Report of Session Meeting, April 25, 2007

The session at Beal Heights Presbyterian Church met in a Stated Meeting on Wednesday, 25 April 2007, at the Pastor’s Study. Present for the meeting were the Moderator, Teaching Elder John Butler; the Clerk of Session, Ruling Elder Mike Rogers and RE Todd Cobb. None were absent. Also present was Deacon Michael Rogers. The meeting was called to order at 8:10 P.M. and was opened with prayer by RE Mike Rogers.

In the area of Administration and Pastoral concerns, the session approved (by common consent) a week of vacation for TE John Butler to begin 28 May 2007 and end on 3 June 2007. The pulpit duties for Sunday, 3 June 2007 will be provided by another teaching elder within our Presbytery or from the OPC. The session also discussed a notice from Tim and Lonnie McElroy concerning their becoming members, with family, at Grace Bible Church in Muskogee, OK. A letter was received from their Pastor Brad Schell signifying their intent to change membership. The session moved to remove the McElroy family from the rolls of Beal Heights in accordance with BCO 38-3 a. The session sends its blessing with the family and prays that God would continue to bless them abundantly in the grace and mercy of Christ.

The session discussed matters concerning pastoral care in their under-shepherding groups. Items of concern were discussed and decisions were made regarding counseling, shepherding, and mercy needs for members with in our congregation. We ask God to give us wisdom and strength to continue to apply God’s Word in the ministry of our shepherding groups.

In the area of Ministry Reports, the session read and approved the Mercy Fund Financial Report for the month of March, 2007. We praise God for his providence in providing the resources we need to care for those who are in need. The session also approved the formation of a committee for the purpose of establishing a food ministry at Beal Heights. Committee members appointed are Dave and Cindy Francey, Deacon Michael R. Rogers and Ruling Elder Mike B. Rogers. It is our hope that God would bless the work of this committee in establishing a “soup kitchen” for the purpose of serving a need with in our immediate community. Further, we pray that God would provide the opportunity for this ministry to open doors for additional ministries and the spreading of the gospel in our community. We also received “as information” that the last regular stated meeting of Reformed Campus Fellowship at Cameron University had taken place the evening prior. God has seen fit to dissolve RCF (hopefully temporarily); however, Beal Heights still wishes to provide an avenue for bible study and ministry for young adults and university students. More information will be provided in the future as we continue to discuss this important ministry opportunity.

In the area of Ministry Operations and Training, the session discussed the future operations of our Sunday school program. It was approved by common consent that RE Todd Cobb will take over the Children’s Division of the Beal Heights Sunday School program. Future programs for our children include Summer Catechism Classes and regular scheduled classes for the fall through next spring. Future programs for adult education will include a video series over the summer to be facilitated by RE Todd Cobb and RE Mike Rogers, a course on the Temptation of Christ by TE John Butler, and a study in the book of James to be facilitated by Jeff Landes. We continue to pray that God would bless this ministry and that we would all come to the full knowledge of our Lord.

In the area of Worship and Church Life, the session discussed methods to increase opportunities for congregational fellowship and discussed items of interest from our Music Director. The session has decided to forgo “hymn sing” programs during Family Night Supper Fellowships in order to provide additional opportunity for fellowship. In an effort to increase familiarity with hymns and psalms and provide additional opportunities to praise God through singing, the session has decided to add one hymn or psalm to be sung prior to the meal during Family Night Supper Fellowships and one Hymn or Psalm to be sung prior to the start of Wednesday Night Bible Study. We also encourage the congregation to establish hymn and psalm singing in the home while conducting family worship or devotions. May God encourage us to “sing praise to Lord…and give thanks at the remembrance of His name!” (Psalm 30:4). The session has also approved the purchase of additional Psalters for the sanctuary to increase availability during the worship services. The session provided guidance on hosting the youth choir of Covenant PCA, Panama City, Florida, scheduled for May 30th, 2007. Additional information regarding this event will be produced in coming weeks.

In the area of Ministry Support, the session read and approved the Treasurer’s Report for March 2007 by common consent. Those interested in reviewing the report can do so by checking the bulletin board located in the hall next to the secretary’s office.

In the area of Buildings and Grounds, the session discussed the parking lot overlay project and the striping of the parking lot and west end parking area. The session has decided to attempt to expedite the project through a different contractor if we experience continued delays in start of the project. It is our intent to have this project completed by the May 30th, 2007, Choir Program Activity. It was also decided, by common consent, to schedule another Church Work Day for June 2nd, 2007. A list of projects will be provided to the congregation 2 to 3 weeks before the work day.

In the area of Presbytery, General Assembly, and Inter-Church Relations, the session has elected to send TE John Butler and commissioners RE Mike Rogers and RE Todd Cobb to the May 4-5, 2007 Stated Meeting of North Texas Presbytery at Arlington PCA, in Arlington, TX. The session also discussed the election of commissioners to the 35th General Assembly in Memphis, TN on June 12th-15th, 2007.

The next meeting of the Session was set for May 23rd, 2007 at 8:00 P.M. at the Pastor’s Study.

It was moved and carried at 10:18 P.M. to adjourn the meeting, and the meeting was closed with prayer by TE John Butler.

May God bless the work of His Church here at Beal Heights; that we may glorify Him in all that we do.