Session News and Actions February 2023
One of the joys of Session’s work is the way in which we begin each meeting by sharing things for which we are grateful in the life of the church, and we end it with gratitude for the way in which we feel our work has been blessed. These practices keep us focused on our common purpose and calling.
Two more baptisms are on the way: May 7th Luca Jose Sanchez, and May 29th Bodhi Miles Watkins.
Mission Trip this summer. This church has had a long history of undertaking intergenerational mission trips. This tradition is back! Session agreed to participate with Flemington Presbyterian Church in a mission trip to Mission to the Eastward in Maine between July 22nd and 29th. More details to follow.
A detailed update from the Sanctuary Taskforce indicated that although some costs had (unsurprisingly) increased, the work was progressing well. There has been a change to schedule which will be announced this coming Sunday. Session voted to approve an addition to the work scope: recarpeting the Welcome Center with the same carpet as is being used in the sanctuary. The existing carpet is showing its age after 10 years of intensive use, and Session feels that the addition is in keeping with the mission of the Sharipen bequest, and will provide impetus for improving the way the Welcome Center does its job.
Rise Against Hunger event Sunday March 5th: Session voted to provide $5750 to this event, allowing us to accommodate 50 volunteers and prepare over 10,000 meals.
The 2022 church Annual Statistical Report has been sent to Presbytery. Two takeaways: 1. We have 166 active members (a net increase of eight from 2021) and 86 friends. 2. Numbers in weekly worship remained virtually the same at an average of 80.
The Financial Stewardship Ministry has provided suggestions for addressing the continued shortfall between receipts from tithes and offerings and the expenditures for the day-to-day running of the church. This generated a productive discussion. Fundraiser events, focused on specific aspects of the church’s work, we felt to be a promising idea. Watch this space.
Session received with gratitude the final draft of the Hopewell Presbyterian Church Employee Handbook, prepared by the Personnel Committee. This comprehensive 70-plus page document is an essential tool for our church as we change and grow. Many thanks to those who have worked so hard and diligently on this major task.
We received reports from both Creative Connections Play School and Hearts & Hammers.
Staffing: Session is in the midst of a discussion about a salaried position focusing on Children and Family Ministry and will be seeking input from the congregation on the why, how and if of this.
Gratefully,
Ian Burrow
Clerk of Session