Session Packet
November 2024
Session Agenda Page 1-3
Session Minutes
Session Minutess: September 15...……….... Page 4-7
Called Session Meeting: October 22………… Page 8-9
Finance Council
October Financials…………….………………... Page 10–15
2025 Proposed Budget…..…………….……... Page 16-18
Generosity September Minutes Page 19-20
Generosity October Minutes Page 21-22
Trust Management October Minutes…………….. Page 23
Worship Council
October Minutes………………………….…….. Page 24-25
Chancel Guild September Minutes…………….. Page 26-27
Formation Council
October Minutes……………..…………………. To be added
Montessori Board Minutes September…………. Page 28-29
Montessori Board Minutes October...…………. Page 30-31
Mission Council
September Minutes……………..…………………. Page 32-33
October Minutes Page 34-35
Personnel Council September Minutes Page 36
Diaconate Council Minutes……………………………… To Be Added
That All May Know God’s Love
Session Agenda – November 10, 2024
6. Council Appointments Finance & Trust Management: Connor Smith; Formation: Aidan Blackwell; House & Grounds: Danny Guy; Mission: Heather DeBardeleben, Jim Harrelson; Personnel: Sarah Jones; Worship: Maranah Sauter; Hospitality: John Sargent; Vice-Clerk/Nominating: Danny Guy
11. Approval of Consent Agenda to be Approved as One Motion (Any motion can be removed from the Consent Agenda and discussed.)
MOTION: To approve the minutes from the regular session meeting on September 15, 2024 and the called session meeting on October 22, 2024
12. Old Business
A. Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC) Update
B. Update from Campus & Education Task Forces
13. Finance
A. Council Report
MOTION: Approval of Bi-monthly Budget Report
MOTION: Approval of 2025 Budget
B. Generosity Committee
C. Trust Management Committee
14. Worship
A. Council Report
MOTION: Approval of Lauren Yarbrough/Gavin Nies Wedding, April 25, 2026
MOTION: Approval of 2025 Communion Dates — Jan. 26, Feb. 16, Mar. 5, Mar. 16, Apr. 17, May 18, June 15, July 20, Aug. 17, Sep. 21, Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Dec. 24
NOTIFICATION: Communion Signups Reminder Dec. 24 (4)
NOTIFICATION: Assign lead elder for January 26 communion
B. Chancel Guild
C. Sanctuary Prep
D. Wedding Committee
15. House & Grounds
A. Council Report
MOTION: Approval of House & Grounds Grant Applications
B. Columbarium Board
16. Formation
A. Council Report
B. Montessori Board
C. Childcare Board
D. Nursery
17. Mission
A. Council Report
18. Personnel
A. Council Report
19. The Diaconate
A. Report
B. Hospitality Committee
C. Social Committee
D. Bereavement Committee
20. New Business
A. MOTION: Call Congregational Meeting, December 8, 2024, to Approve 2025 Pastoral Terms of Call for Rev. James Goodlet
B. Hear Report from Fall Presbytery Meeting
MOTION: Elect Commissioners for Winter Meeting, February 8, 2025; Location TBD
C. Assign Invitation to Offering/Session Report, December 8
D. MOTION: Approve the baptism of Jake Howard on Dec. 1.
21. Closing Prayer
22. Executive Session
Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting: January 26, 2025, following worship. Lunch provided.
2025 Regularly Scheduled Meetings: January 26, March 16, May 18, July 20, September 21, November 9
Devotional — Finance Council
FirstPresbyterianChurch ThatAllMayKnowGod’sLove
SessionMinutes–September15,2024
Attendance:Classof2024:RonnieChastain,KimCrawford,Caroline Davidson,SueDuttera*,JerryFulks,JudNewman.Classof2025:Jeff Brown,JudyGilliam,ScottLanda,JuliePatton,JohnWestmoreland.Classof 2026:AnnaKnight*,LeahSelbie*,AnnSellman,AliciaSimpson.(*denotes excused)
Staff:Rev.JamesGoodlet,AndrewHarry,KimberlyAsbell,MargaretGoodlet, DebSargent.
