Session Minutes
July 31, 2011 - Special Session
Session Notes
Following are some highlights from the April 14, 2011 Regular Session meeting. The unapproved minutes are posted on the church bulletin board near the library:
RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBER
A motion was approved to receive Heather Sams by profession of faith as a new church member and to add her name to the Active Member rolls. Heather Sams was previously instructed and examined by Elders Jason Anderson, Wayne Fetterley and Carol Budka on April 3, 2011, as attested GROW Committee member Carol Budka.
CORRESPONDENCE
A survey of the Ministry and Mission Church Study for Eastridge Presbyterian Church was received.
A copy of the First Quarter, 2011 Food Pantry Report was received. The total receipts from First Quarter were $1,612.32.
A copy of Sample Questions for the 2011 Confirmation Class was received.
MOTIONS
Consensus Agenda:
Items approved by acceptance of the meeting agenda:
• Affirmed that communion was served at 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. services on April 3, 2011.
• Removed Cameron McDaniel from church rolls, transferred to Sheridan Lutheran Church, Lincoln, NE.
• Approved the wedding of McKenzie Jones and Jeff Nelson on September 22, 2012 at Eastridge Presbyterian Church with Rev. James W. Crelin, 3rd, officiating.
• Acknowledged the Renewal of Vows ceremony for Kendra and Chad Gondringer on April 3, 2011 at Eastridge Presbyterian Church with Rev. James W. Crelin, 3rd, officiating.
• Acknowledged the wedding of Steve Sheridan and Jeanne Riha on April 9, 2011, at Eastridge with Rev. James W. Crelin, 3rd, officiating.
• Removed Peggy Westmoreland from the church rolls, deceased 3/31/11
• Acknowledged Rev. James W. Crelin, 3rd and Rev. Peter Frazier-Koontz officiated at the memorial service for Peggy Westmoreland on April 6, 2011.
• Acknowledged Rev. James W. Crelin, 3rd officiated at the memorial service for Gerald Maddox (former member of Eastridge) at Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home on April 5, 2011.
Regular Motions:
A motion was approved as submitted by the Nominating Committee that the Church Study presented to Session on April 14th, 2011 be approved and submitted to the Committee on Ministry for review, approval and use by the Eastridge Associate Pastor Nominating Committee.
A motion was approved as submitted by the Nominating Committee that a special congregational meeting be called on May 22, 2011 for the purpose of confirming the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee as presented by Session, and that the list of candidates presented to the congregation be set at seven members with the names of the nominees provided to the Moderator of Session by the Nominating Committee by May 7, 2011.
A motion was approved as submitted by the Christian Education Committee for Sunday School to be scheduled at 10:30 a.m. for the summer months.
A motion was approved for June Lyman to provide home communion to Georgia Lambert who resides in Elkhorn, NE.
A motion was approved for the Youth Committee to have a doughnut sale on 5-8-11 and to hold a "Rock-a-Thon" on 5-22-11.
A motion was approved to accept the Food Pantry Report.
A motion was approved as submitted by the Outreach Committee that Eastridge Presbyterian Church establish a Benevolence Fund that will be under the auspices of the Board of Deacons. A special offering will be collected three (3) times per year and amounts raised will be placed in this fund. A Benevolence Committee will decide how funds are to be distributed and will keep their deliberations confidential. The beneficiaries of the fund will be "constituents" of the church. If funds from the Benevolence Fund are distributed to an employee, a W-2 form will be issued. The Benevolence Fund will not preclude special fundraisers.
In their regularly scheduled monthly meeting, the youth committee discussed how they might keep middle level and high school events separate and how they could implement planning so that they could have the maximum number of youth participating in events.
The GROW committee will install "Burma Shave" type signs for the 56th Street side of the church parking lot. These will be completed as the weather allows.
Session Notes
Following are some highlights from the March 17, 2011 Regular Session meeting. The unapproved minutes are posted on the church bulletin board near the library:
A motion was approved for Session guest: Rev. Brent Johnston, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Lincoln, NE and COM Liaison to Eastridge Presbyterian Church.
ANNUAL MEETING OF ELDERS AND DEACONS
Twenty-two deacons joined with the elders present to share and discuss matters of mutual concern using a small group discussion format (Book of Order G6.0405).
