STATED SESSION MEETING AGENDA Grace Presbyterian Church Library; 7:00pm; Tuesday, November 17, 2015
CALL TO ORDER AND OPENING PRAYER – The Rev. Trey Little
CLERK’S REPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS – David Finck, Clerk of Session • Consent Agenda
MODERATOR’S REPORT – The Rev. Trey Little • Examination of Class of 2018 Church Officers • Election of Ruling Elder Commissioners for ECO National Meeting (January 26 – 28, 2016) • Facilities Improvement Team Update • ECO Discipleship Pilot Phase Update • Resolution to Dissolve Pastor Nominating Committee • Calling of a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, January 10, for the Purposes of: o Electing Class of 2018 Deacons and Trustees o Electing Church Officer Nominating Committee o Electing Grace Endowment Fund Trustees
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE GRACE SCHOOL
• See written report attached • No written report provided • Pastors’ Compensation MARRIED LIFE ADULT & JOY • No written report provided • See written report attached MISSIONS CONGREGATIONAL CARE • See written report attached • See written report attached WORSHIP EVANGELISM • See written report attached • See written report attached YOUNG ADULT & COLLEGE FAMILY • See written report attached • See written report attached
CLOSING PRAYER
NEXT SESSION MEETING: Tuesday, January 19 STATED SESSION MEETING AGENDA – November 17, 2015
Grace Presbyterian Church Session Business Meeting
CONSENT AGENDA
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
§ Approve Minutes of the October 20, 2015 stated Session meeting.
§ Approve Minutes of the November 1, 2015 called Session meeting for the purpose of receiving new members.
§ Clerk’s Report for November 2015.
2 GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SESSION MEETING MINUTES HOUSTON, TEXAS October 20, 2015
MODERATOR The Reverend Trey Little
ASSOCIATE PASTORS The Reverend Chris French The Reverend Dr. Michael Fry
STAFF Hardie Morgan, Executive Director of Ministry Support Sabrina Hergert, Missions Coordinator Denise Phelps, Director Older Adult Ministries Susan McElroy, Pastor’s Executive Assistant
The Session of Grace Presbyterian Church, Houston, Texas met in a STATED MEETING in the Library of Grace Presbyterian Church on October 20, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.
ELDERS PRESENT: Okey Akwari, Ronnie Braden, Russ Chase, Paul Craig, Jim Davis, David Finck, Monika Frazelle, Morris Harper, Debbie Kaplan, Kevin Kiniry, Doris Looper, Doug Lunn, Scott Maham, Dan Malaguilla, Myrna Maldonado, Paul Mancillas, Kerry Moore, John Musgrove, Ken Purgason, Lisa Schwartz, Wanda Schwarz, Rick Siegel, Jim Weatherall, Sarah Williams.
ELDERS EXCUSED: Phil Grant, Matt Kiker, Mandy Weber.
CALL TO ORDER, OPENING PRAYER AND DEVOTION: The Session Packet was provided to the Session with an agenda for this meeting, the minutes of the prior Session meeting, committee reports, and other data for the Session’s review and analysis.
The clerk took roll and declared a quorum.
The Reverend Little called the meeting to order and Jim Davis opened the meeting with prayer.
CLERK’S REPORT: Motion was made for approval of the Consent Agenda as stated below:
• Approve the minutes of the September 15, 2015 stated Session Meeting.
• Approve the October 2015 Clerk’s Report and all action items therein.
• Approve Minutes of three called Session meetings for the purpose of receiving new members:
3 o September 27, 2015 after the 9:00 a.m. service o September 27, 2015 after the 11:00 a.m. service o October 4, 2015
There was a second and an invitation for discussion. The motion to approve the Consent Agent was then voted upon and the motion passed.
MODERATOR’S REPORT:
The Reverend Little presented the proposed structure for mission teams to replace the current committee structure. A handout, attached hereto, was provided to view as The Reverend Little explained the plan. It was made clear that this is an overall plan and that details will be worked out over time. It is possible that changes to the structure may be made as the plan is put in place and necessary changes become obvious. The plan was very well received by the Session.
There was discussion on various topics after which there was a motion to:
1. Authorize the plan and structure with the understanding that details will be worked out over time; and
2. Authorize Reverend Little to select the first three members of the Leadership Development Team (class of 2015, 2016 and 2017).
There was a second and the motion passed.
The Reverend Little reported that he spoke with Jim Sheppard who is the consultant previously hired for the anticipated capital campaign. A donor paid the full amount of the consultant fees. Jim Sheppard confirmed that the $75,000 payment was not just for work already done, but for the cost of consulting on the entire campaign.
The Reverend Little discussed the ECO Discipleship pilot program, which was discussed in prior Session meetings. Grace has been invited by ECO to participate in the pilot program with 3 to 5 individuals including Trey Little, Chris French and Francisco Garibay. There was a motion to submit the application to participate as described, a second and the motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Administration & Finance: The committee submitted a written report which was provided in the Session Packet.
Adult & Encore Ministries: The committee submitted a written report which was provided in the Session Packet.
4 Congregational Care: The committee submitted a written report which was provided in the Session Packet.
Family Ministries: The committee submitted a written report which was provided in the Session Packet.
Grace School: The committee submitted a written report which was provided in the Session Packet.
Married Life: The committee submitted a written report which was provided in the Session Packet.
Missions: No report.
Evangelism: No report.
Worship: Lisa Schwartz reported for the committee. She described the current process to prepare for Communion, the number of servers required and the difficulty in securing sufficient volunteers. It was noted that service of Communion by intinction requires fewer servers. After discussion, there was a motion to have Communion by intinction at the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services in the Sanctuary while keeping the existing service methods in the Chapel. There was a second and the motion carried.
Lisa also discussed a Task Force that Reverend Little asked her to chair to study the Sunday worship service. Lisa asked for volunteers or suggestions of who might serve on this task force. They will consider the worship service overall including times, summer schedules and all aspects of the service and will then make recommendations.
Young Adult: The committee submitted a written report which was provided in the Session Packet.
New Business
Hardie Morgan discussed the Grace School Foundation and the need for the Session to appoint members of the board. This issue, along with a recommendation, was set out in the session packet. The following motion was made:
It is resolved that the following individuals be appointed to the Grace School Foundation board for terms ending December 31, 2016 or until their successors are named, whichever occurs later: • Liz Walgamuth – Grace School Head of School • Les Davis – Grace School Finance Committee Chair • Sarah Williams – Grace School Committee • Jerry Hanlon – Grace School Committee
5 • Hardie Morgan – Grace Church Executive Director Ministry Support There was a second and the motion carried.
Hardie Morgan then discussed the Grace Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund and the need for the Session to nominate members of the Board for the Congregation to consider in electing such board members. This issue, along with a recommendation, was set out in the Session packet. The following motion was made:
It is resolved that the following individuals be nominated to stand for election to the Grace Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund Board of Trustees Class of 2018
• Scott Maham • Robert Whitten
There was a second and the motion carried.