1.Gathering&Lunch
2.Devotion&OpeningPrayer—FormationCouncil,CarolineDavidson
3.DeclarationofQuorum,RollCall,ApprovalofAgenda—Rev.Goodlet. MOTIONAPPROVED.
4.ReceptionofNewMembers—N/A
5.StaffReports
Andrew-EvensongisSunday,September22.November10thservicewithSt. Mark’sChoiratSt.Mark’sChurch.LessonsandCarolsinplanningstages.
James-ThursdaynightisaBroadHorizonsdinner.Ecumenicalworkshop Sunday,September29atFUMConHowDoWeTalkaboutViolenceinthe World?HollyRobertsmoderating.
Tuesday,November12at5:30ForumonHomelessness.Howdoweengage? November17GriefandAnxietyFamilyWorkshopafterchurch.HollyRoberts moderator.
Margaret-WednesdayNightprogramandmealsubscriptionplansaregoing well.TrunkorTreatandAdventWorkshopcomingup.Duetothenumbersof childrenparticipatinginchoir,therearenowtwochildren’schoirsthatmeeton Wednesdaynight.
6.Communication&Clerk’sReport—JeffBrown JeffreceivedcommunicationfromtheMinistryofEngagementandSupport acknowledgingreceiptoffunds(June)fromOneGreatHourofSharing
$2257.04,(July)Pentecostoffering$408.31and(July)MissionPersonnel Support$500.00.
7.ApprovalofConsentAgendatobeApprovedasOneMotion (AnymotioncanberemovedfromtheConsentAgendaanddiscussed.){
MOTION:Toapprovetheminutesfromtheregularsession meetingonJuly21,2024,thecalledsessionmeetingonAugust18,2024,and thecongregationalmeetingonAugust4,2024MOTIONAPPROVED
8.OldBusiness
A.AssociatePastorNominatingCommittee(APNC)Update
MOTION:ToApproveMinistryDiscernmentProfileMOTIONAPPROVED
B.UpdatefromCampus&EducationTaskForces
CampusTaskForce-MeetingwithanarchitecturalfirmfromChicago tomorrowandanothermeetingisscheduledwithafirmfromColumbusto discusspossibleplansforthefacilities.Theprocesswillbetohireafirm,have a3-6monthdiscoveryprocessexploringfacilitiesandmissionsandthen receiverecommendations.Couldhaveideasinplacebysummer2025.
EducationalTaskForce-TaskForcehasestablishedarubricfor evaluatingproblems,concernsandgoals.TeamlookedataNewHaven,CT projectandTodd,JamesandCallawayFoundationvisitedMariettatostudya modelthere.Lookingforamodelthatsupportsthecommunityandthestaff.
TheUnityProjectisstillonthetable.Dr.Hazelhasbeenadvised.
Asinformationforthegroup-JamesannouncedthattheFirstBaptist Childcareprogramisclosingthisweek.Parentshad2weeksnotice.The preschoolisstayingopen,butmanychildcarestudentsaredisplaced-some aregoingtoLafayetteChristian.
Inanefforttotrytoexpandourprogramandhelpwiththischildcare crisis,theFireMarshallcametoourbuildingandreportednochildunder5 yearsofagecouldbeonthe3rdfloorasitwouldbetoodifficulttoevacuatein caseofanemergency.Roomscouldberepurposedonthe2ndfloorto accommodate40-50forchildcare.TheCallawayFoundationhassomegrant requestsopennow,butthesechangesofcoursewouldtaketime.
MOTION:ToAuthorizetheCreationofaCapitalCampaignSteeringTeam MOTIONAPPROVEDJamestocreateasteeringteamwhichwouldlikelyselect afirmtohelpwithcapitalcampaign-thefirstinover25years.
C.ReportfromFormationandPersonnelCouncilsonPolicyUpdates
MOTION:ApprovalofPolicyManualUpdates—Sections4000,7000,and 8000.MOTIONAPPROVED.
