Session Summary

By John Dishman

The Town North Session met for its monthly stated meeting on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 13.  All Session members were present except for Dr. Bob Longacre.  At his request, the Session approved Bob's request to return to emeritus status. John Dishman opened the meeting with a devotional based on Rom. 8:11.

Since it was preceded by a lengthy congregational meeting to elect the pulpit committee, only two visitor attended the open portion of the meeting. (see accompanying article "Pulpit Committee Begins the Pastoral Search Process").

During the reports from areas of responsibility, John Dishman announced that giving is running approximately $54,000 annually under the fiscal year revenue budget of $553,000.  He also reported that only $114,500 in bonds remained to be sold from the TNPC new bond program.

Per the recommendation of the Deacon Board, it was agreed per a passed motion to rent TNPC's facilities to a group called "American Majority" for an organizational and training meeting.  However, the Deacons have requested that the Session to formulate a policy regarding future rental of any TNPC building space to politically-affiliated organizations.  Pastor Deison reported that Park Cities Presbyterian Church, as a matter of policy, does not allow politically related organizations to use their facilities.  Tony Anthony was assigned the responsibility of contacting other PCA churches in the presbytery to get a sense of their policies.

Pastor Pete reviewed the men's leadership retreat held on the weekend of Sept. 11 & 12. In his view, this was a turning point and significant milestone in the rebuilding of TNPC's ministries.  Please see the accompanying article in this edition for more details.  To continue the momentum gained in the retreat, the Session will hold a special retreat of its own on Sept. 22 to define the "clarity" component of the Simple Church model (clarity, movement, alignment and focus.)

It was agreed to hold an evening worship service including the Lord's Supper on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall.  The worship service will include a time of sharing and congregational prayer per our previous practice.  It was also agreed to hold future Session meetings at 12:45 PM on the second Sundays of the month in order to allow for better synchronization with monthly financial closings, Deacons' meetings, and the ministry coordination meetings chaired by Nancy Day.

It was agreed to investigate the possibility of hiring a young pastoral intern to work with our youth programs and with younger families.  The Session believes that such an intern could help to retain our current younger families and help to attract others.  The interim pastors will use their networks within the presbytery to contact possible candidates.

Carl Ede reported on small groups and the TNPC web site. He noted that several new small groups are in the offing.  Also, through the efforts of Richard Klein, the ability to download or listen to sermons will soon be available on the web site.  Carl also reported on his initial work in the shepherding ministry, and indicated that the monthly shepherding prayer will continue on the 3rd Sunday of the month after the morning worship service.

Pastor John and Nancy Day discussed various innovative ways of reaching out to visitors to our worship services, including follow-up phone calls and visits.

The meeting adjourned at 4:45 PM with prayer by Tony Anthony.

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