Deacons expressed a concern about visitation and communion provided to home bound members, raised questions regarding interim and permanent Associate Pastor positions, expressed a need for more "fluid" communication between deacons and elders, and raised questions regarding communication with pastors and deacons. Deacons expressed concerns about transportation in regards to insurance coverage for bringing children to church in the church van without parents present. Deacons requested that a group of designated drivers replace the deacons to provide transportation for Sunday worship services. Deacons requested that the parking lot be striped to designate parking spaces. Rev. Crelin encouraged both deacons and elders to continue sharing ideas. He responded to several questions.
REPORT OF PRESBYTERY COMMISSIONERS
Elders Carol Budka, Gail Blankenau, and Kathy Kuehn served as commissioners to the stated meeting of Homestead Presbytery at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Lincoln, on February 19, 2011. The main items of business were the votes on the Belhar Confession and on the new Form of Government. Homestead Presbytery voted its approval on both of these items. The remaining amendments to the Constitution referred to presbyteries by the General Assembly will be discussed and voted at the May Homestead Presbytery meeting.
Calvin Crest's Director Craig Huffman presented Homestead Presbytery with a check to repay its outstanding loan in full. Craig also gave a report on the turn-around the camp has experienced and the progress on meeting its long-range plan.
The Rev. J.P. Carlson was transferred to Missouri River Presbytery to become Associate Pastor at Dundee Presbyterian Church in Omaha, NE. J.P. has served Eastridge Presbyterian Church as Associate for the past five years.
The Westminster choir and organist provided special music. The Rev. Andrew McDonald preached on love. Communion was celebrated.
RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBER
A motion was approved to receive Mary Swanson by letter of transfer from Trinity Baptist Church, Lincoln, NE as a new church member and to add her name to the Active Member rolls. Mary Swanson was previously instructed and examined by Elders Wayne Fetterley, Kathy Kuehn and Carol Budka on Sunday, February 20, 2011 as attested by GROW Committee member Carol Budka.
CORRESPONDENCE
A letter was received from St. Mark's United Methodist Church, Lincoln, NE, requesting a Letter of Transfer of membership for Shari Stock.
A copy of the dates for PCUSA 2011 special offerings was received.
A copy of the "Process in Calling a Pastor or Associate Pastor" was received.
MOTIONS
Consensus Agenda:
Items approved by acceptance of the meeting agenda:
• Affirmed that communion was served at 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. services on Sunday, March 6, 2011.
• Acknowledged the baptism of Teagan Marie Bouwens on February 27, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. James W. Crelin, 3rd, officiating.
• Acknowledged the baptism of Mason William Kemper at a private ceremony on March 13, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. James W. Crelin, 3rd officiating and Elder Carol Budka assisting.
• Acknowledged the baptism of Lauren Paige Morrison at a private ceremony on March 13, 2011 at 12:30 p.m. with Rev. James W. Crelin, 3rd officiating and Elder Carol Budka assisting.
• Removed Shirley Moats from the church roll - deceased 3/2/11
• Acknowledged Rev. James W. Crelin, 3rd officiated at the memorial service for Shirley Moats on March 7, 2011.
• Removed Helen Eastlack from the church roll - deceased 3/6/11
• Acknowledged Rev. James W. Crelin, 3rd, officiated at the memorial service for Helen Eastlack on March 12, 2011.
• Removed Shari Stock from church rolls - letter of transfer to St. Mark's United Methodist Church, Lincoln, NE. Her husband, Rick Stock remains an active member.
• Approved the wedding of Bailey Miller and Mark Van Zee on November 19, 2011 at Eastridge Presbyterian Church with guest Pastor Tim Kemnitz from Mount Olive Lutheran Church officiating.
• Approved the wedding of Andrea Rexroth and David Anthony (member) on December 17, 2011 at Eastridge Presbyterian Church with Rev. James W. Crelin, 3rd, and guest Pastor Stephanie Anthony co-officiating.
Regular Motions:
A motion was approved for the Interim Associate Pastoral Contract (with correction of "GROW" Committee rather than "Evangelism" Committee) be accepted.
A motion was approved for Rev. Peter Frazier-Koontz to be hired as the Interim Associate Pastor of Eastridge Presbyterian Church. The duration of the contract with Rev. Frazier-Koontz will extend from April 3, 2011 through December 31, 2011.
A motion was approved for the Nominating Committee to be allowed to immediately begin the process of calling candidates for the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee, that the number of candidates be set at seven (7), and that the Nominating Committee would present the slate of candidates at the April 14 regular Session meeting.