9.Finance
A.CouncilReport
MOTION:ApprovalofBi-monthlyBudgetReportMOTIONAPPROVED
MOTION:Approvalof2025RequestedBudget-firstdraft:$1,004,222.13.Final budgetnumberswillbepresentedintheNovembersessionmeeting.Therewas discussionaboutbuildingthebudget.MOTIONAPPROVED
B.GenerosityCommittee
C.TrustManagementCommittee
10.Formation
A.CouncilReport
B.MontessoriBoard
C.ChildcareBoard
D.Nursery
11.House&Grounds
A.CouncilReport-roofprojectcompleted.Cameinunderbudget.
B.ColumbariumBoard
12.Mission
A.CouncilReport-DayofServiceinvolved49people.MobileMarket October5.ApplicationsforTolbertGrantsoutnow.
13.TheDiaconate
A.Report
B.HospitalityCommittee
C.SocialCommittee
D.BereavementCommittee-LegacyLuncheonOctober20.
14.Personnel
A.CouncilReport
15.Worship
A.CouncilReport
NOTIFICATION:CommunionSignupsReminder—Oct.6(8)KimCrawfordin charge;Nov.3JohnWestmorelandincharge.(AllSaints)(8);Dec.24(4)for ChristmasEveServiceat6:00pm.
B.ChancelGuild
C.SanctuaryPrep
D.WeddingCommittee
16.NewBusiness
A.HeardreportfromSummerPresbyteryMeeting.JulieandSue attendedbyZoom.ThethemewasLoveandCourage. MOTION:ElectCommissionersforFallMeeting,November9,2024;Mt.Vernon PresbyterianChurch,Atlanta.JudyGilliamelectedascommissioner.MOTION APPROVED.
B.InvitationtoOffering/SessionReport.MinuteforMissionwillbe presentedOct.27byAliciaSimpson.
17.ClosingPrayer-James.
18.ExecutiveSession.Discussion.Meetingdismissedat1:25.
NextRegularlyScheduledMeeting:November10,2024,followingworship. LunchprovidedforthisjointmeetingwithDiaconate. Devotional—PersonnelCouncil
FirstPresbyterianChurch ThatAllMayKnowGod’sLove
SessionMinutes–October22,2024
Attendance:Classof2024:RonnieChastain,KimCrawford,Caroline Davidson,SueDuttera,JerryFulks,JudNewman.Classof2025:JeffBrown, JudyGilliam,ScottLanda,JuliePatton,JohnWestmoreland.Classof2026: StuartCountess*,JakeJones,AnnaKnight,LeahSelbie,AnnSellman,Alicia Simpson.(*denotesexcused)
Classof2025:MaranahSauter,ConnorSmith
Staff:Rev.JamesGoodlet,AndrewHarry,KimberlyAsbell,LeightonParker, DebSargent.
DeclarationofQuorum,RollCallforthiscalledmeeting.
Motion:ApprovalofweddingforMadelinePaschalandZac(?)March22,2025 atnoonwiththerehearsalthenightbefore.MOTIONAPPROVED.
Jameskickedoffthemeetingbyspeakingofthestaff’sandsession’stalentand dedication.Jamessaidthatthisisaseminaltimeforourchurch.After200 yearsofourhistory,churchesarechanging,butFPCisbuckingthetrends. Worshipattendance,includingonlineworshipers,isupandouraverageageis 52yearsoldwhichislowforachurchinthesetimes.ThreegroupsCampusTaskForce,EducationalTaskForceandtheAPNC,askingbig questionsaboutourchurchanditsfuture.Jamesurgesustobe leadersof possibilities.
Finance
2025RequestedBudgetnowat:$1,010,695.02.Finalbudgetnumberswillbe presentedintheNovembersessionmeeting.Thismeetingisaninformational meetingtosupporttheNovember10thmeeting.
JerryFulksstatedthatpledgesarecomingin.$625,000sofar.Therewas discussionaboutthestateofthe2024budgetaswellasbuildingthe2025 budget.Therewasconversationaboutincomestreamsandthepossibilityof MontessoriandChildCarecontributingmorefortheirpresenceinthebuilding.
Thechurchneedsmorerevenuetosupportmission,maintenanceand personnel.
ExecutiveSession.Discussionaboutpledgesand3%increaseforsalariesin general,butnotacrosstheboard.Meetingdismissedat7:15.
