Report of Session Meeting 23 May 2007

The session at Beal Heights Presbyterian Church met in a Stated Meeting on Wednesday, 23 May 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 8:12 P.M. and was opened with prayer by RE Todd Cobb.

In the area of Administration and Pastoral concerns, the session approved to institute the second option of BCO 58-4, that is, that at our times of observance of the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, the minister is to “invite those who have been approved by the Session, after having given indication of their desire to participate” starting 3 June 2007. For further information regarding this action, please see the article on the BH congregational news letter (The Covenant Communicator) titled “Change in Administration of the Lord’s Supper.” The session also discussed and approved the transfer of membership of Pete Whitney to First Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Margate, Florida. The session sends its blessing and prays that God would continue to bless Pete abundantly in the grace and mercy of Christ.

The session also approved a monthly scholarship of $250 to come from the BH seminary fund for Sam Rodriguez at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

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 April 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 the progress of the Soup Kitchen Ministry which will begin 9 June 2007. It is our prayer that God would bless the work of this ministry and that it would provide opportunities for the furthering of the gospel and the Glory of God.

In the area of Ministry Support, the session read and approved the Treasurer’s Report for April 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 Outreach, Mercy, and Mission Support, the session discussed starting a neighborhood youth ministry. It has been observed that there are a large number of youth active in the immediate area of BH. The session has decided to establish a program in an effort to reach out to these youth and share the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. The session has approved to set aside $600 for the purchase of two mobile basketball hoops, basket balls, and beverages to support a “Hoop Shoot” scheduled for Monday’s from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M., starting on 11 June 2007. Additionally, in an effort to distinguish between BH personnel and those being ministered to, establish a visual representation of authority, and to advertise who we are, the session has approved the purchase of 25 shirts imprinted with a BH logo to be worn by BH members while serving in various ministry capacities. Effort is being made to have the shirts completed prior to the Soup Kitchen and Hoop Shoot ministry.

In the area of Buildings and Grounds, the session discussed the progress of the sidewalk repair and parking lot striping. As the congregation will notice, the sidewalk on the west side of the building has been completed. The parking lot striping (west and east end) is scheduled to take place on the morning of 28 May 07. We praise God for His providence in allowing these repairs to move forward and increasing the potential for completion prior to the Choir Sing on 30 May 2007.

The next meeting of the Session was set for June 21st, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. at the Pastor’s Study.

Minutes of the called meetings conducted on April 29th, May 13th, and May 20th 2007 were read and approved by common consent.

It was moved and carried at 9:47 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.