CLOSING
The meeting was closed in prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
David Finck Clerk
6 CLERK’S REPORT TO SESSION GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, HOUSTON, TEXAS OCTOBER 20, 2015 ______
NEW MEMBERS, BAPTISMS, WEDDINGS and DEATHS SINCE SEPTEMBER 15, 2015
NEW MEMBERS October 4, 2015 September 27, 2015 Gwynn G. Nalley Salome Ebode Julian “Skip” Nalley, Jr. Serge Mefan Ryan MacDonald Linda Bityeki-Mila Katherine Michelle Linman Kim Collinet Itoe Dae Il Kim Jennifer Rene McClanahan Patrick McClanahan
BAPTISMS Evelyn Grace Paulson, daughter of Eric C. Paulson and Rachael Salinas Paulson, baptized October 15, 2015
DEATHS Mrs. Elizabeth Jiral Bruyere died September 21, 2015 Virginia Hughes died October 4, 2015 Nelson W. Karro died October 11, 2015 Christopher Cole Knight died October 13, 2015
WEDDINGS Lynn Ashley Shafer and Colby Morgan Sorota married September 19, 2015 by The Rev. Bob Rutherford and The Rev. Dean Pogue Hailey Tait Thomas Lambert married October 2, 2015 by The Rev. Chris French Emily Dee Cave and Johnny Eugene Hyde married October 10, 2015 by The Rev. Dr. Michael L. fry
______
REQUESTS FOR SESSION ACTION ON OCTOBER 20, 2015
REMOVE FROM THE ROLL Mr. & Mrs. Stephen (Susi) Zeal and their children, Jaime Zeal and Jordan Zeal
DISMISSALS Mr. and Mrs. Matt (Tamma) Howell
After Session Action at OCTOBER 20, 2015 Stated Meeting The membership of Grace Presbyterian Church is: 835 Males; 1153 Females Total Membership 1988
7 Why Change?
If we want to successfully implement our strategy, it is impera ve that we govern our organiza on in a way that supports that strategy. • Ac on must be driven by strategy and not independent of strategy. Session Organizational • Current Session organiza on is disconnected from Structure strategy and o en focused on doing things right rather than doing the right things.
October 20, 2015
1 2
Review of Mission and Strategies Review of Values
Mission: Making disciples by encouraging people to make Biblical integrity not cultural conformity Jesus visible in their daily lives. Worshipping not observing Tagline: Living to make Jesus visible. Strategy: Mul plying not dividing • Gather to worship and celebrate the Lord. Contribu ng not consuming • Connect with others in authen c community. Trailblazing not maintaining • Bless others across the street and around the world.
3 4
8 Current Session Team Organization Guiding Principles
Proposed organiza on should allow Session to concentrate Administra on and Finance on overall church governance, spiritual development, Adult overall strategy and overall policy. Congrega onal Care Proposed organiza on should allow Session teams to Encore operate in a permission-gran ng mode rather than How do these Gather Evangelism command and control. This is consistent with ECO’s low relate to Connect Family strategy? control/high accountability model. Bless Grace School Mission, values and strategy should be the primary control Mission mechanism. Worship Proposed organiza on should give Session teams flexibility to structure their sub-teams as they deem appropriate. 5 6
Proposed Proposed Session Team Organization Session Team Organization
Session
Leadership Gather Connect Bless Grace School Ministry Support Development Planning Strategy Team Strategy Team Strategy Team Team Team Team Team Strategy Teams Support Teams Provides strategic and Charged primarily with design and Charged with design and maintaining long range implementa on of a given strategy. support structure required for other planning teams to succeed. Composed of leaders of each of the six teams along with Senior Pastor and Session Clerk
7 8
9 Strategy/Support Team Strategy/Support Team Composition Leadership and Membership • Teams are composed of six to ten members, three to six of • Leadership Development Team assigns Session members to whom are ac ve elders. teams, subject to Session approval. • These elder assignments, made in November of each year, • The Leadership Development Team membership includes are for one-year terms. three Session members, one from each class of elders • These one-year elder terms may be renewed as long as currently ac ve on the Session. The Elders will also serve as team member is an ac ve elder. Session representa ves on the Church Officer Nomina ng Commi ee. • Leadership Development Team selects, with Session approval, team chairs and assistant chairs. • Planning Team composed of leaders of each of the six teams • Terms for team chairs and assistant chairs are one year. along with Senior Pastor and Session Clerk • Chair and assistant chair will typically be Session members. • Senior Pastor or his designee is a member of all strategy/ • Both chair and assistant chair terms may be renewed. support teams and may designate other staff members to • Assistant chair generally should be capable of assuming team membership. chair role the following year.
9 10
Strategy/Support Team Ministry Teams Non-Session Members • Elder strategy/support team members nominate • Ministry Team is a team empowered by a strategy or support non-Session members team to create and cul vate an aspect of a strategy focused on a par cular ministry, for example, student or children’s • Selec ons are subject to Session approval. ministries. • Non-elder team members serve three-year terms divided • Ongoing teams (indefinite life) into three classes as evenly as possible. • Responsible for all aspects of the church’s efforts in its area • Terms may be renewed once and team members should of responsibility.
not serve more than six consecu ve years. Sample Strategy Team Organiza on
Connect Strategy Team
Community Adult Ministry Young Adult Student Ministry Children Group Ministry Discipleship Team Ministry Team Team Ministry Team Ministry Team Team
Note: Diagram is for illustra on purposes and does not necessarily reflect final team structure and staffing. 11 12
10 Ministry Team Effect of Proposed Session Leadership and Members Organization on Staff • Strategy and support teams will designate one or more of its • Staff Organiza on will be reorganized to mirror this team members to membership in each of its ministry teams. organiza on with gather, connect, bless and support • Member will serve as liaison between the strategy/support organiza ons. team and the ministry team. • This liaison will not necessarily serve as the chair of the ministry team. • Ministry team chair will be chosen by the ministry staff leader and the Senior Pastor in consulta on with the strategy or support team. • Addi onal ministry team members may be added by the ministry team working in conjunc on with the ministry staff leader. 13 14
Next Steps Target Completion: January 2016 • Session approves Session Team Structure. • Session designates one Session member from each class (2015, 2016, 2017) to Leadership Development. • Leadership Development Team assigns elders to new teams (classes of 2016, 2017, 2018). • Staff organiza on changes to reflect new team structure in place. • Teams meet to develop ministry team structure below them. Narda Weierbach, Angela Simpson and Hardie Morgan Appendix provide assistance. STRATEGY/SUPPORT TEAM
15 DESCRIPTIONS 16
11 GATHER STRATEGY TEAM CONNECT STRATEGY TEAM Responsibilities Responsibilities STRATEGIC RESPONSIBILITIES STRATEGIC RESPONSIBILITIES Ensure development and implementa on of Gather strategy church- Ensure development and implementa on of Connect strategy church- wide to include evangelism of Gather strategy to other strategy teams. wide to include evangelism of Connect strategy to other strategy teams. In addi on to Gather strategy, ensure that Connect and Bless strategies In addi on to Connect strategy, ensure that Gather and Bless strategies are reflected in ac vi es governed by Gather Strategy Team. are reflected in ac vi es governed by Connect Strategy Team. Ensure integra on of Gather strategy into Grace School and Grace Ensure integra on of Connect strategy into Grace School and Grace School into Gather strategy. School into Connect strategy.
FOCUS AREAS FOCUS AREAS Sunday Morning Worship Messaging and Marke ng Children’s Ministries Community/Small Groups Guest Services (Welcome Desk/ Audio Visual Student Ministries Women’s/Men’s Ministries Ushers/Greeters/Communion) Church-Wide Events College/Young Adults Ministries Marriage Ministries Music Ministries Assimila on Adult Ministries Discipleship New Worshipping Communi es 17 18
BLESS STRATEGY TEAM GRACE SCHOOL Responsibilities Team Responsibilities STRATEGIC RESPONSIBILITIES RESPONSIBILITIES Ensure development and implementa on of Bless strategy church-wide Serve as Grace School Board providing strategic leadership and to include evangelism of Bless strategy to other strategy teams. governance. In addi on to Bless strategy, ensure that Gather and Connect strategies Ensure that the strategies for Grace School reflect the Gather/Connect/ are reflected in ac vi es governed by Bless Strategy Team. Bless strategies of Grace Church. Ensure integra on of Bless strategy into Grace School and Grace School Ensure con nued integra on of mission of Grace School and Grace into Bless strategy. Church.