NextRegularlyScheduledMeeting:November10,2024,followingworship. LunchprovidedforthisjointmeetingwithDiaconate. Devotional—PersonnelCouncil
Date : 11/08/2024
Time : 9:54:00 AM
First Presbyterian Church 2025 Proposed Budget
January to December 2025
2025 Budget Requests Accounts
Revenues Receipts
004000 - Pledged Income
004002 - Unpledged Contributions
004004 - Merchant Processing Fees
004005 - Loose Offering
004015 - Interest Income
004025 - Montessori Income
004045 - Transfer from Contingency
$848,632.53
$50,000.00
($4,000.00)
$9,000.00
$2,000.00
$8,412.50
$50,000.00
$964,045.03 Total Receipts
$964,045.03 Total Revenues
Disbursements Staff Salaries and Benefits
$257,094.48
$71,930.00
$136,347.52 Administrative
House and Grounds
$81,185.80
$20,000.00 Food Services
Total Staff Salaries and Benefits Diaconate
- Kitchen Supplies
$617,551.72
$3,500.00
- Devotional Books $500.00
- Dry Cleaning/Rentals
- Homebound/Insiders
- Stationary/Cards
- Congregational Care $12,200.00
- Postage $1,000.00 025085 - Staff Meals/Flowers
$2,000.00 025086 - Session/Officer meals
025089 - Corporate Registration
025090 - Dues - Chamber of Commerce $1,400.00
- Generosity-Stewardship
- Miscellaneous
Total Administrative Expenses Worship $1,400.00 057000 - Music Ministry $5,000.00 057004 - Guest Musicians $500.00 057006 - Copyright Licenses $1,250.00 057011 - Worship A/V Equipment
057020 - Worship Supplies
057021 - Worship Streaming Services
057040 - Organ & Piano Maintenance
$2,000.00
$4,800.00
$2,750.00
Date : 11/08/2024
Time : 9:54:00 AM
First Presbyterian Church 2025 Proposed Budget
January to December 2025
Accounts
057055 - Music Scholarship
057057 - Communion Supplies
057059 - Guest Ministers
Total Worship Worship Transfers
057022 - From Designated Funds
Total Worship Transfers Formation
045003 - A.Boyd Memorial Transfer-VBS
045004 - Transfer from Designated/VBS
045005 - Vacation Bible School
045006 - Resource Material
045008 - Equipment
045011 - Special Activities
045029 - Confirmation Class
045030 - Worship 101
045032 - Teacher Training
045036 - Children's Ministries
045038 - Middle School Student Ministries
045041 - High School Student Ministries
045042 - High School Montreat
045044 - Montreat College Conference
045062 - Nursery Supplies
045065 - Adult Formation
045074 - Formation Travel
045081 - Young Adult Ministry
045091 - Middle School Montreat
Total Formation
Hospitality
058000 - Local Evangelism
058004 - Advertising/Printed Materials
Total Hospitality
Mission Program
055010 - Presbytery Per Capita
059010 - PCUSA Causes
059015 - Missionary Salary Support
Total Mission Program Mission Program Transfers
Total Mission Program Transfers
2025 Budget Requests
$4,000.00
$200.00
$1,000.00
$22,900.00
($120.00)
($120.00)
($1,312.41)
($1,308.00)
$3,000.00
$500.00
$500.00
$2,000.00
$1,000.00
$500.00
$250.00
$3,500.00
$2,750.00
$4,750.00
$13,000.00
$750.00
$250.00
$500.00
$500.00
$500.00
$2,500.00
$34,129.59
$200.00
$800.00
$1,000.00
$14,186.40
$5,000.00
$2,000.00
$21,186.40
059016 - From Restricted Funds/Missionary ($2,000.00)
Local Mission
025042 - Lewis and Broad expenses
054015 - Thursday Lunch Program
054050 - Camp Viola Ministry Week
($2,000.00)
$2,500.00
$26,350.00
$5,600.00
($1,312.42) 054070 - A.Boyd Memorial Trnfr-Camp Viola
054075 - Camp Viola Operations Support
054077 - DeCelle Ministry
055045 - Berta Weathersbee School
056067 - Boy Scouts
056069 - Snack Sacks
056071 - Listen LaGrange
056072 - Local Mission Grants
Total Local Mission
$1,500.00
$2,250.00
$1,200.00
$1,000.00
$3,000.00
$2,000.00
$10,000.00
$54,087.58
: 11/08/2024
Time : 9:54:00 AM
First Presbyterian Church 2025 Proposed Budget
January to December 2025
