Session Minutes

SESSION NOTES

Following are highlights from the April 15, 2010, regular Session meeting.  The minutes of the meeting are posted on the church bulletin board near the library. 

• A motion was carried to received Gerald and Lois Poppe as new members.  They were previously instructed and examined as attested by the GROW Committee.
• A motion was carried to approve the serving of communion for the Stephen Minister commissioning class on Tuesday, May 11, 2010. Rev. Carlson will serve communion with an elder who is a Stephen Minister.
• Acknowledge that the wedding of Justina Dondlinger and Kyle Brewer took place at Eastridge on March 30, 2010, with Rev. Carlson officiating.
• Acknowledge that the baptism of Ava Ryann Heusman took place at the 9:30 a.m. service on March 21, 2010, at Eastridge Presbyterian Church with Rev. Crelin officiating.  Ryann was added to the baptized member roll.
• Approve the summer Sunday School curricula: We Believe (PCUSA) summer series, "We Belong to God" for the preschool class, and We Believe (PCUSA) "Awesome Adventure: God's People on the Move" for K-2^nd grade students.
• A motion was carried to form a subcommittee including representatives from Session, Trustees, and the Facilities Task Force to consider bids for a second screen and projector in the sanctuary.
• A motion was carried to direct the Trustees to proceed with the installation of a 50 by 50 foot flat surface on the lot next to the pantry using about $3,000 to $4,000 from the Phase II Capital Campaign Funds.  Funds raised by the men's group in serving lunches at Vacation Bible School and pennies collected by Sunday School children will also be used.
• A motion was carried to ask the Trustees to obtain bids on repair of the Huxtable stained glass window in the Narthex.
• Through March 2010, revenues were at 21.61percent and expenses were at 24.03 percent. 
• Sue Anne Philson, Anna Meier, and Susan Taylor are directors of VBS. 
• Total active membership to date:  996.  Average Attendance at Sunday Worship:  470
• The GROW committee is investigating the possibility of airing a broadcast of Eastridge church services on Channel 13.
• A hymnfest is scheduled for July 18. 
• The summer worship schedule will remain as in the past:  8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. (both traditional) and 11 a.m. (contemporary).
• The Nominating Committee is considering use of the Gallup Strengths Finder for churches to discern officers and for leadership training.

Session Notes

Following are some highlights from the March 18, 2010 Regular Session meeting. The minutes are posted on the church bulletin board near the library.

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 March 7, 2010.
•  Approved communion dates for 2011 to be the first Sunday of each month, Maundy Thursday, April 21, 2011, and New Year's Eve 12/31/11.
• Removed Fred and Carol Epp from active rolls per their request. They are living in Minneapolis and transferring membership to Bethany Covenant Church.
• Approved the wedding of Nicole Fast and Eric Chancellor on June 18, 2011 at Eastridge Presbyterian Church with Rev. James W. Crelin, 3^rd officiating.
• Acknowledged that the wedding of Elizabeth Brehm and Pepper Papineau took place at Eastridge on February 27, 2010 with Rev. James W. Crelin, 3^rd officiating.
• Acknowledged that the wedding of Katie Roesler and Robert Worley took place at Eastridge on March 13, 2010 with Rev. J.P. Carlson officiating.
• Removed David White from rolls as a friend of the church and spouse of member Janice White. Deceased 2/28/10
• Acknowledged that Molly Schmit sang a song at David White's memorial service on March 6, 2010 at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
• Acknowledged the baptism of Connor Evan League took place at the 9:30 a.m. service on February 28, 2010 at Eastridge Presbyterian Church with Rev. James W. Crelin, 3^rd officiating.
•  Added to baptized member roll:
• Connor Evan League-Baptism: 2/28/10 at Eastridge Presbyterian Church

Elders Judy Heaston, Tim Creger, and Wayne Fetterley served as commissioners to the stated meeting of Homestead Presbytery at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church in Lincoln. Commissioners reported that the Mission display was excellent. Kathleen Crosmer, Eastridge secretary and Homestead Presbytery secretary was introduced to the commissioners. Chaz Ruark, Executive Presbyter of the Twin cities Presbytery, gave a presentation about plans for the 219th General Assembly, which will be held in Minneapolis July 3-10, 2010.

Rev. Crelin reviewed the hiring of Kathleen Crosmer, who serves as a part-time secretary for Eastridge and a part-time secretary for Homestead Presbytery, working out of the Eastridge office. This allows extended hours of coverage for the Eastridge office each day.

Rev. Crelin reported that work has been completed to allow lights to shine behind the two stained-glass windows that Cheryl Ober donated in memory of Randy Ober. Rev. Crelin reviewed a list of repairs that are needed both inside and on the church campus, including the stained glass windows in the Narthex that were given in memory of Rev. Tom Huxtable and the flag pole on the east side of the church.

Nominating Committee is in the process of writing and sending letters to approximately 150 members of the congregation to invite them to a special introductory Meet and Greet on Sunday, April 11, 2020 in Fellowship Hall. This open house will provide opportunity for church members who have been recommended to fill leadership roles in the church to learn more about how God is calling them to serve.

 Session Notes

Following are some highlights from the February 18, 2010, regular Session meeting. The minutes are posted on the church bulletin board near the library.

• The Session met with the Board of Deacons for the annual joint meeting as required by the Book of Order. Elders and Deacons discussed issues and concerns. 
• A motion was carried to receive Robert and Carol Ann Clark as new members. Carol Budka attested that the prospective members were instructed and examined by the GROW Committee.
• Approve the baptism of Connor Evan League, son of Troy and Schawn League, at the 9:30 a.m. service on February 28, 2010.  Baptism to be performed by the Rev. James Crelin.
• Add to baptized member roll:

• o Devin Michael Dahlheim-Baptism: January 31, 2010, Eastridge Presbyterian Church.

• A motion was carried to approve the Christian Education Committee's selection of "Galactic Blast" from Cokesbury as the curriculum for the 2010 Vacation Bible School.
• The Director of Music reported that the Chancel Choir will present "The Crown and the Cross," a Palm Sunday suite.  On Maundy Thursday, April 1, 2010, the Chancel Choir, orchestra, and a cast of disciples and Jesus will present "The Living Last Supper."  A string quartet will present special music on Good Friday through a service of "The Seven Last Words." 
• Total active membership to date is 996, and average attendance at Sunday worship is 411.
• The Christian Education Committee sponsored a communion workshop on March 28.  Lenten devotion booklets were distributed.
• The Nominating Committee reported that Leadership Training is scheduled for September 18, 2010, and officers will be elected on October 3, 2010.

Work is underway on Youth Sunday, March 14, 2010.