In worship this Sunday,

October 23, 2022

Preacher: Rev. Jeff Day

Liturgist: Connie Buck

Usher: Sherry Hutchinson

Flowers this Sunday are dedicated

to the glory of God

by Carol Behrmann. 

Session News

October 12, 2022

Business 

• Session approved the requested Transfer of Membership for Rosemary and Chacko John to University Presbyterian Church, Baton Rouge, LA.
• Session approved the requested Transfer of Membership of Debbie Gurtner to St. Luke Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge, LA.
• Session approved Margaret Louise Dye to act as agent for Highland Presbyterian Church in the cancelation of a no longer needed Hired/Non-Owned Auto Liability Policy.
• Session elected Connie Buck to serve as Elder Commissioner for the November 12, 2022, Presbytery Meeting to be held at First Presbyterian Church, Ponchatoula. This will be a hybrid meeting.
• Session approved Allocating $3,840 ($320 per month for 12 months) as Highland's pledge to the Presbytery of South Louisiana.

Committee Reports

Nominating Committee

• The 2022 Nominating Committee will present the following names for nomination at the Congregational Meeting to be held on November 20, 2022:

1. For 2 Ruling Elders to serve as the Session Class of 2025 – Carol Behrmann and John Dye.
2. For 3 members of the Congregation to serve on the 2023 Nominating Committee – Connie Buck, Sherry Hutchinson, and Mike Leonard.

Christian Education & Congregational Care

• Lagniappe Ladies gathered at Toyoko Cafe in September. The next meeting will be October 19 at Roberto’s River Road Restaurant.
• Refreshments were served in the fellowship area of the sanctuary building following worship on September 25 to celebrate the birthday of Rev. Day.
• Lagniappe Ladies will meet on Wednesday, November 16 at church to prepare books for distribution to Magnolia Woods first-graders. 
• A Thanksgiving event following worship on November 20 is being planned. 
• Advent devotionals will be available for distribution via hard copy or electronically.

Evangelism/Membership

• The average attendance for September was 18.
• We welcomed 12 visitors and 1 guest minister in September.

Finance

• For the month of August, expenses of $11,540.99 exceeded income of $4,185.99 by ($7,355.99).
• For the month of September, expenses of $2,638.34 exceeded income of $2,021.00 by ($4,617.34).
• Dave Adams presented a proposed budget for 2023. Session will take it under consideration and review following Stewardship Sunday, November 13, 2022.
• Jack Bagent presented the draft of a letter to be mailed to the households of the Congregation with information on the 2023 Stewardship campaign. Louise Dye will make sure the letter, along with a 2023 Pledge Card, gets posted in the mail before November 1.

Committee Reports (cont.)

Missions

• Bread continues to be delivered to the Shepherd’s Market Food Bank at St.John’s United Methodist Church.  Congregational donations of non-perishable food items are taken each week with the bread delivery. The Food Bank is desperate for donations, especially with the holidays approaching.
• The Peace and Global Witness Offering was received on October 2.
• An offering for Heifer International will be received on the third Sunday in November (Nov. 20).

Property

• The Ad Hoc Property Committee formed to oversee actions involving the Servitude Agreement between Highland Presbyterian Church and America Homeland met with representatives of Quality Engineering and LanCo Construction to inspect the installed drainage system between the two properties. The system was found to be in good order and complete.
• Repairs to the soffit and fascia are underway on the exterior of the Sanctuary building.
• Session received the Insurance Review for 2021. The total premium for Property Insurance increased by 14% over the previous year, while coverage increased by 4%. The Flood Insurance premium increased by 3%, while coverage remained the same. The Workman’s Comp Insurance premium deceased 3%.  
• Session received the Insurance Review for 2022. The total premium for Property Insurance increased by 21% over the previous year, while coverage increased by 3%. The Flood Insurance premium increased by 1%., while coverage remained the same. The Workman’s Comp Insurance premium stayed the same. 

Worship

• Pulpit Supply – September 18, Rev. Martha Robson (medical) 
• Sunday, November 13, is Stewardship Sunday.
• Advent: (liturgist will light the advent candle each week)

1. Advent I – Nov. 27
2. Advent II – Dec. 4 (decorate tree)
3. Advent III - Dec. 11 (poinsettias)
4. Advent IV – Dec. 18 (Lessons and Carols/Christmas Joy Offering)
5. Christmas – Dec. 25 (regular service/communion)

• Highland’s 40th Anniversary will be May 28, 2023 (Pentecost). Plans for a celebra-tion will be included with upcoming planning for 2023.