2025 Budget Requests Accounts
056070 - From Restricted/Designated Funds
Total Local Missions Transfers
House and Grounds
035000 - Insurance
035005 - Utilities
035013 - Security Key Cards
035014 - Security System Maintenance
035015 - Building Maintenance
035020 - Custodian Supplies
035035 - HT/AC Maintenance
035040 - Elevator Maintenance
035055 - Landscape Maintenance
035056 - Signage Upgrade
056023 - Kitchen Equipment
056024 - Kitchen Qtrly & Annual Cleaning
Total House and Grounds Child Care
($14,765.26)
($14,765.26)
$33,000.00
$70,000.00
$600.00
$5,300.00
$25,000.00
$8,575.00
$16,000.00
$2,000.00
$8,500.00
$2,500.00
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
$173,475.00
$7,400.00 065011 - Child Care Insurance Subsidy $7,400.00
Child Care $964,045.03 Total Disbursements $0.00
Excess Receipts Over Disbursements
Generosity Committee Minutes
September 17, 2024
Members present: James Goodlet, Lennice Parker, Bill Stump, Karen Cooper, Karen Scarborough (by phone), Jill Guy, Bobby DeBardeleban, Kimberly Asbell, Jenna Eady
• Devotional/Prayer (Jill Guy)
• August MinutesApproved
• 2024 Giving Update and 2025 Budget
James reported that giving is currently still behind which is typical for post-summer. It is probable we will have to contact some members during Q4 to get their 2024 pledges in.
There will be a meeting on Monday, October 14th at 5:00 to finalize details for the upcoming Generosity Gatherings: October 16th and October 17th . The Generosity Gathering for the under 59s will be on October 16th and James will address the group with “What does the Bible say about Tithing?” and the Conine Society Dinner will be held on the 17th . There is also a Legacy Luncheon after worship to celebrate Commitment Sunday on October 20.
The asking budget for 2025 is just over $1,000,000. Our goal is to get approximately $900,000 in pledges. If all 131 giving units from the current year increase their pledge by $50 per month, it is attainable We can also encourage new givers to start with that amount.
• 2025 Generosity Campaign
Jenna Eady shared the Generosity booklet for review. She will also prepare an insert with a giving information/chart and pledge card to be included with the booklet. The committee will gather at a date to be determined to fold and stuff these items for distribution.
Dates, scriptures and potential storytellers were identified for the theme: “This is Our Song”
September 22: (Great is Thy Faithfulness) Romans 8: 31-39 (Faithfulness)
Storyteller: Speer Burdette
September 29: (How Great ThouArt) Psalm 150 (Worship)
Storyteller: Lacy Tumambing
October 6: (For Everyone Born) Matthew 9: 9-13 (Mission) This is Fall Break Sunday andAndy James is the guest preacher.
Storyteller: Ricky Wolfe
October 13: (Be Still My Soul) Psalm 46 (Sanctuary for Being)
Storyteller: Ellie Doerr Howard
October 20: Commitment Sunday (BlessedAssurance) Ephesians 2: 11-22 (The Church)
Storyteller: Bill Stump
• Conine Society Dinner Planning
Things are in place for the Conine dinner. More details will be addressed at our called October 14th meeting. Invitations were presented and Kimberly will send those out later this week. Honorees and speakers are listed below:
Jane Foster: Sue Duttera (Gift to Ministry: Camp Viola)
Debbie Hutchinson: Margaret Goodlet (Gift to Ministry: Children)
Anita Holle: Debbie Burdette (Gift to Ministry: Chrismon Tree)
Lynn Wolfe: Julie Patton (Gift to Ministry: Thursday Lunch Program)
Gifts for the honorees were discussed and it was suggested that a monetary gift be given in their name to benefit their “ministry passion”
• Next meetings: Monday, October 14th @ 5:00 p.m.
