Covenant Presbyterian Church  
 Flash: ON   September 6, 2010 
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Covenant Presbyterian Church
2001 N Coalter St
Staunton, Virginia  24401
Phone: 540-885-2138

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Session
Session Highlights ~
 
At its stated meeting on August 15th the Session took the following actions:
· Approved a calendar for the Capital Campaign
· Approved conditionally two requests for use of the building
· Approved the hiring of Becky Wszalek as Alpha Choir Director
· Approved a letter of transfer for Sam McClure
· Approved funds for purchase of medicines for a member of the Bedele Congregation
· Approved use of the church as an emergency site for Baldwin Park residents
· Designated Mothers’ Day 2011 for Children’s Sunday
 
At its stated meeting on June 27th the Session took the following actions:
· Approved the examination of Tom Brooks for ordination as elder
· Approved a return to a weekly version of Together on Wednesdays for Fall 2010
· Approved retaining Cargill Associates to conduct a capital campaign for Fall 2010
· Elected Cliff Gilchrest commissioner to the August meeting of presbytery
· Invited Karen McLean to preach on August 1
· Approved the purchase of upgraded computers for the office staff
· Moved the starting time for stated Session meetings from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
· Approved accelerating payments to Joachim Bagirirwa for work in Rwanda
· Approved moving Senior High Sunday School from 9:30 to noon following worship
 
At its stated meeting on May 16th the Session took the following actions:
· Examined Dave Shue and approved him for installation
· Accepted reluctantly the resignation of Mason Ware from session due to health concerns
· Received into membership Shannon Brown by Reaffirmation of faith, Blake Brown by Profession of faith, and Kendal Brown as a baptized member
· Approved a task force to explore alternative worship opportunities pursuant to the Long Range Plan
· Elected Paul Sorrell as Treasurer 
· Approved assistance for Joachim Bagirirwa in service in Rwanda and Dr. Carolyn Webber in service in Ethiopia in the seminary in Addis Abba


At its stated meeting on April 18th the Session took the following actions:
· Heard the expressions of faith of five confirmands and received them into membership by profession of faith
· Approved the baptism of Ashley Roth following her profession of faith and of Lula Ruth Herrin on May 9
· Approved a proposal for improvements to the church building, mission support, and deferred maintenance expenses with a funding plan
· Approved a request for a November wedding
· Directed Executive Team to appoint a task force to explore alternative worship opportunities pursuant to the Long Range Plan

At its meeting on March 21st the Session took the following actions
  • Accepted the resignation of Judi Aldridge as elder with gratitude for her service
  • Elected Michele Briggs as commissioner and Mason Ware and Vicki Bellamy as alternates to the May meeting of presbytery 
  • Approved a youth project to collect needed items for New Directions
· Elected Pat Dindinger commissioner and Lynn Gilliland alternate to the November meeting of presbytery
· Approved organizations for Glorious Gifts
· Approved a chili cook-off event for Super Bowl Sunday
· Approved the Children’s Home of the Highlands as the recipient of the Thanksgiving Offering
· Approved a confirmation class to be offered in 2010

At its meeting on September 20 the Session took the following actions:

· Approved a Nursery School policy related to teacher requirements
· Approved September 12 as Youth Sunday and August 22 as Mission Sunday
· Approved painting of the walls on the path to the Nursery with coordination with Facilities
Participated in a long-range planning focus group Approved six goals/themes for the long-range plan
At its stated meeting on February 21st the Session took the following actions:
· Approved the PCUSA statistical report for Covenant
· Approved a response to Shenandoah Presbytery’s planning survey
· Approved letters of transfer for Steve and Cary Keefe
· Declined the presbytery’s invitation to host a meeting on November 9, 2010 and extended an invitation to presbytery offering to host a future meeting on a Saturday
· Approved installation of a system for securing exterior doors in the office area
· Invited Marie Mainard-O’Connell to participate in the mission trip, subject to approval of our mission partners, as part of our support of her preparation for ministry
· Asked Session teams to review and discuss emergency preparedness plans
· Approved two requests for weddings