FOCUS AREAS FOCUS AREA Grace en Español Community Engagement Grace School Congrega onal Care/Hospital Visits/ Mission Partners/Projects Counseling/Funerals Mission Trips Older Adult (JOY) Ministry Joy to the World Market Deacons Congrega on Service Deployment Evangelism 19 20
12 MINISTRY SUPPORT TEAM LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT TEAM Responsibilities Responsibilities RESPONSIBILITIES RESPONSIBILITIES Provide support services to the Grace community to enable it to pursue Develop and implement strategies to ensure selec on, development strategies. and evalua on of leadership at all levels of Grace Church.
FOCUS AREAS FOCUS AREAS Accoun ng & Finance Informa on Technologies Execu ve Leadership Officer Ini al & Con nuing Budget Process Human Resource Administra on Recruitment & Selec on Educa on Audit & Control (Benefits, Payroll, etc.) Execu ve Leadership Evalua on Future Officer Development Facili es Membership Database Session Posi on/Team Assignments Legal Session Representa ves to CONC
SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS One member of each elder Session class, Senior Pastor along with three non-Session members. The elder members serve as Session representa ves on the Church Officer Nomina ng Commi ee. 21 22
PLANNING TEAM Transition Responsibilities Old Committees to New Teams
RESPONSIBILITIES Teams Provide coordina on between strategy and support teams to ensure Gather Connect Bless Grace.School Ministry.Support Leadership.Development Planning Worship Adult Congregational5Care Grace5School Administration Personnel5 Family Encore 55and5Finance (now5part5of5A&F) Gather, Connect, Bless strategies are implemented across Grace Mission Session5Nominating Evangelism Church. Current.Committees Long-range planning for areas that have broad church impact such as worship schedule. Ensure con nued evalua on and development of Grace mission, values and strategy.
FOCUS AREAS Strategy Coordina on Long Range and Strategic Planning
SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS Chairs of other teams along with Session Clerk and Senior Pastor. Senior pastor may designate addi onal staff members to Planning Team. 23 24
13 Houston, Texas CALLED MEETING November 1, 2015
The Session of Grace Presbyterian Church, Houston, Texas met in a Called Meeting Sunday, November 1, 2015, after the 9:00 A.M. worship service. The meeting was held in The Pastor’s Study. A quorum was declared present.
TEACHING ELDERS: The Rev. Chris French, Pastor for Outreach and Evangelism; Moderator
RULING ELDERS: Debbie Kaplan and Scott Mahan
GUESTS: Deacons, Dr. Gerry and Sue McGown
The meeting was opened with prayer by The Rev. Chris French.
The following people appeared before the Session and were received into the fellowship and communion of the Church:
Mr. & Mrs. Murray L. “Bert” (Tina Rose) Crump by Reaffirmation of Faith. Bert and Tina are both former ordained Elders and Deacons from their previous church in Mississippi.
The Rev. Chris French closed the meeting with prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Chris French Acting Clerk of Session
14 CLERK’S REPORT TO SESSION GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, HOUSTON, TEXAS NOVEMBER 17, 2015 ______
NEW MEMBERS, BAPTISMS, WEDDINGS and DEATHS SINCE OCTOBER 20, 2015
NEW MEMBERS November 1, 2015 Murray L. “Bert” Crump Tina Rose Crump
BAPTISMS Kofi Yeoboah Antwi, Jr., son of Kofi Antwi and Missy Merric Antwi, baptized October 25, 2015 Abigail Lynae Mees, daughter of Amber L. and Brian M. Mees, baptized November 1, 2015 Brian M. Mees baptized November 1, 2015
DEATHS Joan M. Kephart died November 9, 2015
WEDDINGS None ______
REQUESTS FOR SESSION ACTION ON NOVEMBER 17, 2015
REMOVE FROM THE ROLL None
After Session Action at NOVEMBER 17, 2015 Stated Meeting The membership of Grace Presbyterian Church is: 836 Males; 1153 Females Total Membership 1989
15 ECO Discipleship Pilot Program Outcomes:
. Mid and Long Term for the congregation: . o Increased maturity and spiritual growth among both new and established believers; o Increased number of intentional discipling relationships; o Emergence of healthier and more fruitful ministries and leaders; o Establishment of a church/group discipleship culture that sees, evaluates and organizes all aspects of church life around setting people free to love God and neighbor more authentically and powerfully.
. Short term for leaders: . o Participating pastor(s) and elders/leaders experiencing personal spiritual growth as disciples; o Participating pastors and elders/leaders trained in and implementing an approach for discipling and developing the people around them; o Evidence of initial fruit – healing, repentance, restoration, strengthening, and engagement in ministry for and from those in discipling relationships with trained pastor(s) and elders/leaders.
16 ECO Discipleship Pilot Program Format and Schedule
March 2016 Candidate church participants begin preparatory reading, and complete “360 Assessment” and initial assignment for retreat #1.
April 2016 Retreat #1 takes place as a 3½ day training in your region.
6-8 week break between Retreat #1 and #2 – a) participants implement practical assignment on themselves, based on principles and model learned to strengthen one aspect of spiritual life, b) coaching relationship between ECO training team member and designated participating church leader (typically a pastor) begins and continues monthly thru May 2017.
June 2016 Retreat #2 takes place as a 3½ day training in your region.
12-week break between Retreat #2 and #3 Participants implement practical assignment for growth in a self-selected area in life based on principles and model learned.
September 2016 Retreat #3 takes place as a 2½ day training in your region.
October 2016 thru May 2017 – program participants return home and implement principles and model on an ongoing basis with those individuals around them who are hungry for and open to a discipling relationship.
17 .Part 2 / SESSION APPLICATION . .Church Information: . Church name: Grace Presbyterian Church Church address: 10221 Ella Lee Lane Houston, TX 77042 Church Website: gpch.org Primary Contact: Name: Chris French Phone number: 713-267-5039 E-mail: [email protected]
Question #1 – What does “discipleship” mean to you? When the Session was asked this question, 23 responses were given. Words like mentor, growth, transparency, vulnerable, imitator, and equipping were used. There were also some practices that were mentioned such as listening, scripture memorization, and spiritual disciplines. One way to define discipleship is to start with the Great Commission. Discipleship is about followers of Christ making disciples by baptizing and teaching people to obey all that Christ commanded. By definition a person is only a disciple when you are making disciples. Discipleship is about meeting people where they are and moving with them toward spiritual maturity in Christ. Because of the 23 different responses, we look forward to growing into our current strategy to make disciples with clarity and unity on the relational environments that we need to create and cultivate.