• Devotional: Lennice Parker
• 2024 Goals
1.To communicate the importance of online giving and encourage more givers to cover associated fees
2. To increase the number of pledges by 15 giving units to draw closer to the five-year goal of 145
3. To reduce reliance upon Contingencies funds to no more than 5% of the 2025 budget
4. To receive 100% of our 2024 congregational pledges
5. To host two Generosity/Finance gatherings, one for the 59 and under demographic to encourage increased giving, and one for 60 and over demographic as a thank you for faithful stewardship
6. To increase the number of Conine Society attendees to 100 people
• Generosity Committee Members
Chair: Bill Stump; Vice Chair: (to be filled); Secretary: Lennice Parker
Class of 2024: Dustin Clark, Erin Spinks
Class of 2025: Jill Guy, Lennice Parker, Bill Stump
Class of 2026: Karen Cooper, Bobby DeBardeleben, Karen Scarborough
Generosity Committee Minutes
October 14, 2024
Members present: James Goodlet, Lennice Parker, Bill Stump, Karen Cooper, Karen Scarborough (by phone), Jill Guy, Dustin Clark
• Devotional/Prayer (Lennice Parker)
• September MinutesApproved
• 2025 Generosity Campaign
October 16, 2024: Generosity Gathering at Visit LaGrange
Folks will gather at 6:00 and James will share his message: “What Does the Bible Say About Tithing?” beginning around 6:15. Desserts with napkins will be provided by Karen Cooper and Dustin Clark will bring beer and wine and cups.
October 17, 2024: Conine Society Dinner
Lennice reviewed the punch list for the upcoming Conine Society Dinner for Thursday, October 17th. Lennice and Deb Sargent will set up tables on Thursday at 12:30. James reviewed the timeline for the evening. Discussion followed about some sort of tangible gift to be given to the honorees. It was decided to ask Jenna to print a “card” acknowledging the financial gift given to each honoree’s specific ministry. This will be presented to each honoree. All committee members should arrive by 5:00 on Thursday evening and be prepared to stay after for clean-up.
October 20, 2024: Commitment Sunday and Legacy Luncheon
Bill Stump will be the “storyteller” for Commitment Sunday. There will be a basket placed near the altar for those to bring forth their pledges during the Offertory.ALegacy Luncheon will follow worship in the Fellowship Hall.
• Next meetings: Thursday, November 14th @ 5:00 p.m.
• Devotional: Dustin Clark
• 2024 Goals
1.To communicate the importance of online giving and encourage more givers to cover associated fees
2. To increase the number of pledges by 15 giving units to draw closer to the five-year goal of 145
3. To reduce reliance upon Contingencies funds to no more than 5% of the 2025 budget
4. To receive 100% of our 2024 congregational pledges
5. To host two Generosity/Finance gatherings, one for the 59 and under demographic to encourage increased giving, and one for 60 and over demographic as a thank you for faithful stewardship
6. To increase the number of Conine Society attendees to 100 people
• Generosity Committee Members
Chair: Bill Stump; Vice Chair: (to be filled); Secretary: Lennice Parker
Class of 2024: Dustin Clark, Erin Spinks
Class of 2025: Jill Guy, Lennice Parker, Bill Stump
Class of 2026: Karen Cooper, Bobby DeBardeleben, Karen Scarborough
TRUST MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
First Presbyterian Church 4:00 p.m….Session Room Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Members present: Chairman Jerry Fulks, John Westmoreland, Charis Acree, Speer Burdette, Carol Todd, Jake Jones, Secretary Gail Hunnicutt, Treasurer Ken Edwards (exofficio), Pastor James Goodlet (exofficio).
A quorum was declared present followed by Pastor Goodlet’s opening prayer.
Corrected minutes from the April 10, 2024 meeting and minutes from the July 10, 2024 meeting were presented and approved unanimously.
