Session Summary

By John Dishman

The Town North Session met for its monthly stated meeting on Sunday afternoon, August 2. All Session members were present, along with three advisory elders from the presbytery.  Dr. Pete Deison, the newly named interim co-pastor, moderated the meeting.  A number of visitors attended the open portion of the meeting.  Dialogue between the Session and visitors centered mainly on criteria to be used in nominating members of the pulpit committee that will elected by the congregation on Sunday, Sept. 13.  This election will take place immediately after morning worship.  The Session settled on several of the proposed criteria, and the final product can be found on the nomination forms found in the narthex.  Remember that nominations close on Aug. 30.

During the reports from areas of responsibility, John Dishman announced that giving is running approximately $45,000 annually under the fiscal year budget of $550,000.  He also reported that over $500,000 in bonds have been purchased by members and friends of TNPC, thereby saving approximately $22,500 in brokerage fees for the newly launched church bond program.  (At this writing, only $469,500 of the $1.5 Million bond offering remains to be sold.)  The new bond program will result in annual savings of approximately $36,000 in mortgage costs.

Newly elected elder Carl Ede will assume responsibility for congregational life, including the small group and shepherding ministries.  Carl has also agreed to become our Internet design consultant.  He will work with Richard Klein regarding a revamp of www.tnpc.org.  An online directory of church members (password protected) will be considered as part of the web site reengineering.

Tony Anthony reported on the plans for the Fall adult Sunday School to be taught by interim co-pastor John Rantal.  Discussion with the visitors revolved around two possible topics: worship and the Peacemakers program.  It was decided that the Peacemakers curriculum will need more preparation time, including a possible weekend retreat for the church leaders.  Consequently, Pastor John’s class will focus on worship in the Fall quarter.  All members are urged to attend this class in order to explore this important subject area, and to get to know Pastor John better.

With the arrival of our interim co-pastors, it was decided that the four advisory elders will no longer need to attend monthly Session meetings.  However, they will be available for consultation throughout the process of finding a new senior pastor.  The Session thanked two Teaching Elders - Paul Brown and Ronnie Rowe – and two Ruling Elders - Jeff Davis and Harry Hargrave - for their brotherly love and support during their time with us.

The officer training course to be taught by Pastor Pete was discussed.  Twenty-two men have been nominated to attend the course, along with seven off-Session elders and the current Session members.  Pastor Pete intends to use the book “Simple Church” along with the Westminster Confession as teaching materials.  The course will begin with a weekend retreat on Sept. 11 & 12 for all those who accept the invitation to attend.

Back to September 2009 Crier Index page