Rev. Crelin and Rev. Johnston reviewed the process for Session for calling an Associate Pastor (Please refer to "Process in Calling a Pastor or Associate Pastor" on page 11 of the March 20, 2011 Session Agenda packet) Steps in the process include engaging the congregation in a church mission study, assessing the congregation's finances, electing an Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC), writing and submitting the Church Information Form (CIF), collecting and screening Personal Information Forms (PIFs), interviewing final candidates, choosing the nominee, and making official decisions.
Session Notes
Following are some highlights from the February 17, 2011 Regular Session meeting. The unapproved minutes are posted on the church bulletin board near the library:
RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS
Consensus Agenda:
Items approved by acceptance of the meeting agenda:
• Affirmed that communion was served at 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services, on Sunday, February 6, 2011.
• Received and affirmed the 2010 Church Records to be submitted to the PCUSA. (See pages 9-10).
• Approved the baptism of Mason Kemper, son of Donald and Sarah Kemper at the 9:30 a.m. service on February 27, 2011.
• Approved the baptism of Lauren Paige Morrison, daughter of Tyler and Jennifer Morrison, on March 13, 2011 at 12:30 p.m. in a private ceremony.
• Acknowledged the baptism of Isaac Kent Hemmerling at the 9:30 a.m. service on February 13 with Rev. James W. Crelin, 3rd officiating and Silas Jon McDaniel at the 11:00 a.m. service on February 13, 2011 with Rev. J.P. Carlson officiating.
• Add to baptized member roll:
o Isaac Kent Hemmerling
Baptism: 2/13/11, Eastridge
Presbyterian Church
o Silas Jon McDaniel
Baptism: 2/13/11, Eastridge
Presbyterian Church
• Removed Ravera Edwards from the church roll-deceased 1/25/11.
• Acknowledged that Rev. J.P. Carlson officiated at the memorial service for Ravera Edwards on January 28, 2011.
• Removed Olin Morris from the church roll-deceased 2/5/11.
• Acknowledged that Rev. J.P. Carlson officiated at the memorial service for Olin Morris on February 12, 2011.
• Placed Joel Niemann on inactive roll per parent's request. He lives out of state.
• Acknowledged the approval of the membership of Jeffrey Nelson by Reaffirmation of Faith who was reviewed by Elders on January 23, 2011.
Regular Motions:
A motion was approved that the stained glass window be repaired in the narthex, with funds from the Shirly Hadfield memorial, Commodore Mariners, and Memorial and Endowment Committee.
A motion was approved for the middle and high school youth groups to participate in a youth retreat at Camp Calvin Crest on April 8-10, 2011.
A motion was approved that Eastridge Presbyterian Church approve the dissolution of the Associate Pastor relationship between the Rev. J.P. Carlson and Eastridge Presbyterian Church effective April 4, 2011.
A motion was approved to schedule a reception for Rev. J.P. Carlson on March 6, 2011 at 12:05 p.m. in Fellowship Hall of the church. Tim Creger and Kathy Kuehn will serve as co-chairs of the reception committee.
A motion was approved for co-chairs of Personnel Committee, Beth Birnstihl and Kim Braaten, to work with Rev. Richard Wyatt to recommend names of Interim Associate Pastor candidates to Session.
Rev. Crelin and Rev. Richard Wyatt, Executive Presbyter of Homestead Presbytery discussed with Session the procedures for hiring an Interim Associate Pastor. It was determined that the co-chairs of Personnel Committee, Beth Birnstihl and Kim Braaten, will work with Rev. Wyatt to determine appropriate candidates to present to Session for consideration and possible hiring.
Rev. Wyatt also discussed briefly the process for hiring an Associate Pastor. This process involves completing a mission study within the church, selecting an Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC,) developing a Church Information Form (CIF) and possibly advertising at a national level. Rev. Wyatt will provide training for the APNC.
Discussion of the Trustees during their January meeting involved correcting an error in the December 2010 financial report, pursuing a solution to the air conditioning compressor replacement, snow removal to ensure proper timing of services, and purchase of new tires for church van.
Beth Kalnins has been hired for ten (10) hours per week to assist Brett Joseph, church treasurer.
Session Notes
Following are some highlights from the January 20, 2011 Regular Session meeting. The unapproved minutes are posted on the church bulletin board near the library:
A letter was received from the First United Methodist Church in Waverly, Nebraska requesting the transfers of Hal & Donna Stading-Smith.
A copy of the adjusted Pastoral Compensation packages for 2011 is included on page 11 of the Session Agenda.
The fourth quarter (2010) Eastridge Emergency Food Pantry report was received. For the quarter, participating churches contributed $2,893.00.