At its meeting on Sunday, January 17, the Session took the following actions:
  • Approved use of the labyrinth on Maundy Thursday
  • Approved distributions from the Cyclical Repair Fund for repair of the heat pumps serving the Great Hall
  • Approved participation in a pulpit exchange for March 21
  • Elected Kent Diduch commissioner and Michele Briggs alternate to the February meeting of Presbytery
  • Discontinued monthly Service of Prayer for Healing and Wholeness due to lack of participation 
  • Received a report from the Task Force for a Proactive Maintenance Plan, referred it to Facilities and Stewardship & Finance for study, and asked the Task Force to bring back recommendations for the plan’s implementation
At its meeting on December 20th the Session took the following actions:
· Examined the elders-elect in the Class of 2012
· Approved a budget of $534,245 for 2010
· Approved a change in TOW to move to First Wednesdays
· Approved distribution to the congregation of more detailed giving information
· Approved Team Assignments for 2010 and elected Lisa Hedrick as clerk and Tom Aldridge as Treasurer
· Approved communion dates for 2010
· Accepted the gift of a harpsichord
· Appointed Sally Ludwig and Bob Cox to the Long Range Planning Team Class of 2012
 
At its stated meeting on November 15th
·    Approved Outreach programs for 2010
·    Approved one worship service at 10:30 on Sunday, December 27
·    Received an update on the stewardship campaign for 2010
·    Approved in principle and referred to Evangelism and Communications for further exploration adoption of a community program
·    Approved participation in a Martin’s program to benefit the Nursery School
·    Approved ordination and installation of newly elected elders to the Class of 2012 on January 10th.

At its stated meeting on October 18th the Session took the following actions:
  • Approved a request for a December 19 wedding
  • Approved proposed youth fundraising projects
  • Approved a preliminary challenge budget for 2010 in the amount of $553,688
  • Approved hiring of new music staff and bookkeeper

At its stated meeting on August 16 the Session took the following actions:

  •  Recommended to the Presbytery Committee on Preparation for Ministry moving Marie Mainard O’Connell forward to candidacy
  • Approved requests for baptisms
  • Approved a letter of transfer for Maggie Fitzgerald
  • Approved distribution of $900 in 50th Anniversary mission monies
  •  Reviewed current financial statements reflecting a year-to-date deficit of $35,799 and approved limiting all discretionary spending and deferring additional Outreach disbursements pending reduction of the deficit
At its stated meeting in June the session took the following actions:
 
 · Elected Fin McClure commissioner and Cliff Gilchrest alternate to the August meeting of presbytery
 
· Approved the hiring of a Nursery School teacher
 
· Invited Lou Dolive to make a presentation on ICARE on Mission Sunday
 
· Approved purchase of additional banners for the Sanctuary
 
· Authorized the Long-Range Planning Team to enter into an agreement for consulting services upon their approval
 
· Authorized Stewardship and Finance to develop and approve the contract description for bookkeeping services
 
· Approved increasing the opportunities for Amy to preach
 
· Approved the request of Presbyterian Women for support of a program in South Korea with which Wolsin Grotjohn is involved
 
At its meeting on May 17th the Session took the following actions:
  • · Approved a transfer of membership for Lindsay Lucas Allen to Appomattox Court House Presbyterian Church
As noted above, after five years of service as Associate Minister of Music Sheba Lane has decided to step away from her responsibilities on the music staff here to free more time for her family and school responsibilities. We are grateful for her wonderful leadership of music for our 8:30 service, handbells, and children’s choirs. She led the Covenant Choir during Jeff’s course of treatment and over the years has assumed additional responsibilities with regard to children’s music. We have been blessed to have Sheba’s able leadership, collegial spirit, and exceptional musical gifts as part of our worship life. Sheba truly understands music ministry as a calling, and we pray God’s blessing upon her as she moves from worship leader to worship participant with us.
At its stated meeting on April 19th the Session took the following actions:
· Received representatives of presbytery for their triennial visit
· Approved a request for a wedding for October 3, 2009
· Elected Janie Ballurio as alternate commissioner to the May meeting of presbytery
· Approved participation in a Food Lion MVP program to benefit the Verona Food Pantry
· Approved sale of music CDs prior to VBS
· Approved a proposal for bookkeeping staffing
· Approved appointment of a Task Force to develop a proactive maintenance plan
 