Question #2 – In concrete terms what does it look like for a church to “make disciples?” Making disciples looks like learning from God’s Word and responding to God’s Word. The current concrete items for learning God’s Word include sermons, Bible study, Sunday school, and Lent in the Living Room (a seasonal small group program). The concrete items for responding to God’s Word include opportunities that are internal to the church and external in the greater community. Some of the current internal opportunities to serve include: Sunday school teachers in Children’s Ministry, Bible study leaders in Student Ministry, and serving in areas to care for the congregation. Some of the current external opportunities to serve include: many service projects and mission trips. Other concrete items are visible when individuals serve as mentors to students in confirmation and students at a local public middle school, come alongside others, teach, and model Christ to others in their lives. As we look to the future, we believe a year-long small group ministry is critical to Grace making disciples and making sure that every element of the church has an element of discipleship.
Question #3 – What strategy (strategies) does your leadership currently use to disciple members of the congregation? To be honest we haven’t been very strategic the last several years. We did all the things you were supposed to do as a church. We had a strong Sunday school program to educate people biblically. We programmed a seasonal small group experience once a year. We provided mission trips and service projects at local public schools. However, we didn’t have an integrated, intentional method.
However, over the past year, the leadership has developed, introduced, and Session has adopted a new mission statement, strategy, and values for the church. Mission: Making disciples by encouraging people to make Jesus visible in their daily lives. Strategy: Create and cultivate environment where each of us will: • Gather to worship and celebrate the Lord.
18 • Connect with others in authentic community. • Bless others across the street and around the world. Values: • Biblical integrity not cultural conformity • Worshipping not observing • Multiplying not dividing • Contributing not consuming • Trailblazing not maintaining
We believe and have started to talk about a “Discipleship Cycle” that encourages people to live out the strategy in their lives daily. We believe that every single person of Grace Presbyterian needs to gather to worship, connect with others in authentic gospel centered community, and be involved in blessing people through service and mission. This is the mission: Living to make Jesus visible.
Question #4 – What are the specific indicators of a spiritual lack in the congregation, which is compelling you to apply for the pilot program? (What specifically are you hoping to address in the congregation by participation in the program?) As this question is addressed, we do see indicators that the congregation is starting to respond to the new mission and strategy. However, the specific indicators of a spiritual lack in the congregation are seen in the limited involvement and ownership of ministries across a widespread population of the congregation. We only have about 20% of the congregation actively involved in ministry. The second indicator is seen in our heavy reliance on Sunday school to spiritually form people. Only 27% of the membership of the church is actively involved in Sunday school. This percentage has not changed in over a decade at least. We have some great Bible teachers, but we haven’t seen people take the knowledge of Scripture and translate it into their daily living. In fact, that brings us to the third indicator, cultural influences are finding an increasing place in shaping the lives of people.
We hope to create and cultivate environments for discipleship where: • People experience the joy of serving the Lord. • People have a clear path and plan for their spiritual formation. • People experience transformation that comes from knowing and living out God’s Word.
Question #5 – What things has the Session done, or will do, to ensure that growth in your ministry of disciple making receives top priority during and after the pilot program is finished? (Think in terms of allocation of funds, resources, staff and lay leader time. Also what things will you say “No” to in order to say “Yes” and best ensure your Pilot Program participation is valued and set-up for long term fruit?) The Session and leadership have done three primary things to ensure that growth in the ministry of disciple making receives top priority. First, the Session has whole-heartedly adopted the new mission, strategy, and values. Second, the Session in October 2015, moved away from an old committee structure that was about reports and accountability to a ministry team structure built around executing our strategy. Third, there is movement happening to realign the staff around the strategy and hire new positions to provide leadership and equipping to the congregation to make disciples.
We will need to say “No” to some existing programs, and we plan to do that with our new ministry team structure in place. We know we are over-committed. We will need to do the work of re-alignment in our ministries so that they point people to the next step in discipleship for them.
19 Question #6 – What excites the session about the pilot program, and what do you hope to see as an outcome(s) at the end of the 12 months? There are four items that excite the Session. First, the Session is excited about diving into the process of creating and cultivating intentional discipleship. Next, the Session is excited to have some trained and developed folks to provide leadership for Grace to move forward the mission of the Church. Then, the session is excited to be part of people growing in spiritual maturity. Finally, the Session is excited about developing metrics to measure the effectiveness of our ministry initiatives. For example, we can measure the effectiveness of ministries when we see indicators of an increase in environments that contribute to discipleship.
The Session has three hopes. First, the Session hopes to see a growing congregation of people built around small groups that live out the values we hold and the deployment of people to love each other well and bless others with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Second, we hope to see people taking ownership of ministry so that the body of Christ is fully functioning with all the gifts of time, treasure, talents that God has assembled. Finally, with our current mission of making disciples by encouraging people to make Jesus visible in their daily lives, the Session hopes to develop environments that equip people to live out this mission.
Question #7 – What questions or concerns do you have about the pilot program?
Clerk of Session Signature ______Date ______
Endorsed by Session on ______(Date)
20 Resolution with Regard to the Pastor Nominating Committee
Resolved that the Session of Grace Presbyterian Church of Houston expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the following members of the Pastor Nominating Committee for their dedicated Kingdom service in the search for and the calling of our Senior Pastor:
• Trey Able • Sam Bradshaw • Sharon Collins • Cathy Finck • Jerry Hanlon • Jim Hunt • Ann McIntire • Harold Metts • Denise Patrick • Laura Smith • Jim Tomforde • Karen Welton - Chair
Further resolved that given the successful completion of their assigned duties, the Pastor Nominating Committee is now discharged and released from any further committee responsibilities.
21
ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE COMMITTEE November 12, 2015
The Grace Presbyterian Church of Houston Administration and Finance Committee met on Thursday, November 12, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. in the third floor conference room.
Present: Ron Collins, Paul Craig, Jim Davis, Trey Little, Scott Maham, Harold Metts, Hardie Morgan, Judy Prisk, Dan Roberts, Bob Roten, Bob Whitten, George Williams, Tami Plummer, Vic Condrey. Celina Miller from Whitley Penn also joined the meeting for the audit presentation.
Meeting Chair: Paul Craig until 7:00 p.m. when he had to depart and was replaced by Scott Maham
The meeting was opened in prayer by Jim Davis.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion to approve the minutes for the September 2015 meeting was made by Vic Condrey and was seconded and approved as amended on a voice vote.
FINANCE MATTERS
Meeting with Auditors on Report for June 30, 2015 Fiscal Year: Celina Miller from Whitley Penn provided copies of the 2014/2015 audit report and their auditor’s required communications letter. Ms. Miller indicated that Whitley Penn issued an unqualified opinion and that no difficulties were encountered during the audit. Hardie Morgan and Trey Little left the room so that the committee could discuss management’s performance privately and no issues were identified.
September and October 2015 Financial Results: Hardie Morgan supplied the financial statements for September and October 2015. The September results were as follows:
Unrestricted contributions (including other revenues) for the month of September 2015 were $275,302, which was $47,816 or 15% less than plan and $10,972 less than September 2014. Fiscal year-to-date unrestricted contributions (including other revenues) were $948,716 which was $44,618 less than plan and $66,382 more than the same period last year.
September total operating expenses (net of fees collected and restricted gifts) were $342,481 which was $5,250 or 2% less than budget and $101,673 or 23% less than prior year. Fiscal year operating expenses (net of fees collected and restricted gifts) were $1,068,106 which was $5,849 or 1% less than plan and $71,272 or 6% less than prior year.
The deficit for the month was $67,179 which was $42,566 greater than plan and $90,700 less than the prior year. The difference versus the 2015 plan was primarily due to the difference in revenue. The fiscal year-to-date deficit was $119,390 which was $38,769 unfavorable to the plan and $137,655 favorable to the prior year.
