In worship this Sunday,

December 18, 2022

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Lessons and Carols

Preacher: Rev. Jeff Day

Liturgist: Dave Adams

Usher: Sherry Hutchinson

Session

Notes

December 7, 2022

Business:

• Session examined and welcomed newly elected Ruling Elder Carol Behrmann.
• Session adopted the 2023 budget as presented. Projected expense is $92,910.00. Projected income is $92,834.00.
• Session approved Sunday, January 8, 2023, as the date for Installation of Officers. 
• Session approved changing the date of communion from January 1 to January 8, 2023.
• Session approved allocating $100 from account 520120 Mission to the Salvation Army for a one-time donation.
• Session approved allocating $100 from account 520200 Other Benevolences to the Interfaith Federation of Greater Baton Rouge – The Holy Grill for a one-time donation.
• Session approved allocating $100 from account 520200 Other Benevolences to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank as a one-time donation.

CommitteeReports:

Report from the Presbytery Meeting held Nov. 12, 2022

• A list of Proposed Amendments to the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church, USA was presented to Session members for their information.
• It was agreed that the Manual of Administrative Operations for Highland Presbyterian Church should go through review and updating in 2023.

Christian Education & Congregational Care

• Lagniappe Ladies met for lunch at Roberto’s on October 19. 
• Lagniappe Ladies met on Wednesday, November 16 at church to prepare books for distribution to Magnolia Woods first-graders. Sixty-six reading books, color books and boxes of colors were wrapped for the three classes. Following the wrapping session, the group gather at LaCarreta’s for lunch. Books will be blessed on Sunday, December 4 and delivered on Tues-day, December 6, 2022. Each first-grade teacher will receive a $30 gift card and a tray of cook-ies will be given to the office staff.  
• Refreshments were served in the fellowship area of the sanctuary building following worship on November 20 to celebrate Thanksgiving.
• Thanksgiving cards were sent to homebound members. Christmas cards will be sent as well.
• A Christmas brunch is planned for December 18, 2022.  
• Advent devotionals have been made available for distribution via hard copy or electronically.

Committee Reports (cont.)

Evangelism/Membership

• The average attendance for October was 17, for November was 16.
• We welcomed 12 visitors and 1 guest minister in October and 3 visitors in November.

Financial

• The October financial report showed that Income of $5,947.39 exceeded expenses of $3,873.07 by $2,074.32.

Missions

• Bread continues to be delivered to the Shepherd’s Market Food Bank at St. John’s Methodist Church. Congrega-tional donations are taken each week with the bread delivery. The Food Bank continues to serve many more families and welcomes all donations for the holidays. 
• An Offering for Heifer International was received on November 20.
• The Christmas Joy Offering will be received on December 18 with a Minute for Mission on December 11.

Property

• The battery pack for the Highland’s LIFEPAK CR Plus AED machine is close to expiration and replacement batteries are on back-order. Highland received a proposal from AED First Response to replace the whole unit. Before doing so, other options will be explored.

Worship

• Pulpit Supply – October 30: Rev. Anne Cramer (vacation) 
• Advent began on November 27 and continues through December 18. A candle in the Advent wreath will be lit by the liturgist each Sunday during Advent.
• Memorial Poinsettias will be provided for the Sanctuary December 11.
• A Lessons and Carols service will be celebrated on December 18 at 9:30 am. Following the worship service Albina and Eduard will provide accompaniment for a Carol Sing prior to the Christmas Brunch.
• A Worship service will be celebrated on Christmas Day, December 25 at 9:30 am.
• Special Thanks go out to Carol Behrmann, Connie Buck, and Sherry Hutchinson for the Sanctuary decorations for the advent season.
• Modifications for the set-up of worship such as returning to social time in the Fellowship area and entry through the double doors in the narthex area will be implemented in early January.