Report of Session Meeting

The session of Beal Heights Presbyterian Church met in a Stated Meeting on Thursday, 16 August 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. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 P.M. and was opened with prayer by RE Todd Cobb.

In the area of Administration, the session approved the request of membership transfer for Jonathan & Sara Adams and covenant child Elizabeth to Covenant Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Castroville, California. We send them to the care of this congregation with all our blessing and pray that God would continue to grow them in the knowledge and grace of Christ.

The session also approved to extend an invitation to Ted Trefsgar of Village PCA, Mount Laurel, New Jersey, to fill our pulpit on December 23, 2007.

The session discussed matters concerning pastoral care in our 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 pray that God would continue to grant wisdom and grace to the session as we work to protect, encourage, and lead our congregation in accordance with God’s word.

In the area of Ministry Reports, the session read and approved the Mercy Fund Financial Report for the month of July, 2007. We are continually amazed at God’s grace and providence as He continues to provide for the needs of our congregation. May we all give glory to God for His constant care and provision in this important task.

The session discussed the progress of the Clothes Closet Ministry and is requesting assistance from the congregation in providing additional clothing to replenish shortages brought about by service to the community. Particularly, the Clothes Closet is in need of children’s clothing. If you have any clothes you wish to give to this ministry, please contact Deacon Mike Rogers.

The session would also like to report that the Food Ministry and Outreach program is growing. Indeed, an estimated 28 people were fed a warm breakfast on August 11th alone. We are considering expanding this ministry to twice a month to provide additional opportunities for growth and service to our community. If you are interested in participating in this important outreach, please see Dave and Cindy Francey.

In the area of Ministry Plans, Operations and Training, the session approved the addition of Michael Marlin to our slate of Sunday School Teachers. Mike will be teaching our Jr. High / younger High School youth (ages 13-15) for the fall semester. The session also discussed and approved adding an informal lunch/fellowship meal after the morning worship service starting September 9, 2007. The focus for this ministry is to provide a time for voluntary informal fellowship, open discussion, and food following the morning worship service. It is our prayer that we may ” consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb 10:24-25)

The session also discussed the 100th Anniversary of BHPC Celebration at the Family Night Supper in September and approved the scheduling of a Reformation Party, October 31st, to be sponsored by the Cobb Family. The time and place for the Reformation Party is yet to be determined. Those interested in supporting this event, please see Todd or Lesha Cobb.

The session met with WIC President Betty Turner to discuss future bible study topics and the purchase of a new stove for the fellowship hall. The session approved the purchase of 2 new stoves to replace the old stove at a cost of approximately $1,000 dollars.

In the area of Ministry Support, the session read and approved the Treasurer’s Report for July, 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 retroactively approved the hiring of Adrian Lamoreux for the church’s lawn maintenance beginning August 10, 2007. The session also discussed starting an after school outreach program in the fall and a Fall Neighborhood Clean-up Program. No decisions were made regarding these two ministry opportunities.

The session elected RE Mike Rogers and RE Todd Cobb as Commissioners to the August 24-25 2007, Stated Meeting of the North Texas Presbytery at Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas, TX.

The next meeting of the Session was set for September 18th, 2007 at 6:30 P.M. at the Pastor’s Study.

Minutes of the called meetings of July 22, and July 29, 2007, were read and approved by common consent.

It was moved and carried at 9:01 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.