At its meeting on March 22 the Session took the following actions:
  • Approved a request for a baptism on May 10
  • Approved year-end financial statements for 2008
  • Elected Cliff Gilchrest as commissioner to the May meeting of presbytery
  • Approved a covenant with the Presbyterian Home of the Highlands
  • Received a report from Stewardship and Finance concerning the current budget deficit for 2009 of $37,137
  • Approved listing of cookbooks for sale on the church website
At its stated meeting on February 15 the session took the following actions:
· Approved requests for three baptisms in March
· Approved a schedule of Fellowship events for the summer
· Approved the PCUSA Church record report for 2008
· Received a report on the February meeting of presbytery
· Approved support of a Nursery School teacher for the HANDS class training
· Approved a wedding request for 2010  Heard the Expressions of Faith of nine confirmands and received them into membership by Profession of Faith
· Approved the examination of Kent Diduch as elder
· Approved a Letter of Transfer for Nancy McIntyre
· Approved Fellowship events for the Summer and Fall
· Approved appointments to the Task Force to develop a proactive maintenance plan
· Accepted the resignation of Sheba Lane from the music staff effective June 30 with appreciation and gratitude for her years of service
Session Highlights (January 2009 Retreat) ~

At its retreat and meeting on January 17 the Session took the following actions:
  • Approved the request of Ryan Rankin and Keri Bottenfield for a June 13 wedding
  • Elected Cliff Gilchrest and Janey Terry commissioners to the February meeting of presbytery
  • Approved Team assignments and elected Lisa Hedrick Clerk of Session for 2009
  • Adopted the following Session Priorities for 2009:
-         Develop a funded, proactive preventative maintenance plan for the building
-         Respond to the current economic crisis through targeted support of local mission and designate at least 16% of the 2010 budget for Outreach
-         Develop and implement a program for discipleship and leadership to encourage increased volunteer involvement utilizing God’s good gifts
-         Review and explore opportunities for worship to build community and to meet the community’s diverse needs
Session Highlights 2008 ~  

At its meeting on December 21 the Session took the following actions:

• Reviewed the church rolls and moved 39 persons to the inactive roll
• Approved a budget for 2009 of $537,826
• Approved use of Cyclical Repair Funds to repair the chimney flue
• Approved special offerings and Outreach projects for 2009
• Approved communion dates for 2009
• Moved the March stated Session meeting to March 22
• Approved a monetary expression of thanks to nursery school teachers from available funds
At its meeting on November 16th the Session took the following actions:
  • Approved a request baptisms in January
  • Approved a request for a wedding in December
  • Approved receipt of the challenge gift to the Building Fund and a gift to be used for Long Range Planning
  • Approved a youth mission project
  • Approved recommendations of the internal auditors
  • Approved a free will offering for youth mission trips to be received at a May pancake breakfast
  • Approved creation of an Evangelism Team as a standing committee of the Session with Communications Team responsibilities folded into that new team 
At its meeting on October 19 the Session took the following actions:
  • Elected Cliff Gilchrest as commissioner to the November meeting of Presbytery
  • Approved revisions to the Facilities Use Fee schedule
  • Approved mission trips for the senior and junior highs
  • Approved adding the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank to options for Glorious Gifts
  • Approved appointment of Sally Ludwig to the Long Range Planning Committee
  • Approved participation of the nursery school in a book project with Pufferbellies                            
At its meeting on September 21 the Session took the following actions:

