April Session Update
On April 28th Session met in-person for the first time since March of 2020. We sat in a socially distanced and masked circle. Acoustics were not ideal, but in was good to be face-to-face again.
As usual, Session had a wide range of “business” to discuss, reflecting the diligent work of the church’s various ministries, and the ongoing need to adjust in our current circumstances.
Providing for Worship in a Pandemic.
Because of a slow but steady decline in Covid cases, hospitalizations, and deaths over the last weeks, plus the increasing percentage of people who have received at least one vaccination, Session felt able to make the following changes to our worship policies and protocols:
Outdoor Worship. Masks are no longer required for outdoor services when participants are within their “pod” worship spaces. Masks must still be worn when arriving and leaving.
In-Person Worship in the Sanctuary
Occupancy of the sanctuary is raised to up to 55 people from June 1st, 2021.
On and after June 1st, 2021 outdoor in-person worship services cancelled because of bad weather will take place in the sanctuary
On June 20th, 2021 there will be a special celebratory service for up to 55 people, marking the return to regular services in the sanctuary.
Reorganizing our Ministries
Session continued the work of reorganizing our ministries to better meet the challenges and opportunities which face HPC in 2021. Look for further updates on this.
Caring for and Improving Our Facilities
Approved costs for completed asbestos abatement in the church’s boiler room.
Approved a proposal to prune fifteen of the church’s trees.
Sharipen Bequest
Approved a proposal from the Sharipen Task Force to fund the cost of a new kitchen stove, coffee maker, gas grill, garden, gas grill, and compost bin. In addition, percussion instruments and the Godly Play curriculum will be purchased. Total cost is $34,090, all from the Sharipen Bequest. Look out for announcements on how the church will celebrate these important arrivals.
Community
Creative Connections Play School will have exclusive use of the lounge again for the 2021- 2022 school year, to provide for a space for children to nap.
Endorsed our Boy Scout Troop’s adjusted policy to now allow in-person meetings outside and off the church property.
Staff for the Church’s Mission and Ministry
1. Candidate for Director of Youth Outreach. Session enthusiastically approved a recommendation from the Personnel Committee to offer the position of Director of Youth Outreach to the candidate selected by the Personnel Committee in conjunction with youth from HPC, youth from other churches, youth from the community, and representatives from the Hopewell Council of Churches. All parties were strong in their endorsement of the candidate. The candidates name will be held in confidence until they have accepted the offer. Stay posted!
2. Hiring Ryan MacLean as Seminary Intern from September 2021 to April 2022. Ryan will work closely with the HPC ministries of Nurture & Growth and Engaging in Justice & Service.
3. Approved the job description for a Worship Audio/Visual Technician, and approved updated job descriptions for our Treasurer, Minister of Music and Office Manager.
Ian Burrow
Clerk of Session