Session Update for September 2022
As usual, the September Session meeting opened with a period of prayer and reflection. Reflecting on Genesis 39, we shared our individual memories of times of both darkness and light in the history of this church community, reminding ourselves that God uses both circumstances to help us move forward.
With the Personnel Ministry’s report, Session spent some time continuing to review the very comprehensive Personnel Policy Document. This highlighted some of the complex issues surrounding the relationship between the church and our important missions especially as we continue to launch the Hopewell Youth Collective and steward our relationships with Creative Connections Play School and Hearts and Hammers. HPC is legally responsible for these missions and so must be sure that they function in accordance with the church’s policies and procedures.
From the Treasurer, Session heard with concern that current levels of giving of tithes and offerings are not sufficient to meet the monthly payroll resulting in us using reserves to cover these costs. We discussed the possible reasons for this shortfall, coming as it does at a time when in every other respect the church appears to be active and thriving. We continue to see growth in attendance, both in worship and in educational offerings as well as in community engagement. We remembered together that this congregation has as strong history of generosity especially when asked. Various initiatives to address the situation we reviewed and no major changes where made as far as planning for expenditures. We are looking to increase monthly giving by approximately $13,000. As you read this information, we don’t want you to worry. We simply we ask that you consider how God might be calling you to step into this gap.
On recommendation from the Generosity Committee, Session approved a gift of $12,000 to be split among the Chubby’s Project, the Rescue Mission of Trenton, and Friends for Health in Haiti. It was also discussed that for every $1 spent on the Sanctuary redesign project, $1 will be given to mission. Session believes that this is a responsible way in which we can share the blessing the church has received through the Sharipen bequest, but more discussion on this topic is needed before an official vote will be taken. The appointments of Katie Berger as Child Care worker for our nursery ministry and of Steve Quinlan as our Representative for the Sanctuary redesign project were gratefully noted. We also celebrated Pastor Melissa’s plans to take part in an Old Testament Preaching Panel at Princeton Theological Seminary, and to assist in the development of a new Certificate in Theology and Ministry, also at PTS. Laurie Bleickardt was formally released from the ministry of Deacon at her request.
The meeting concluded with sharing of concerns for individuals and the community and prayers for those experiencing difficulties in their lives.
The current Session comprises: Rev. Melissa A. Martin (Moderator), Ian Burrow (Clerk of Session), Bonnie Altieri (2024), Chris Cox (2025), Becky Ludeke (2025), Doug McCleery (2023), Ruth Mortensen (2025), Molly Peterson (2023), and Sandy Sherrard (2024). Please continue to hold them in prayer as they seek to discern God’s will for this congregation and community, and do not hesitate to contact any of us with suggestions, concerns or questions.
Ian Burrow