The September results were as follows:
Unrestricted contributions (including other revenues) for the month of October 2015 were $281,435, which was $55,902 or 17% less than plan and $8,599 more than September 2014. Fiscal year-to-date unrestricted contributions (including other revenues) were $1,230,151 which was $100,520 or 8% less than plan and $74,982 more than the same period last year.
22
October total operating expenses (net of fees collected and restricted gifts) were $441,306 which was $2,959 or 1% less than budget and $76,674 or 21% more than prior year. Fiscal year operating expenses (net of fees collected and restricted gifts) were $1,509,412 which was $8,808 or 1% less than plan and $5,401 or 0% less than prior year.
The deficit for the month was $159,872 which was $52,943 greater than plan and $68,075 greater than the prior year. The difference versus the 2015 plan was primarily due to the difference in revenue. The fiscal year-to-date deficit was $279,261 which was $91,712 unfavorable to the plan and $69,580 favorable to the prior year.
Hardie Morgan indicated that his primary concern was the softness in contributions for the last two months. Based on prior years’ collections in late November and December he believes we are looking at 2015 contribution revenue of about $4,950,000 versus a target of $5,000,000. Achieving this estimate will be largely dependent on year end giving.
2016 Stewardship Update: Hardie Morgan presented the following stewardship update:
As of November 4 we have received 344 pledges totaling $3,268,913. This compares to 352 pledges totaling $3,291,562 for the same time last year. Based on historical results these pledges indicate expected revenue of approximately $4,950,000 for the calendar year 2016 versus our goal of $5,200,000.
The model used to produce the $4,950,000 projection uses the last twelve months contributions for those individuals that have not yet made a pledge for 2016. To extent that 2016 pledges are received for these individuals differ from the current estimate for them, then the overall expected revenue will vary from the current forecast.
PERSONNEL MATTERS
Proposed Staff Organization: Trey Little presented the proposed staff reorganization that had been reviewed and approved by the personnel committee. The Committee indicated their support for the plan as it now stands.
Housing Allowance: A motion by was made by Bob Whitten to set the housing allowance for Chad Erb at $27,000 per year ($10,125 for 2015). The motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote.
Trey Little was excused from the meeting at this time since he was an interested party in next matter.
Pastor Salary Increases: A motion by was made by Vic Condrey to recommend to Session that the base compensation for Trey Little, Chris French and Mike Fry be increased by 3% effective November 1, 2015. The motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote.
OTHER MATTERS
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaw Update: Hardie Morgan reviewed the sections of the proposed bylaws that cover the church officer nominating committees and pastor and associate pastor nominating committees and collected comments from the committee. He also indicated that the plan was to hold a series of town hall meetings in the spring to collect further input on the proposed revisions. A full copy of the proposed revisions was sent to committee members and comments are welcomed and appreciated.
The meeting was dismissed in prayer at 7:30 p.m. by Bob Whitten.
23 Resolution with Regard to Pastors’ Compensation
Resolved that the base compensation for Trey Little, Chris French and Mike Fry be increased by 3% effective November 1, 2015.
24 October 2015 Session Report Adult Ministries & JOY Ministries
Denise Phelps, Director Becca Lehde, Adults Administrative Coordinator Becky Morris, JOY Administrative Coordinator
DULT HRISTIAN DUCATION A C E
ACE Team: Michael Braden, Martha Hunt, Jim Leeland, Rick Siegel
Sunday Mornings: Established Sunday school classes are continuing through the study of the book of Joshua while Bethel draws to an end. The Pastor’s class, Doorways, taught by The Rev. Dr. Mike Fry on ECO’s Essential Tenets continues to meet, and The Rev. Chris French’s DisipleShift class on discipleship is going strong with the possibility of offering it again in January.
Wednesday Mornings: The Struggler’s Bible study, The Harmony of the Gospels, led by Jerry Hanlon is going strong.
Wednesday Evenings: Doug Harper’s classic book class is presently reading Phantastes: A Faerie Romance for Men and Women by George MacDonald. Susan Meers’ Disciple group is continuing in their study of Twelve Extraordinary Women by John MacArthur.
Thursday Mornings: Faith Lessons by Ray Vander Laan is being taught by Patricia Irwin.
WOMEN’S MINISTRY
Inspire! Women in the Word: Inspire! Women in the Word is going strong with two different study options of Eyewitness to Majesty – Peter: Abandoning Self for Christ by Mindy Ferguson and Interrupted: When Jesus Wrecks Your Comfortable Christianity by Jen Hatmaker. The evening group continues with the Peter study.
Cathy Finck is hosting a neighborhood study in her home of Beth Moore’s Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit. Amy French’s class is loving the Interrupted study.
Young Moms Bible Study: These moms took a break for the summer, but their first study of the year, Living Beyond Yourself by Beth Moore is off to a good start.
All totaled, the Inspire and young moms groups registered 151 participants!
Women of Grace: WG continues to be a busy ministry, and fall activities are in full swing. Their mission project this month’s will benefit Open Door Mission with socks, underwear, and gently used men’s clothing.
25
JOY MINISTRY (FORMERLY ENCORE MINISTRY)
Encore Ministry celebrates a refreshed name – Just Older Youth (JOY)!
Medical Center Apartments: Joe Cook and Nancy Reed have both agreed to become lead persons with our apartment ministry. They will be working with Karen Welton learning the process and engaging with our guests.
The Gathering: We currently have 13 clients with approximately 14 volunteers who are Grace members.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers: The most recent class has now concluded with members having the knowledge that they are not alone in the caregiving experience. The skills they learned through the class will help in the day-to-day care of their loved ones. Patricia Torpis will be attending the next leaders class held at Interfaith Samaritan Counseling Center.
Common Ground: This group has grown with new members from the Gathering who attended the previous Powerful Tools class. Mary Ann Wall is facilitating the group that now meets the fourth Thursday of the month from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Manna from Grace: In October, Monday Manna cooked and assembled 20 meals of Swedish meatballs over egg noodles, 12 beef and barley soups, and 24 pumpkin muffin bags. They delivered meals to four homes, and the remainder was stored in the parlor freezer for future distribution. Due to Thanksgiving, the group’s next cooking day will be on the third Monday of the month, November 17.
ADULT & JOY MINISTRIES SESSION REPORT OCTOBER 2015
26 Congregational Care November 2015
The personal Caring Ministries of Grace’s volunteers, staff and pastors are expressed in countless ways, daily, informally and formally. These personal caring interactions may take place in a hospital room, or in a care facility, or in a living room or just about anywhere people may gather. Special attention is given to those hospitalized or receiving medical treatment or facing a personal crisis.
The Caring Ministries of Grace include…. 1) The Stephen Ministry, confidential, personal spiritual support during a personal crisis; 2) Hospital Visitation, please let us know when you or someone in your family is to be hospitalized; 3) CanCare, similar to Stephen Ministry but personal care from a cancer survivor to another person experiencing cancer; 4) Blood Drives, quarterly opportunities to support our community; 5) Small Support Groups, i.e., Grief Recovery and Parkinson’s Support Group; 6) Coordination of Memorial and Funeral Services; 7) Men’s Ministries; 8) Peace by Piece; 9) Manna from Grace, delivered meals for special situations; and, 10) Counseling and Counseling Referrals.
Grace has twenty-three active Stephen Ministers. We are always searching for new referrals. Please contact Mike Fry or Sherry Louise Linville if you are aware of a potential referral. The Stephen Ministry Leadership Team is visiting groups in the life of Grace to increase referrals.
