The Session of FPC-Roswell met on Thursday, January 18, 2018. Pastor Guthrie moderated the meeting. The Clerk determined that a quorum was present. M/S/P to approve the agenda as amended.

Pastor Guthrie called the meeting to order and opened with prayer. He led a discussion on two articles entitled "Church Parking Lot" and "50 Ways to Welcome New People." Both articles deal with ways to make worship guests welcome. Several ideas evolved from the discussion including an updated church brochure, new signage inside and outside the church, yard signs, and assigned greeters for each Sunday. The Evangelism budget line item has been significantly increased for 2018. 

M/S/P to approve the December 21, 2017 Session Meeting Minutes as written with no corrections. The Clerk reported no deaths, transfers or baptisms. The Clerk received correspondence from Sierra Blanca Presbytery regarding the January 26-27 Presbytery Meeting at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Roswell and that the Presbyterian Women of Sierra Blanca had disbanded, meeting for the last time on October 28, 2017.

The Financial Report for December 31, 2017 was presented for information only. Not all the 2017 invoices have been paid yet. M/S/P to place the 2017 budget surplus in Operating Reserve. M/S/P to establish a line item, "Pastor Discretionary Fund" under Mission in the amount of $2,000, taken from Operating Reserve. Pastor Guthrie discussed his desire to help persons that come to the church as the budget allows. He does not give cash to individuals, but rather pays vendors directly. The Mission Committee is providing an additional $600 for this purpose from their funds.

The Church Management Committee reported that it has instituted a policy under which donations to the church intended for a particular individual will no longer be tax deductible, and will be indicated as such on the 2017 End of Year Contribution Statements. This policy brings FPC financial practice into compliance with IRS regulations for nonprofit organizations. 

M/S/P to have Church Management seek a cost estimate to either replace the carpet in the Narthex, or sand and refinish the hardwood floors. M/S/P to have Church Management receive a cost estimate to replace the carpet in the pastor's office and the Parlor. Church Management is having the roof inspected to determine if there was any damage from the hail storm that struck Roswell in May 2017. 

Church Attendance. Jan 7th: 65. Jan 14th: 58.

The Pastor's 2018 Terms of Call were discussed. The only change from August (when Pastor Guthrie was called by the congregation) is an increase of one-half percent for the pastor's retirement and health insurance through the PC(USA). M/S/P to recommend these Terms of Call to the Congregation for approval.

The 2018 Nominating Committee will consist of 2 Elders serving on Session, 1 Deacon serving on the Board, and 4 At-Large Members. Pastor Guthrie asked the Clerk to contact Abie Smith, Moderator of the Committee, to see if the Committee has determined a full slate of At-Large members to place before the congregation at the approaching Winter Congregational Meeting. 

The Mission Committee met and allocated their budget/distribution for 2018. There was discussion as to why the PC(USA) per capita assessment was included in the church's Mission Budget; perhaps this assessment could be moved to budget category for 2019. More discussion is planned. 

The Fellowship Committee proposes a Valentine's Day Luncheon, tentatively set for Sunday, February 11th.

Pastor Guthrie has met with Bob Entrop regarding means of increasing the church's visibility in Roswell. An urgent task is updating the Church's website. Pastor Guthrie, Nancy Guthrie, and Nova Rogers will be working on this project. 

Lynn Karnes and Kate Daniels have assembled clip boards with supplies for use by children during worship. Pastor Guthrie's Study of Philippians is underway. There were 15 participants on the first night. 

M/S/P to approve the January 4, 2018 Deacon Meeting Minutes. The Deacons are working on final details of "flocks" assigned to each Deacon. Flocks will consist of approximately 7 to 8 families.

The Prayer Group has begun meeting Fridays at noon in the Parlor. There were five participants the first Friday. Everyone is invited to attend. 

M/S/P to approve the FPC-Roswell Foundation Financial Report as presented at the December 2017 Meeting. The dates on the report are correct as presented at that time. 

M/S/P to schedule the Winter Congregational Meeting on Sunday, February 4th after worship. The Clerk will prepare the agenda.

   

M/S/P to conduct an Ash Wednesday Service on Wednesday, February 14th.  A Lenten Service schedule will be presented at the February Session Meeting.

Discussion was held regarding homeless individuals camping out in bushes next to the building. Landscaping Services recently cleaned out the area. Session will monitor the situation.

Next Session Meeting: Thursday, February 15, 2018, at 5:15 p.m.  Adjourned with prayer at approximately 7:00 p.m.

Yours in Christ,

    

Bob Kurtz

Session Clerk