The Session will meet again on Tuesday, May 27, 7:00 pm in Room 200 of the Christian Education Building. Visitors are always welcome.
April 22, 2008
Permission was granted to the Mission Ministry to hold a car wash, in order to raise money for the mission trip to Brazil in May, provided the City of Plano permits such an event. In response to another request by those responsible for this trip, Session has granted further limited funds to support their efforts.
Pastor Al will continue to serve Grace Presbyterian Church on a month-to-month contract, until a new Senior Pastor has been chosen.
Session approved the formation of an Associate Pastor Nominating Committee. The current Officer Nominating Committee will select seven members for this committee as follows:
One active Elder member of Session
One student under the age of 17
Five active members-at-large from the congregation.
The consensus of opinion at present is that this position is for an Associate Pastor for Youth and Young Adult Ministries.
Session also supports the search for a full-time Director of Christian Education to take place as soon as feasible. This search will be conducted by the Human Resources Committee.
March 25, 2008
Approved the formation of two Task Forces
Young Families -- to brainstorm proposals on how we can better attract and minister to young families in our community.
Special Needs - to identify and discuss issues regarding special needs of families and individuals in our congregation
February 26, 2008
Revised the structure of the Officer Nominating Committee by increasing the membership to 8 from 4 with members serving staggered 2 year terms. Current members will be asked to stay on the committee for another year. Four new members will be nominated to serve for the next two years. Congregational meeting to elect the new members will be in April 2008.
Approved a request from the Legacy NCD in Frisco to encourage Grace PC families to attend the monthly pre-launch worship services planned by Legacy PC NCD for the next five months.
Approved the Mission Ministry Grant to Grace Presbytery
Appointed Corporation Officers for 2008. Any of the three officers are authorized to sign the documents to refinance our church loan.
Approved a request for our church to join the Brazilian NCD, Faithbridge PC, Legacy NCD, and Holy Trinity PC to host an outreach event at the Pizza Hut Soccer Park on March 22, 2008
January 15, 2008 Budget Meeting
Approved the refinancing of the church mortgage with Comerica Bank. The loan is for 10 years with no pre-payment penalty if paid off early
The Finance ministry reported that 2007 was basically a break even year -- expenses exceeded income by approximately $11,000 (out of a General fund budget of about $1million)
Approved a General Fund budget of $1.11 million for 2008. The budget will be presented to the congregation for approval in February
Thanked the elders of the Class of 2007 who are completing their three year term for all the good work that they had done.
November 27, 2007
Approved a staffing plan to be implemented in stages over the next two years
Session will be working on the budget for 2008 over the next two months.
September 25, 2007
Agreed to be the sponsoring organization for Karie Theodoro, daughter of Pastor Honorio Theodoro of the Brazilian NCD, so that she can obtain a student visa and remain in the United States with her parents
Approved a motion to form a task force to create an actionable plan for growing an engaged church. Mike Shaw was appointed to chair and recruit for this task force
Approved a request by the Exultation Choir to sell pies to raise money for their 2008 Mission trip
Approved a trial session of the Crown Ministry Program for three Sundays in November during the education hour
Approved the Pine Cove Kids Retreat, October 19-21 for children in grades 2 through 5.
August 28, 2007
Approved a change in the Sunday School hour to 9:45 to 10:45 am
Approved a proposal from the Board of Deacons to coordinate and serve communion to shut in and hospitalized members of our church
Approved a motion limiting each Deacon class to nine members
Accepted the resignation of Beverly Kester, Children's Education Director, with regrets
Approved the addition of two at-large members to the Human Resources ministry
Discussed alternative parking plans
July 24, 2007
Approved Property and Grounds Recommendations for the renovation of the Sanctuary and signage.
o Flooring – Carpet and Hardwood surface
o Replace balcony carpet consistent with the downstairs color palette
o Upholster the pews with new seat and back foam
o Upholster the blue chairs with new seat and back foam
o Replace anchor bolts (holding the pews down)
o Relocate the sound board to the southeast corner of the sanctuary
o Purchase a new external church sign
Total cost - $132,170.
Moved that the renovations begin ASAP to be complete no later than November 24, 2007.
Put a “hold” on the acoustical cloth in the chancel area until the committee can obtain pricing for cleaning versus replacement.
Tabled the construction of a “drop off” area allowing the committee to evaluate the location and what type of “drop off” area is needed.
The Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) held their first meeting Monday, July 16. With the assistance of the Presbytery, the committee will begin working on the Church Information Form. Session was reminded that the work of the PNC is very confidential.
Set a congregational meeting for Sunday, August 12, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. for the purpose of electing an Officer Nominating Committee. This committee will put together a slate for the Elder, Deacon and Trustee Class of 2010.
The Officer Nominating Committee is composed of 2 active elders, Michelle Rutherford and James Thomas; 1 active deacon, Jim Renfro; and 4 members at large to be elected by the congregation, Doris Conover, Deann Darnell, Glenn Houser, and Dwight Nichols.
Mike Shaw introduced a book “Living Your Strengths” to Session. Approved a motion that each member purchase and read the book, take the on-line test and be prepared to discuss the value of the exercise for our church at the September Session meeting.
May 22, 2007
Received a report on the status of the Prepare the Way campaign
Received a report on the status of preparations for the Presbytery meeting to be held at our church on May 31
The Brazilian New Church Development will begin meeting at our church on June 3rd. Three members from the congregation were appointed as Joint Council Members to work with the new church
April 24, 2007
Accepted the proposed covenant relationship with the Brazilian New Church Development and forwarded it to Presbytery
Appointed a task force to nominate representatives for the new Pastor Nominating Committee. This committee will include seven members of the congregation who will be representative of the congregation as a whole.
Approved a one year contract for the interim pastor, Dr Al Krummenacher.
March 27, 2007
Authorized the negotiation of a contract with an engineering firm to facilitate the approval of Travis Street parking lot plans with the City of Plano. The cost for this contract is estimated to be $17,000 and will be paid for with funds from the Buiilding Fund.
Endorsed the recommendation by the Brazilan Church New Church Development task force to partner with this group. The task force will be presenting their recommendations to the congregation in the next few weeks.
Adopted revised by-laws for the church
Elders from the Evangelism, Children, and Adult Congregational Life ministries formed a task force to recruit a chairperson and other volunteers for Journey to Bethlehem 2007.
February 27, 2007
The “Prepare the Way” capital campaign will begin mailing newsletters to the congregation by March 13, 2007
Session is continuing to look into the vision of establishing a relationship with the Brazilian New Church Development
The Research and Support ministry is in the process of creating Articles of Incorporation and writing new by-laws for congregational approval
Session elected new Officers of the Corporation:
President, Brad Boles
Vice President, James Thomas
Secretary, Pat Harris
Pastor Al led discussion concerning the next steps for nominating a Pastor Nominating committee. The “Mission Statement” process will begin in mid-March with congregational meetings
January 23, 2007
The Session moved to form a Task Force to explore the possibility of developing a relationship in ministry with a Brazilian Church. The Task Force will investigate the possibility of providing space for this New Church Development to meet on site.
Passed guidelines for use of the Harry Chase Memorial Fund.
Approved the creation of Minute for Stewardship Program. Representatives of church ministries will present information during worship services throughout the year regarding their particular ministry and how the congregation can be involved
The renovations of Grace Place will soon be complete. The Grace Place Task Force will hold an “open house” on a date to be announced.
Approved a balanced budget for 2007 based on anticipated income for the year
November 28, 2006
Approved a preliminary church budget based on pledges for 2007 and the congregation's history of giving. The official church budget will be approved early in January 2007
Gave the Capital Campaign Task Force approval to move forward to make preliminary plans for a Capiltal Campaign to be presented to session for final approval.
Approved monetary assistance for the establishment of the Legacy Church in Frisco
We are planning to have congregation wide meetings in January 2007 to discuss where we are where and we want to be in the future.
October 24, 2006
Thanked Bill Nichols for his work in organizing this year’s stewardship campaign
Received an interim report from the Endowment Committee on two new endowment funds
Received a report from the Grace Place task force on necessary repairs and improvements to that house
Discussed priorities for the 2007 church budget and adjustments to the 2006 budget
August 22, 2006
Agreed to host the meeting of Grace Presbytery on May 31, 2007
Approved a revision of the procedures and responsibilities of the Endowment Committee
Upon the second reading, approved a proposal which will clarify what requires Session approval and what does not (effective 1/07)
Upon the second reading, approved a proposal to establish new criteria and procedures for transferring inactive members off the official Active Membership Roll (effective 1/07)
Decided to Ordain/Install the new class of church officers in January instead of December, and called for a Congregational meeting to be held on Sunday, October 8, for the purpose of electing elders and deacons
Formed a task force to communicate with the congregation what the top ministry priorities will be during this interim ministry
June 27, 2006
Received a report from Grace Presbytery about the ongoing efforts fo launch the Legacy New Church Development in Frisco. They hope to have a fulltime Pastor called by the fall of 2006.
