staff.

Training for new officers is tentatively scheduled for two evenings in December and two in January, with ordination to take place on January 26–27, 2008, following the officers’ retreat.
The Session approved a motion stating the intention to hold the meeting of the Congregation for election of church officers on the same November Sunday of each year, specifically Christ the King Sunday (the Sunday before Advent).





COMMISSION REPORTS





The Membership Commission reported on the new members’ and further revision of the roles.





Acting upon a recommendation from Mission Outreach, the Session approved an allocation from the Capital Campaign Mission budget—local and regional causes—for the purchase of room dividers for providing privacy to guests we house in the FISH hospitality program.





Acting upon a recommendation from the Christian Education Commission, the Session approved the serving of Communion at the Youth Retreat at Paradise Lake the first weekend in December.

A discussion concerning budgeting and endowment funds brought forward a request by Session to the Finance Commission to provide a comparative snapshot of the Church’s finances for the past five years. The Finance Commission will also start work on a preliminary budget for 2008.



Finally, the Session approved a motion to host the March 2008 meeting of the Presbytery of New Brunswick. Elders volunteering to help coordinate this event (which includes a full hot meal and meeting) are: Doug Rayner, Luke Wolff, Ted Settle, Betsy Kamienowski, Marion Oliver, Paul Gindler, and Grant Colgary.



Following a motion to approve written reports as received, the meeting was adjourned with prayer at 10:00 p.m.



Respectfully submitted,
Beth A. Hoffman, Clerk of Session