Hospital Visitation now involves a number of the Deacons and other volunteers. The monthly rotating schedule is working very well. Deacons and volunteers are making visits and telephone contacts to hospitalized people and follow up contacts.
Blood Drives with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center are held three or four times a year. Ann Davis and Judy Dewey are coordinating Grace’s Blood Drives. The most recent Blood Drive was on Sunday, October 18th. Twenty-four units of blood were donated.
The Cope with Hope ministry of Grace’s Presbyterian Women has allowed a number of ladies and married couples to receive professional psychological care. There are ongoing appointments.
The Peace by Piece ministry is up and running again this month. Peace by Piece participants create prayer shawls, quilts and harnesses for special needs people in addition to being a small group ministry. PxP just sent 25 sweaters to Guatemala bringing their created and shipped total to 100!
The volunteers and/or Deacons assisting in Memorial and Funeral Services are doing an excellent ministry. They have been active with in several memorial services Grace has hosted in recent weeks.
Grace’s men’s ministries are in a process of evaluation and redirection in alignment with Grace’s “Blueprints For A Missional Community.” After twelve wonderful years, Band of Brothers will not exist as it has. A group of men representing all ages and stages of life is now meeting to guide this process.
The Parkinson Support Group met on Tuesday, November 10th. A very helpful seminar on Medicare was presented by Grace Member Tom Jack.
27 DEACON Session Report Last meeting: October 20, 2015 Moderator: Shirley Krieg Pastoral Oversight: Chris French
Deacon Structure and Leadership • Shirley Krieg is serving as the first and newly appointed Moderator for Deacons. • Another first is the implementation of the Clerk for Deacons. Sarah Neisig, who is an incoming Deacon, will be the acting Clerk of Deacons beginning in January 2016. • Serve Teams are working to identify and discern a Team Lead for each of the Serve Teams for 2016. They will report back at the November meeting. Moving forward, each Serve Team was to provide Shirley with a report containing three points that covered ministry for the previous month, requests, and prayers.
Hospitality for Election Day - Tuesday, November 3rd This is an opportunity for Grace to make “hospitality” visible as voters are greeted and refreshments are served. Various Deacons and church staff members have signed up for one hour shifts covering a span from 7:00 a.m. when polls open to 6:00 p.m. Two people are assigned to each time slot.
Blessing Strategy – inviting people to serve • Ruth Weatherall, Team Leader for the Prayer Serve Team, reviewed the success achieved when Deacons sent out letters to their respective regions inviting individuals to serve on the Prayer Service Team. Their number has increased to a total of 46! • Liz Arp, Team Leader for the Hospitality Serve Team, distributed a copy of a draft letter of invitation for Grace members to join the Hospitality Serve Team. The deacons are sending this invitation out to join the Hospitality Serve Team. Within a few days, 5 people have already responded to the invitation.
Communion for the Homebound At our last Deacon meeting, Rene Murphy and Jeanne Laughlin (representing the Care and Visitation Team) demonstrated how Communion is presented to a homebound individuals and advised that supplies were ready to pick up tonight. Rene also distributed a list of those homebound members who had been identified for Deacons to contact to determine whether this service is desired and then set up a time with them. Communion will be served during worship services at Grace on Sunday, November 8th. If possible, Deacons were asked to arrange for visits to their homebound individuals some time that week.
Equipping and Training for Deacons It was agreed that some type of training was needed for those who had the responsibility of being up front following worship services to greet and pray with individuals who had come forward after Pastor Trey’s invitation.
COLLEGE SERVE TEAM • Updating mailing addresses for college students in the database • Prayer Team is sending note of encouragement to students as addresses are updated • Working with church staff to establish Cole Knight Missions Scholarship • Fall finals care packages will be going out to ~65 students end of November
28
HOSPITALITY SERVE TEAM • A letter was handed out to the deacons for them to communicate to the folks in the region in order to invite them to serve and participate on the Hospitality Serve Team. • We discussed the members of the Hospitality Serve Team that will be rolling off this year
CARE AND VISITATION SERVE TEAM • Homebound Communion going out early November • At the October meeting, we trained and prepared deacons to serve Communion to homebound with elements and a deacon shared about her personal experience of serving. • Working on Contact List with all the Caring Ministry resources to be distributed to deacons. • Working on a purpose statement to share at November meeting.
MEMORIAL SERVE TEAM • September 2015 memorial services: 2 services for members. • Sherry Louise Linville is the Serve Team Lead for Memorial Services and works closely with Becky Morris to coordinate volunteer recruitment and preparation for services. • The Memorial Serve Team has 17 volunteers. Active or inactive deacons helping lead at memorial service. Becky Morris helps if needed. When we have a larger service in the sanctuary and need more volunteers, staff is requested to help. Serve Team Leadership includes Sherry Louise Linville, Jennifer Rossler, and Carolyn Lawlis.
Additional Information Next Deacon Meeting: Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015. A “save the date” item was noted – the Officer Christmas Open House – Sunday, Dec. 6 from 4:30-6:00 p.m.
29
Session Report November 2015 Children’s Ministries General Information: Traci Baudin
• VBS 2016: We are continuing to develop the theme for VBS 2016 and plan to roll out a video “save the date” during the Advent season. The dates for VBS 2016 are June 13th -16th. • Orange Tour: Our team, along with the Student Ministries team, attended the one-day Orange Tour Conference in Austin on November 3rd. It was a great time of learning and getting to know the new staff on both teams.
Creative Arts – Staff Resource: Ivy Castle Simpson
• The Backyard Music Team: The kids are doing a great job leading us in worship. We'll be rehearsing fun Christmas songs for the month of December. We are so excited to have this new, big team leading worship for us on Sunday mornings. • GKM Christmas Musical: We have chosen an exciting Christmas musical to perform during the Sanctuary worship services on December 13th. This year will feature a script and set created by the kids! We can't wait to see Christmas through the eyes of our kids! • Jingle Jam: We'll be inviting our big VBS worship team and the Backyard worship team to be involved in this family-centered Christmas event on December 20th. We're busy preparing a script, the actors, games, crafts and more for this fun-for-all ages event.
Nursery Ministries – Staff Resource: Debbie Kay
• Nursery Ministries hosted Parent’s Night Out (PNO) on November 7th. Our entire Children’s Ministries team joined together to do an Inside-Out!-themed night. There were over 40 children in attendance.
Preschool Ministries – Staff Resource: Andrea Weekley
• Sunday School: In October, our theme was Super Kids. We used super hero imagery with the lesson that God can help us be brave! Our memory verse was “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid… for the Lord your God goes with you.” Deuteronomy 31:6. We studied Bible stories about Gideon, Hezekiah, and Daniel and how God helped all of them be brave in some really tough situations. • Grace School: Primary School Chapel met Wednesday, November 4th and 11th. We will have a special Grandparents’ TreeHouse Chapel on Friday, November 20th. Our focus this month is how God has a plan for us. We will be learning about the amazing plans that God had for Joseph.