Discussed several issues which had come before the recent General Assembly.
Discussed a proposal to clearly define what requires Session approval and what does not.
Discussed a proposal to establish a regular procedure for maintaining accurate church membership rolls.
Discussed the upcoming Mission trip that Pastor Al is leading to Luling, La, July 23-30.
Discussed the upcoming Presbytery/Session/Staff planning meeting to be held July 16th. We hope to achieve a consensus about our goals and timetable for this current period of interim ministry.
May 23, 2006
Interim Pastor Al Krummenacher met with the Session for the first time. He outlined some guidelines for how the Session should function:
Provide leadership, not engage in management
Take the initiative to be informed about issues affecting the church
Be prepared at each meeting to make informed decisions on motions and proposals
Act as a "committee of the whole" only on specific issues, such as preparing an annual budget
Seek to understand before seeking to be understood
Keep the congregation members in our prayers
Session agreed to resume the after worship "Chat Sessions" in the parlor once a quarter, beginning June 11.
March 28, 2006
Confirmed 11 Confirmand Class members for membership in the church. These young people will be formally accepted into membership of our church on April 23rd.
Received a report from the Session members who attended the March Presbytery meeting. A report on this meeting will also be made to the congregation on March 30th.
The Interim Pastor committee reported that they hope that the interim pastor will be identified by May 1st.
January 24, 2006
Agreed to postpone all infant baptisms until an Interim Pastor is in place
Approved Jim Smith as Treasurer
Received a report from the Interim Pastor Committee. They are working diligently on their search. They have a couple of firm prospects and are in the negotiation phase.
Appointed Brad Keith to be the Session Liaison to the Legacy Church New Development
Gave a word of thanks to Rolfe Granath for his years of service and devotion to our church
December 17, 2005
Approved a balanced budget for $931,200 for 2006.
October 25, 2005
The Interim Pastor Committee is waiting for information from Presbytery.
A revised Session Commission structure proposal was presented -- it will be reviewed at the November 2005 meeting
Examined and accepted five Elders and nine Deacons for the Class of 2008.
Will pay off the demand note held on the Grace Place house with the proceeds from a jumbo Certificate of Deposit which matured this month. By taking this action the church debt is again below $1 million.
Decided to have communion by intinction at the 8:30 worship service every Sunday morning.
Set the meeting on the 2006 budget for December 17, 2005 at 9:00 am.
September 27, 2005
Accepted the resignation of Lanny Wren as Clerk of Session with regrets and gave him thanks for his many years of service to Grace Presbyterian Church.
Agreed to help the church sponsored Boy Scout Troop 999 with the purchase of additional storage space on the church property.
Approved job descriptions for a Youth Director, Middle School Coordinator, and College Coordinator. The Human Resources Ministry will prioritize hiring positions and set the salary for the Youth Director based on the 2006 budget.
Paperwork to start the search for an Interim Associate Pastor is complete. Once Presbytery receives the paperwork they will give us a list of available personnel to begin interviewing.
August 23, 2005
Clarified our partnership with Legacy new church development with the possibility of calling an Organizing Pastor if the Grant is approved.
Received a briefing by Mona Baily of Grace Presbytery on the steps for calling an Interim Associate Pastor.
Made plans for opportunities for conversations with the congregation beginning early in September.
Decided against hiring an Administrative Manager.
Passed a motion to hire a consultant to do a church administrative risk assessment.
July 26, 2005
Received the report from the Staffing Needs Task Force. A deeply committed committee gathered many thoughtful recommendations for the Session to consider. The Session literally applauded their efforts and thanked them for their work. The Session will meet again on August 4th to review the report further.
Action was taken to seek an interim Associate Pastor. This process takes a few weeks instead of the months it would take to hire a permanent associate.
There was a report from two members of the core group which is involved with the Legacy (Frisco) new church development.
Made the decision to delay the capital campaign until early 2006. The steering committee is ready to go with their assignments.
