Report of Session Meeting

The session of Beal Heights Presbyterian Church met in a Stated Meeting on Thursday, 19 July 2007, in the Sunday School Annex. 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 6:30 P.M. and was opened with prayer by RE Mike Rogers.

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 congregation.

In the area of Ministry Reports, the session read and approved the Mercy Fund Financial Report for the month of June, 2007. We praise God for his providence in continuing to provide the resources to care for those who are in need. The session also discussed and approved an option to conduct the Soup Kitchen Ministry twice per month instead of once per month. This decision is contingent upon the availability of congregational members to provide their support for two Saturdays a month. All those interested in supporting this ministry, please get with Dave Francey. We pray that God would grant grace and mercy to our community and continue to provide the resources necessary to glorify Him through this ministry opportunity.

The session also discussed providing monetary support for Mission to Myanmar. The session approved a one-time gift of $5,000 to assist this mission in providing a more suitable facility for their New Life Presbyterian Orphanage. Additional information regarding Mission to Myanmar can be found at this link.

In the area of Youth Recreational Outreach, the session discussed starting an after-school outreach this fall that will incorporate education as the foundation for our ministry and outreach to the youth in our community. This program would replace the “Hoop Shoot” outreach program currently being conducted. The session feels that transitioning this outreach to an educational format will provide a great opportunity to maintain established relationships with the youth that currently attend the “Hoop Shoot” program and also provide an opportunity to continue to share the gospel of Christ. The tentative schedule will be every Monday from 3:45 P.M to 5:30 P.M. and will include Children’s Catechism and activities directed at educating our youth in the community. The session asks those interested in supporting this ministry to contact one of the Elders or Deacon Michael Rogers.

In the area of Ministry Support, the session read and approved the Treasurer’s Report for June 2007. 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 has established a Building Replacement & Refurbishment Fund. Our goal is to have facilities that will enable us to better carry out our mission here in this community: worship, evangelism & outreach, education & discipleship, fellowship, Christian community development, and mercy ministries. We will begin next month and each succeeding month on the third Sundays to take up a special offering for the building fund. We will have envelopes in the pew racks those Sundays for that purpose. You may, of course donate to this fund at any time.

In the area of Outreach, Mercy, and Mission Support, the session discussed a proposal by Deacon Michael Rogers for a Fall Neighborhood Clean-Up Program. Ideally, the program would incorporate the leadership of Beal Heights in organizing a neighborhood clean up program in conjunction with the City of Lawton’s Fall Clean up and Disposal Program. It would be our intent to provide our community with laborers and leaders to motivate and assist community members in active participation in the clean-up of our neighborhood. A cook-out, similar to our Independence Day cook-out, was also discussed in conjunction with the proposed clean-up. The session has asked Deacon Michael Rogers to begin coordination with the city schedule and provide the session with a plan of action for this outreach opportunity.

The session would like to convey our appreciation to the congregation for their support of all the outreach, mercy, and ministry programs currently operating here at Beal Heights. Indeed, God has chosen to bless us with the abundant resources necessary to glorify Him in our weekly activities. We give Him all praise and thanksgiving for His bountiful providence! We also want to convey that we are mindful to ensure we do not over burden our resources beyond that which they are capable of providing. We ask for continued prayer as we discern the will of our Lord in all these matters and that He would continue to guide and direct how we should glorify Him in all our endeavors. May we all be good stewards of the resources He has provided.

The next meeting of the Session was set for August 16th, 2007 at 6:30 P.M. at the Pastor’s Study.
Minutes of the called meeting on July 8th, 2007 were read and approved by common consent.

It was moved and carried at 8:30 P.M. to adjourn the meeting, and the meeting was closed with prayer by TE John Butler.

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