Elementary Ministries – Staff Resource: Kali Moxley
• Sunday School: In November, we’ll be learning about Service: Lending a hand to help someone else. This comes from the memory verse of "Let your light shine so others can see it. Then they will see the good things you do. And they will bring glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:15 NIrV
30 In October, we learned about Individuality: Discovering who you are meant to be so you can make a difference. This came from the memory verse of “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young. Set an example for the believers in what you say and how you act.” 1 Timothy 4:12a, NIrV • Trunk or Treat: On October 23rd, we hosted an incredibly fun night for families of Grace as well as the community. We had about 400-450 people in attendance and invited everyone to join us for Sunday School and our upcoming events. • Parent’s Night Out: On November 7th we hosted our second PNO of this school year with the theme, Inside Out! Parent’s Night Out allows us to hang out with kids for the night, while parents get some much needed time alone! We had over 40 kids in attendance and had a fun night of pizza, games, and a great movie. • Family Serve: We are partnering with Missions to help show kids that no matter how old you are, you can make a difference. As we are looking at Service this month, the kids had a chance to serve with their families (over 100 registered), right on our campus on Sunday, November 15th. At VBS this past summer, kids packed over 26,000 meals with Stop Hunger Now that were distributed to needy families in El Salvador. In just 90 minutes, we will pack 15,000 more meals that will BLESS thousands of families around the world!
Student Ministries General Information: Chad Erb 2016 is right around the corner, and the Student Ministries at Grace are gearing up for an exciting year! A couple of big ideas are taking root and will be launched in January including:
• A new vision and curriculum for Confirmation. This is an important milestone in the life of our 8th graders, and we are investing time and resources to make this a great experience as our students wrestle with the faith in which they have been raised and with the hope that they are ready to make that faith their own. • We are developing a tangential ministry for our high school seniors. Working with Broun Stacy and some of our small group leaders, our goal is to help our seniors prepare for the next chapter in their life and in their faith. In some ways, this will be like a confirmation of sorts for our seniors—in 8th grade confirmation we are bringing students into the body, for this senior ministry, we are sending them as disciples and missionaries from this local body out into the world. The goal is to disciple these students by giving them the tools they need to connect with the local church in their town and to understand the Christian faith so that it is not broken down by the world-views they will encounter. • A plan is being developed to shift our weekly programming. This plan will be communicated to our leaders over the next couple of weeks, and we will provide the Session and the congregation with all the information they need. Grace is a regional church that needs to expand its circle of influence and meet our students and families where they live. We can’t always expect students and families to come to us, so our hope is to develop programming that provides opportunities to Gather, Connect and Bless at the Grace campus and in the communities around West Houston. • Great progress is being made concerning the relationship between Grace School and Grace Student Ministries. The leadership at Grace School has been wonderful to meet and relationships are developing that will lead to an increased presence of the ministries of Grace Church in the life of the students and families at Grace School. I am excited about the possibilities and the opportunity to work with these amazing educators who love Jesus and these kids!
Middle School – Staff Resource: Reed Brentlinger
• Sunday Morning (The Forge): We will be starting a new series right before Advent called “Wired”. As we take a closer look at what Jesus called “the greatest commandment,” we discover that we were wired to have three vital relationships: with God, with ourselves, and with others. And when those connections are made, everything else begins to function as it
31 was designed to. • Fall Activities: Houston Food Bank was a HUGE success. We served food to over 6,000 families (numbers the Food Bank provided)
• Fall Retreat is the weekend of November 13th thru 15th?!?! We had 58 students signed up to go this year! Cannot wait to talk about the thrones of our hearts and what is on them, and what should be on them.
High School – Staff Resources: Angie Williamson
• Fall Programming- The Well and D3: We’re continuing our study of The Thread. This series has already had a huge impact on students by showing them how the stories of Scripture are directly woven into their lives. In October, we ended with a study over the Period of the Judges. November will bring us into the story of Ruth and the lineage that leads to Jesus. • Special Events: During the month of October, students participated in A Night of Worship. This night focused on the story of Christ and who He is. Students also dressed up and participated in Trunk or Treat! We are looking forward to our Fall Sabbath Retreat that will take place at Pine Cove Camp in Columbus, Texas. Students will have the opportunity to be challenged in their faith, enjoy worship music, and build community with their friends. The theme for our retreat is God’s Glory.
Attendance Summary – Average Attendance for September 2015
• Nursery/Childcare – Average of 29 children in childcare on Sunday mornings. • Preschool – Average of 21 children during the Sunday school hour. • Elementary – Average of 49 children during the Sunday school hour. • Middle School – Average of 16 students during the Sunday school hour. • High School – Average of 46 students during the Sunday school hour.
32 Mission Committee Minutes September 28, 2015 Co-Chairs: Bill and Karen Welton Committee: Mike Vinson, Jessica Molinari, John Musgrove, Amanda Gregg, Mary Raymond, Morgan Fisher, Nanette Dawson Staff Resources: Sabrina Hergert Absent: Elizabeth Reese, Alan Earnest, Nelson Karro, Stan Polcar Committee Report
• Bill Welton opened with a prayer for our meal. • Sabrina shared a devotional with the committee, focusing on Isaiah 52:7. • Guest Francisco Garibay spoke for Constantino Santiago with regard to their Fe Maya ministry efforts in Guatemala. Plans for remaining 2015 and 2016 were discussed. • Committee approved increase in Constantino’s support from $500 to $975/month. • Jessica Molinari recapped The Antioch Partner Dinner and commented that this ministry needs more support from other churches beside MDPC. • Sabrina shared that Melody Dunn has requested that her monthly support be suspended at this time. • Minutes for the August meeting were approved as presented. • A follow-up discussion was held with regard to an earlier funding proposal received from Steve Johnson for Budapest Coffee House operating expenses to help support Gabi Molnar, Steve’s Hungarian Administrative Assistant. Steve provided correspondence to answer questions that were raised after discussion of his initial request. Committee approved request in the amount of $400/month. • Guests Chris French and Mark Mixon shared their recent experience participating on a Living Water Mission Trip back in May. Mark shared his personal testimony with regard to what this trip meant to him. Both believe this is an important ministry for the church to be involved in. Since this ministry will be included in the market, a request was made to have church members, actively involved with this ministry, to help represent this ministry during the Market. Margaret Ellis will be contacted to recruit volunteers to work the market for this ministry. • Chris also mentioned that member Dae Kim is interested in food ministries. He has expressed a desire to provide food during Christmas concert at Paul Revere. Committee requested Chris to obtain written plan from Dae for review. • The committee reviewed a request received by Jasmina and Igor Mukha to help fund their attendance to an invitation-only, 5-day European Evangelical Leadership forum, to be held next year in Poland. The funds are needed to cover registration fees and accommodations. The committee approved funding in the amount of $1000. • Sabrina presented a request that came from the Children’s Ministries team to partner with them in a family serve opportunity. Their plan this fall is to pack meals for Stop Hunger Now that will go to people in third world countries. Their hope is to complete about 14,000 meals for this event. Committee agreed to fund this effort in the amount of $2000. • The committee shared prayer requests and John Musgrove closed the group in prayer.