June 28, 2005
Approved the formation of a Staffing Needs Task Force to address the following:
Assess staffing needs in light of our purpose to make followers of Jesus Christ to the glory of God
Clarify roles and expectations of Ministers of Word and Sacrament
Assess current staff roles and job descriptions
Work within the parameters of budgetary constraints
Receive input from our Commissions and Congregation
Report their recommendations to the Session at the July 26 meeting
Named Rex Mobley as Chair of this task force with Kathy McLaughlin, Eric Edstrom, Renee Commen, and George Wein as members. Session will receive their report and determine final action.
The Children's Ministry Commission will seek an interim Children's Ministry Director to cover coordinating functions of the ministry until the task force completes its study and presents its recommendations
Geoff Haskell will lead a Children's Sacrament in Worship class this fall.
Grace Presbytery is moving along in the process to call an Associate Pastor to our church as the organizing pastor of the Legacy Presbyterian Church in Frisco. While this person may have some worship role at GPC on Sundays, 97% of the time he/she will be cultivating the NW Frisco New Church Development. The salary will be covered by a General Assembly/Presbyterian grant. GPC and NW Frisco people will comprise the core of this Associate Pastor Nominating Committee.
May 24, 2005
Stated that now that the Mission Statement has been adopted, it is time to take the actions to put the statement into play.
Listened to an overview of the planned Capital Campaign from Kurt Kiesling, Stewardship Strategist with Generis.
Approved an outreach to college and young adults in the 18- 29 year old range Sundays at 9:45 am in the Sanctuary.
April 26, 2005
Accepted with regret Lisa Reece's resignation after five years as our Children's Ministry Director. Lisa will be going to Southlake Presbyterian Church where she will oversee the entire Christian Education Program.
Approved a three month Sabbatical for Tracy DePue to begin after the Exaltation Choir tour. Stephanie Scott will oversee the music program in this interval.
March 29, 2005
Confirmed 14 Confirmand Class members for membership in the church. During the meeting these youth shared conversations with the Elders about their faith in Christ and their understanding of following Christ through the church community. Session celebrates these youth, their parents, grandparents and mentors who have been faithful in helping them discover God's love in Jesus Christ.
Endorsed a designated fund for the purpose of sponsoring Cursillo participants.
Encouraged the efforts of one of our members as he begins a Bible study for seekers from Iran. The study will be held at Grace Place.
Approved the recommendation of the capital campaign interview committee to contract with Generis for our capital campaign. This consultant will help us focus on raising faith, not just funds. When we believe "that with God all things are possible," then all things become possible.
February 22, 2005
Session approved an “Exit Offering” for the Romanians to be collected after the Lent Service Wednesday, February 23.
Congregational Life Library Committee will have a Book Fair sponsored by Reader’s Digest at a date to be determined. All proceeds will go to our church Library.
January 25, 2005
Approved a request to approve a building loan on behalf of the Legacy Presbyterian church in Frisco. The congregation will be asked to approve this loan at a congregational meeting on Feb. 20, 2005. If approved by the congregation, the next step in the process for the Legacy church is for the Grace Presbytery's Administration Commission on Property to approve co-signing the loan.
Julia Granath came to the Session for their endorsement as an inquirer. This is one of the preliminary steps in the process of becoming an ordained minister in the Presbyterian church.
December 2004-- no scheduled meeting
November 23, 2004
Approved a budget for 2005 in which the projected expenditures do not exceed projected income for the year.
Began study of The Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren
Accepted recommendations by the "Grace Place Task Force," a group charged to develop a plan for the usage of the property on Idaho Place. Uses for the "Grace Place" will be Sunday School classes and Bible Studies, etc. The Facility Use Policy for all church properties will apply. Schedule usage by contacting the church office.
Approved the implementation of a "birthday fund." In celebration of your birthday, you are encouraged to donate the amount of your age to a scholarship fund. The money will be used for need-based scholarships for youth in a sister church in east Plano.
October 26, 2004
Examined elders and deacons who have been nominated to serve three year terms beginning in 2005
Formed a committee with one representative from each commission and a pastor to develop a plan for the usage of the recently purchased lot and house on Idaho Place. Representatives are: David Glendinning, Bob Chatley, John West, Eric Edstrom, Emily Nichols and Geoff Haskell
It was noted that giving for 2004 is not meeting expenses. Commissions were asked to notify their ministries to refrain from incurring expenses that are not absolutely necessary for the remainder of this year.