  • Remove Karen Painter Hudson from the rolls at her request
  • Approved hosting a workshop by Bread for the World
  • Approved a challenge budget for 2009 in the amount of $568,960 reflecting an increase of 8.4%
  • Approved funds for the 50th Anniversary Committee as part of the budget
  • Approved purchase of playground equipment
  • Approved compensation for Sheba Lane to serve as interim Director for the Adult and Omega choirs in Jeff Ryman’s absence
  • Approved Long Range Planning Committee members
  • Approved funds for medical treatment of the sister of an Ethiopian minister 
At its stated meeting on August 17 the Session took the following actions:   

· Heard reports on General Assembly from Emily Peterson and Mary Lou Cox

· Elected Bob Grotjohn and Bill Roberson as commissioners to the August meeting of presbytery

· Approved a date for baptism of Noah Avery

· Approved a proposal from the Small Group Task Force

· Approved a trial plan for nursery care for the 8:30 worship service

· Approved a reallocation of Outreach funds to cover Baja Mission Trip expenses

· Approved a date for Youth Sunday: November 9

· Approved dates for fall Fellowship activities 

 
At its meeting on June 15 the Session took the following actions:

· Approved request for infant baptism for Tyler Robert Comisford

· Approved distribution of funds for Crystal Gosnell and Marie Mainard O’Connell 

· Approved a staff compensation change

· Approved replacement of exterior doors to the breezeway and repair of exterior steps and walks

· Received a report from the Small Group Task Force with recommendations for formation of four types of small groups

· Approved a church camping weekend for September 19-21


 At its meeting on May 18 the Session took the following actions:  At its meeting on April 20th the Session took the following actions:               

    • Approved keeping the current worship schedule throughout the summer and looking for opportunities to bring the whole congregation together in other venues.
    • Approved a schedule of summer Fellowship activities. 
    • Approved holding “Tent Sunday” in the Great Hall in August. 
    • Elected Vicki Bellamy and Jerry Lynn Shipplett as commissioners to the May meeting of Presbytery and Guy Didawick as alternate. 
    • Approved in principle an Outreach component for the 50th Annivery celebration. 
    • Approved release of funds to Bedele for the building of their church. 
    •  Approved hosting the Ethiopian Partnership Dinner on October 17th
    .  

At its meeting on March 16 the Session took the following actions: 
 

  • Approved a revision to the policy for maintaining financial records  
  • Approved in principle a Tent Sunday for August 24  
  • Approved several Outreach expenditures and programs  
  • Approved several Fellowship events  
  • Approved Taize services for September, December, and February
  • Elected Karen Santos to the Long-Range Planning Team Class of 2010

At its meeting on February 17 the Session took the following actions: 
  

  • Received Marie Mainard O’Connell into membership by Letter of Transfer and approved supporting her as an Inquirer for Ministry of the Word and Sacrament 
  • Approved participation in an exchange of pulpits among Presbyterian ministers in Staunton on April 13 and approved Karen McLean to preach March 30
  • Heard reports on the January 29 and February 9 meetings of presbytery 
  • Appointed an Evangelism Task Force  
  • Approved support for Bruce and Lora Whearty, PCUSA missionaries 
  • Approved participation in a Red Cross blood drive  
  • Approved distribution of funds from 2007 as follows: Cyclical Repair Fund - 10,000; Outreach - 8,500; Building Fund - 24,000 

At its meetings on January 20th the Session took the following actions:                                          

· Approved two wedding requests

· Appointed a task force to develop an evangelism plan

· Approved a change in the order of worship for the 10:30 service

· Elected commissioners to the January and February presbytery meetings

· Approved a proposal for perimeter lighting in the parking lot

· Approved preparation of a cookbook for the 50th Anniversary celebration with proceeds to go to kitchen improvements 
 

Approved a policy for scheduled use of the facilities by church members and non-church groups 
  • Approved a request for a wedding and a request for a reaffirmation of wedding vows 
  • Approved a nursery school policy for teachers’ personal days
  • Approved letters of transfer for Bob and Wendy Harrison to First United Methodist Church in San Diego, CA
  • Approved use of cyclical repair funds for replacement of steam valves
  • Approved a policy for funding the 50th Anniversary dinner in April 2009
    Heard a report on the May meeting of presbytery   
Session Highlights 2007
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