33 Dates to Remember: • Oct 14th Paul Revere Teacher luncheon • Oct 14th YPM dinner at Grace • Oct 28-Nov 2 YPM mission trip • Nov 29-Dec 20 - Joy to the World Market
34 Mission Committee Minutes October 26, 2015
Co-Chairs: Bill and Karen Welton Committee: Elizabeth Reese, Alan Earnest, Mike Vinson, Jessica Molinari, John Musgrove, Amanda Gregg, Mary Raymond, Morgan Fisher, Nanette Dawson Staff Resources: Sabrina Hergert Absent: Stan Polcar
Committee Report
• Bill Welton opened with a prayer for our meal. • Sharon Collins and Lucy Ferguson joined us during the meal for discussion on Elijah Rising and Kendleton Farms. • Sabrina shared a devotional with the committee, focusing on Luke 24:13-35. • Minutes for the September meeting were approved as presented. • The committee discussed a motion (made via email prior to the meeting) to stop support for the remainder of this budget year, for the following partners: Opportunity International, Thien An Presbyterian Church, Johnson C. Smith College, POPS Hospital Chaplains, Presbyterian PanAm School and WeeKirk Conferences. The committee voted to approve the motion. • Jessica updated the committee on the Joy to the World Market preparations. Set-up is scheduled on November 28th at 9:00am. • Stephanie Mixon joined the meeting, along with Lucy Ferguson and Sharon Collins to discuss Elijah Rising. Stephanie and Lucy shared how they were drawn to this ministry and their consequent involvement, and updated the committee on the recent purchase of Kendleton Farms. Sharon shared how she too was drawn to this ministry, and how she and Inspire are involving themselves in this ministry. The current priority that this ministry is focused on is getting a crisis care center (for women over age 18) up and running. The committee expressed interest in following this ministry for potential opportunities to get Grace Members involved in larger way. • Evangelism Partner Questionnaires were reviewed and discussed for budget consideration. The following support was approved by the committee (for the remainder of this year’s budget): stop support to Melody Dunne (per her request) and support Jordan & Katie Goodie at $600/mo, Christopher Mancillas at $800/mo, Steve Johnson & Family at $2500/mo, Monika Fisher (Assisted Villages) at $1300/mo, Mike Newman (CCR) at $600/mo, Dan McNerney (Frontier Fellowship) at $7350/yr, Igor & Jasmina Mukha at $2000/mo, and Akap & Rosie Phom at $2000/mo. • The committee shared prayer requests and Karen Welton closed the group in prayer. • No discussion was held with the committee with regard to the outcome of the Oct 14 Paul Revere Teacher Luncheon. The luncheon was co-chaired by Grace members Noelle Shea-han and Angela Meloy. Teachers were served lunch and raffle tickets were handed out for gift cards and mum center pieces.
35 • No discussion was held with the committee with regard to the outcome of the Oct 14 YPM Dinner at Grace. Sabrina received feedback from Mayda Mendiola who translated for Pastor Wilian. Approximately 30 guests attended the dinner.
Dates to Remember: • Oct 28-Nov 2 YPM mission trip • Nov 15 Stop Hunger Now Family Serve at 2:00-3:30pm (Multi-Purpose Room) • Nov 16 Next Mission Committee Meeting • Nov 28 Joy to the World Market Set-Up at 9:00am • Nov 29 – Dec 20 Joy to the World Market
36 Worship Committee Report to Session November 11, 2015
• Recent Highlights: o The Music Ministry offered free concerts to the church and community § November 7 – Grace Young Artists (our 4 staff singers) § November 8 – Brass Quintet (from River Oaks Chamber Orchestra) featuring our organist, Kirk Rich
• New Hymnals and Bibles Update o These are being prepared to be placed in the pews the week of November 16 o Dedication of these in worship on November 22 (Thanksgiving Sunday)
• Communion Update o Intinction will be the method used on a permanent basis in both Sanctuary services § First regular use was November 8 – went relatively smoothly, although took a bit long o Trays still used in the Chapel services
• Upcoming special items of note o The Chancel Choir will once again prepare gift baskets for our apartment ministry § These contain small gift items, games, puzzles, CDs from Grace, toiletries, and more o The annual Christmas Festival Concert will be Monday night, December 7 at 7:30 p.m. with choir, orchestra, and organ § Ushers needed § The choir will sing some of the music (with full orchestra) during the 11:15 a.m. service on Sunday, December 6 o Christmas Eve Schedule § 3 p.m. in the Chapel (Communion with trays) • Chairs need to be placed in Brides Room and Quilt Room § 5 p.m. in the Sanctuary (led by band) § 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary (choir and organ) § 7 p.m. in the Chapel (Grace en Español with Communion) § 9 p.m. in the Sanctuary (Communion by intinction) o Sunday, December 27 § One service at 10 a.m. o Tuesday, February 9, 2016 § Grace once again hosts the St. Olaf Choir from Minnesota § Last time they were here, about 1,000 people came o Wednesday, February 10 § Ash Wednesday • (?) Chapel Service at 7:00 p.m. (?)
37 October 2015 Session Report Young Adults & College Ministry Broun Stacy, Director Becca Lehde, Administrative Coordinator
YOUNG ADULTS SOCIALS & GATHERINGS
On Friday, October 16, we had an incredible gathering of some 35 married folks for an informal get- together at the home of Leslie and Trey Little. Over delicious fajitas, a number of young couples got to have a night out without kiddos and enjoy the rich fellowship found here at Grace. Following that trend, we are aiming for a “Friends-giving” gathering on Thursday, November 19, where we hope to gather everyone in our Young Adult community in one room. It is a powerful thing to watch the Spirit of God unite the hearts of couples in our midst.
FALL SUNDAY SCHOOL
We finished our series on what it looks like to be “The Church” on Sunday, November 8, as they were encouraged to “make Jesus visible” by going out and eating a meal after worship with someone who would never come to darken the doors of Grace. We are really trying to establish a missional disposition in our Young Adults with an eye and ear to what it really means to engage our neighbors and co-workers with the Gospel. We have been averaging 30-35 folks on Sunday mornings, so our group is growing quite steadily. On Sunday, November 15, we will spend our weeks leading into the New Year trying to wrap our minds around the biblical picture of idolatry. It is everywhere in both Old and New Testaments, and we kid ourselves if we think we are any less susceptible to the false worship of counterfeit gods than those in other “less civilized” societies. We might not bow down to worship wooden pagan idols, but many a man has sacrificed his family in a form of “child sacrifice” at the expense of winning favor and respect in the working world. This is just one example; there are scores more that need to be uprooted by the Gospel. The Scriptures are filled with wisdom and prohibitions to our hearts about the nature of idols, and we will explore this using Tim Keller’s Counterfeit Gods as a helpful resource.
38 THEOLOGY ON TAP
Our first collaborative “Theology on Tap” was a raging success! On Tuesday, September 15, around 90 young adults from across Houston gathered at a space provided by Chapelwood United Methodist Church for a happy hour after work. A panel of pastors from City Church, Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, Chapelwood United Methodist Church, and Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church discussed the topic of “Faith in the Workplace.” It was an incredible time of fellowship, provocative question-asking, and encouragement in Christ. Our next gathering is Monday, November 16, and we hope to carry this momentum into the holiday season. We are addressing the topic of friendship in the 21st century. What do deep biblically informed relationships look like in 2015? How are they different from how the world sees friendship? Where are the deep, profound, loyal friendships like Jonathan and David in our day? These are the things we are going to wrestle with together. Please pray for fruit that the Lord would draw many to Himself in these times.
MISSIONAL COMMUNITIES
We have officially launched a number of our missional communities in the young adult realm. Many have been meeting now on a weekly basis, and the feedback has been extremely encouraging. We have about 40 people involved in three different groups so there are still many learning challenges in this first season. They are predominantly young adults and college-aged students who are geographically relative (i.e., composed of people who live in close geographic proximity). They are meeting together weekly in homes, sharing a meal, praying for and encouraging one another. We hope these groups are also outward facing enough to think through how they can faithfully engage a specific neighborhood or people group with the gospel.
YOUNG ADULTS & COLLEGE MINISTRY SESSION REPORT OCTOBER 2015
39