Consensus Agenda:
Items approved by acceptance of the meeting agenda:
- Affirmed that communion was served at the 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. services on Sunday, January 2, 2011.
- Affirmed that communion was served at the 7:00 p.m. service on New Year's Eve, December 31, 2010.
- Attested that Elizabeth Birnstihl, Kathy Kuehn, and Jack Sunderman were ordained and installed as Elders at the 8:00 a.m. service, Ralph Riemann was installed as an Elder at the 8:00 a.m. service and Jason Anderson was ordained and installed as an Elder at the 9:30 a.m. service on December 5, 2010.
- Attested that Merle & Corrine Faubel, Dean & Marlene Johnson, Vickie Wolfe, Joann Lorenzen and Larissa Irvin were ordained and installed as Deacons and that David Wolfe was installed as a Deacon at the 9:30 a.m. service on December 5, 2010.
- Approved the wedding of Alicia Dunkle and Adam Kreatz on September 24, 2011 with Rev. James W. Crelin, 3rd officiating.
- Approved the baptism of Isaac Kent Hemmerling, Son of Kent and Jaime, at the 9:30 service on February 13, 2011.
- Approved the baptism of Silas Jon McDaniel, son of B.J. and Ashley, at the 11:00 a.m. service on February 13, 2011.
- Approved the baptism of Teagan Marie Bouwens, daughter of Jesse & Erin, at the 11:00 a.m. service on February 27, 2011.
- Acknowledged the baptisms of Charli Mackenna Rose Crawford son of Seth & Devan Crawford, and Danielle Louise Sams, daughter of Brian & Heather Sams, Zechariah Beckley Harrison, and Hekela Kennedi Harrison took place at the 9:30 a.m. service on January 16, 2011 with Rev. James W. Crelin, 3rd officiating.
- Acknowledge the baptism of Kenadi Jordyn Georgiana daughter of Trent & Crystal Georgiana took place at the 11:00 a.m. service on January 16, 2011 with Rev. James W. Crelin, 3rd officiating.
- Add to baptized member roll:
o Charli Mackenna Rose Crawford-Baptism: 1/16/11, Eastridge Presbyterian Church
o Danielle Louise Sams-Baptism: 1/16/11, Eastridge Presbyterian Church
o Zechariah Beckley Harrison -Baptism: 1/16/11, Eastridge Presbyterian church
o Hekela Kennedi Harrison--Baptism: 1/16/11, Eastridge Presbyterian Church
o Kenadi Jordyn Georgiana -Baptism: 1/16/11, Eastridge Presbyterian Church
- Removed Warren Jensen from the church roll-deceased 1/3/11.
- Removed Hal and Donna Stading-Smith from church rolls-transferred out, per letter
- Acknowledged that Rev. James W. Crelin, 3rd officiated at the funeral service for Warren Jensen at Wyuka Funeral Home on January 7, 2011. Rev. J.P. Carlson was vocalist.
- Added James L. and Georgina Marilyn Searle to church rolls-transferred from First Presbyterian Church, Hastings, Nebraska,
Regular Motions:
A motion was approved to elect Brett Joseph as Church Treasurer for a term of six (6) months.
A motion was approved to elect Linda Douglas as Clerk of Session for a term of one (1) year.
A motion was approved to elect Wayne Fetterley as the active Session Member on the church nominating committee.
A motion was approved for the Christian Education Committee to select "Shake It Up Café, Where Kids Carry Out God's Recipe" from Cokesbury Publishing as the 2011 VBS Curriculum.
A motion was approved to cancel a full church audit at this time.
Mary Mulligan knitted 200 mittens for the Angel Tree at Christmas. Forty (40) children participated in the Turkey Hunt. 113 children participated in the Christmas program. Seventy-three boxes were delivered to Operation Christmas Child.
Session Notes
Following are some highlights from the Regular Session meeting of December 16, 2010. The unapproved minutes are posted on the church bulletin board near the library.
A motion was approved to receive Michelle Michener and Deloris Severin by Reaffirmation of Faith as new church members and to add their names to the Active Member rolls. These individuals were previously instructed and examined as attested by GROW Committee member Carol Budka. The new members will be recognized at services to be determined.
Consensus Agenda:
Items approved by acceptance of the meeting agenda:
- Affirmed that communion was served at 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. services on December 5, 2010.
- Removed Brian Kohel from active roll, per his request. He is attending another church.
