Session Minute Hi-Lites
December 20, 2007 meeting

The Session met on December 20, 2007 with nine members present, Moderator, The Rev. Dr. Charles Colson and Commissioned Lay Pastor, Henry Distler. The Meeting was called to order by Henry at 7:05 P.M. The devotions for the evening were taken from Isaiah 7:14.

CLERK'S REPORT:

Henry's contract was signed and approved for another year or until such time as we hire a new Pastor...

Received and acknowledged transfers for Jane Pereira from 1st. Presbyterian of Bethlehem and Edith Mae Scheirer from Grace United Methodist of Catasauqua.

Received a list of churches being featured each Sunday for prayer requests on each Sunday of 2008.

Notified by the Synod of the Trinity that a summer conference will be held June 4-5-6, 2008 at Westminster College and the theme is "Jesus Sent Them...Why Are We Here Now?"

Our Annual Reports will be due to the Presbytery by January 31, 2008.

Barbara R. Quigg was elected to serve as the commissioner to Lehigh Presbytery for 2008.

PASTOR'S REPORT:

Distributed copies of his activity reports for October thru December 19th in which he included his time, mileage, CHES updates suggested upcoming mission projects, and schedule of Worship Services...

Request for Baptism of Braidon James Berk

Requested to set procedures for cancellation of worship services because of the weather conditions.

Received an invitation from Lehigh Presbytery for our church to join the Jeremiah Initiative in February 2008.

Requested personnel Committee to decide his compensation for the 35 hrs. he worked overtime.

CORRESPONDENCE:

Outgoing -
Letters were sent to First Presbyterian of Bethlehem and Grace United Methodist acknowledging transfers.

Incoming -
Thank you letter to our Choir and congregation for the generous donation to the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council.
Letter from Whitehall's Chief of Police warning us to take simple measures during this Holiday Season to prevent robberies and thefts.
Reminder from Lehigh Presbytery to submit the name of anyone interested in being a commissioner to G.A.

MINUTES of November 15, 2007 were received with one correction...

FINANCIAL REPORT was received and reviewed. Report was filed for Audit. Budget for 2008 was reviewed and approved for presentation at our Congregational Meeting scheduled for December 23, 2007.

MEMBERSHIP:

Received into membership Jane Pereira and Edith Mae Scheirer on December 9 during morning Worship.

MINISTRY REPORTS

Worship and Music -

Approved December 23rd for the Baptism of Braidon James Berk.

Henry gave a verbal account of his training program in Richmond, Va. and extended his appreciation to the Session and Congregation for giving him the privilege to attend this educational program...

Dates are forthcoming for the Installation of new Officers and the Annual Congregational Meeting.

Both Bell and Senior Choirs were on vacation during Christmas and New Year.

Don't forget to sign up for the Epiphany Dinner on January 6th.

CHES Pulpit Exchange is January 6th and our Pastor and Choir are going to Catasauqua while Emmaus is coming to Hokendauqua.

Youth Ministry

No report..

Christian Education -

The Children's Christmas Program was rescheduled from December 16 to the 23rd. because of the snow storm. It was well received by all who attended. A great big thanks goes to Eileen Tremblay and her staff for all the effort put into the program to make it such a success.

Confirmation

No report

Presbyterian Women -

The Annual Christmas Party was held on December 11 at the Blue Fox with 17 women attending. What a great night was spent in fun, fellowship and good food...

Keep those Redner tapes coming.

Deacons -

Beautifully decorated the church for the Holidays. Requested prayers and donations for Jennifer and Jason Strohl whose home was destroyed by fire on December 9th..

They continue to be very busy visiting Shut-Ins and Hospitals. If there is a need in your family or of someone else please contact the Chair, Carol Steigerwalt .

Turning Point -

Donna thanks everyone who gave so generously the Christmas gifts to needy Families...

Please continue to collect those old cell phones and ink cartridges.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Communication -

Tammy Seidick was thanked for the effort she put into placing the Ads that advertised our Worship Services..

Any changes or additions to the Web Site please contact Tammy.

Fellowship/Group Life -

January 6th is the Pulpit Exchange and the Epiphany Dinner...

Look for a game night coming up when the weather starts to change.

Personnel -

A committee was formed to review the contract with the Nursery School.

Henry's contract was approved and signed. Will determine how to compensate Henry for the 35 hrs. he worked overtime.

Approved Henry's request for vacation time January 21 thru February 11, 2008.

Nominating -

Is in the process of preparing a slate of officers to be presented for approval at the Congregational Meeting on December 23rd...

Property -

The phones were switched over to Verizon.

The Ground Hog problem will be solved in spring.

A leak was discovered at the ceiling above the first landing of the front stairs.

The procedure for snow removal was discussed at length and a policy will be in place to inform the membership when it becomes necessary to cancel Sunday morning Worship Services.

A committee will review and discuss the contract with the Nursery School.

Gifts of the Heart -

Blanket Sunday is scheduled for January.

Pastoral Nominating Committee -

The committee is regularly receiving tapes and PIF's for review. Hopefully very shortly we will be able to put the candidates in categories and be able to decide which ones are a match for us to review...

Old Business

None

New Business

Committee heads need to have annual reports to Kathy A/S/A/P. The next meeting - January 17, 2008. .

Henry closed in prayer at 8:50 P.M...

Barbara R. Quigg
Clerk of Session

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