- Removed Steve and Kelly Halleen and family from active roll per their request. They are transferring membership to Faith Lutheran Church, Lincoln.
- Removed Peg Beranek from active roll. She has transferred her membership to First Plymouth Congregational Church.
- Removed Gale Furnas from the church roll, deceased on 12/3/10.
- Reinstated the membership of Gary & Deb Kilian. Transferred back to Eastridge from Southern Heights Presbyterian Church.
- Approved the baptism of McKoy Baker Barnes, son of Cory & Brooke Barnes, in a private ceremony in Huxtable Lounge on 12/21/10 with Rev. James W. Crelin, 3rd officiating.
- Approved the baptism of Mia Elisabeth Olsen, daughter of Gary and Jennifer Olsen on 12/26/10 at the 11:00 a.m. service.
- Approved the baptism of Kenadi Jordyn Georgiana, daughter of Trent and Crystal Georgiana on 1/16/11.
- Approved the percent allocation of GASP missions for 2011 to be 30% General Assembly, 25% Synod, and 45% Presbytery.
Regular Motions:
A motion was approved for a Sunday school class to sell candy canes between services on December 19, 2010 as a fundraiser for Pat Myers to help defray costs of cataract surgery.
A motion was approved to hold two (2) church services at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. during the summer months (following the LPS summer schedule).
A motion was approved to direct Steve Anderson and the Trustees to seek an estimate of cost from Grafton & Associates to complete a full audit of finances of Eastridge Presbyterian Church.
A total of 28 persons became members of Eastridge during 2010. The audio versions of the pastors' sermons are now being placed on the church web site. A big thank you to Susan Pinkerman, James Ehly, Aaron Fickenscher, and Jim Budka for their work toward completing this project.
The budget shortfall for 2010 is now $7,000. It was decided to discontinue the yellow page ad in the Lincoln phone directory at a savings of $3,000. The committee is continuing work on the 2011 budget.
Session Notes
Following are some highlights from the November 18, 2010 Regular Session meeting. The unapproved minutes are posted on the church bulletin board near the library.
Faith statements of Deacons elect Dean and Marlene Johnson and David and Vickie Wolfe were shared with Elders.
A motion was approved to accept the faith statements and proceed with the ordination and/or installation of Deacons Dean and Marlene Johnson and David and Vickie Wolfe on Sunday, December 5, 2010.
A letter was received from First Presbyterian Church, Omaha. NE requesting a Letter of Transfer of membership of Lori Snyder-Sloan.
Consensus Agenda:
Items approved by acceptance of the meeting agenda:
- Affirmed that communion was served at 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services on November 7, 2010.
- Acknowledged the baptism of Sawyer Hobbs Thomas, son of Mark and Whitney Hobbs, took place at the 11:00 a.m. service on October 31, 2010
- Removed Lori Snyder-Sloan from active roll per her request. She is transferring membership to First Presbyterian Church in Omaha, NE.
- Placed Melanie Snyder on the inactive rolls per her request.
- Removed Mary Lee Brown & Jessica Brown from active roll per their request. They are transferring membership to Heritage Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, NE.
- Removed Cesar and Rosanne Miranda from active rolls. They have relocated in Brazil.
- Removed Mitch and Joni Truka from active rolls per their request.
- Acknowledged that per capita for 2011 is $31.81 per member.
Regular Motions:
A motion was approved for a middle school and high school Youth Lock-in on December 3-4, 2010 at Eastridge.
A motion was approved for Eastridge Presbyterian Church to participate in four special offerings of the PCUSA in 2011: One Great Hour of Sharing (4/24), Pentecost (6/12), Peacemaking (10/2), and Christmas Joy (12/18).
A motion was approved to schedule the annual joint meeting of Session and Deacons for March 17, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.
A motion was approved for the church to hold a fundraiser with funds raised going toward payment of $3,200 insurance policy for six months for Chonze Roman, custodian.
Elders Kim Shirk, Aaron Douglas and David Marx served as commissioners to the stated meeting of Homestead Presbytery on November 18, 2010 at Camp Calvin Crest. Barbara Hipple was thanked for her work as Mission Coordinator. [This position has been funded by a mission grant from the Synod which has come to an end.] Katie Jasa (Lincoln First) and Nick Dougherty (Panama) were welcomed as Inquirers for the ministry. A Resolution was adopted opposing the Keystone oil pipeline route over the Ogallala Aquifer. The worship service was led by Rev. Sara Dingman and the Homestead Praise Band.
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