Ken Edwards presented the 2024 third quarter financials from New Covenant Trust for discussion and review. Roof replacement invoice for $130,585.00 had been paid from New Covenant Trust funds. Those reports and the allocation report Mr. Edwards prepared for the quarter were all unanimously approved as presented and are attached,
The Memorial Fund report was reviewed. The following committee members will contact families to discuss potential uses for funds that were created more than one year ago:
1. Mark Teaver’s fund combined with parents’ funds…Gail Hunnicutt
2. Paige Holle .…Gail Hunnicutt
3. Bruce Crawford…Gail Hunnicutt
4. Janice Carnes…Gail Hunnicutt
5. Mary Martha Wilson…Carol Todd
6. Aubrey Westmoreland…John Westmoreland
7. Kathy Conine…Gail Hunnicutt
Robinson Grimes completed their audit of Trust Management funds. Their letter indicating a clean audit is attached.
Pastor Goodlet announced the Callaway Foundation had forwarded a $25,000.00 gift from a member to enhance the children’s programing and support.
Pastor Goodlet led an informal discussion of various projects for the church and congregation that may be presented to the Session in the future.
The next meeting will be on TUESDAY, February 11, 2025.
Gail Hunnicutt, Secretary
First Presbyterian Church of LaGrange Worship Council Meeting
October 3, 2024
Attending: Marc Acree, Happy Blakely, Jeff Brown (ex. absent), Jan Carnes, Karen Cooper, Kim Crawford, Andrew Harry, Jill Henderson (ex. absent), Jim Killebrew (ex. absent) and Ann Sellman were present.
Call to Order: Kim Crawford called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m.
Devotional: Kim Crawford gave the devotional which addressed the questions: How do we make it through difficult times? and Who can help us with our pain and struggles? The answer for both is to listen for the still small voice of God, for he is gentle with his children. Pray for rest and remember that the process of learning to be more like the Heavenly Father is beautiful.
Minutes: The September minutes were accepted as written with one correction – Jeff Brown was not able to assist with communion on October 6th (motion to accept – Marc Acree, seconded – Ann Sellman, and unanimously adopted).
Chancel Guild: The Annual meeting of the Chancel Guild was on September 24, 2024, at 4 p.m. in the library The calendar was discussed and the date set for the work schedule during Advent. The Worship Prep room space was also addressed because it is tight with both the Chancel Guild and Worship Council preparations taking place in the same area. Also, there was concern about the cleanliness of the area for communion prep. Kim Asbell presented the problem at the Staff meeting on the following Monday. The staff presented three possible solutions to the problem and asked Council members for their input. The three solutions are: 1) To move all communion supplies to the cabinets nearest the refrigerator. This would make it easier to keep all supplies in one location, but the cabinet may not be large enough to hold all the supplies. 2) To place a table or cabinet in the bride room. This may require that the supplies are moved every time the room is needed. 3) Utilize the small kitchen area by the front office. The refrigerator there is not big enough to hold the communion plates and a cart would be needed to move the communion elements to the sanctuary. After discussion with the Council, it was recommended that option 1 would be best if all the supplies could fit into the cabinet. Jan will look into this and report back to the Council in November.
Budget: The August budget line items were reviewed and the budget is still on track for this year. First Arts is still not a line item on the budget and Andrew Harry will look into this issue. Andrew Harry reported that about $200 dollars were donated at the last Evensong event in September The August budget was voted on and accepted (motion to accept – Karen Cooper, seconded – Happy Blakely, and unanimously adopted). The 2025 budget for the Council was accepted by the Session and we are waiting for their approval.
Communion: The next communion will be on October 6, 2024 (World Communion Sunday) Jan Carnes and Happy Blakely will prepare the elements. There will be 8 servers with Kim Crawford as Elder in Charge.
Communion logistic:
October 6 (World Communion) – Jan Carnes and Happy Blakely
November 3 (All Saints) – Karen Cooper and Happy Blakely
December 24 (Christmas Eve) – Jill Henderson
Report from Andrew Harry:
• Upcoming Events for 2024 – There are currently no firm request for upcoming events. Andrew Harry asked the Council to approve an April requiem collaborative event with FPC in partnership with Lloyd
Presbyterian, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. The requiem will be on April 12 and April 13 with both services occurring in the evening. Happy Blakely made a motion to accepted the event, Ann Sellman seconded, and the Council voted to unanimously adopt the motion.
New Business:
• The new Communion 2025 schedule is in the works.
Old Business:
• Harry Andrew gave an update on the speakers and sound in the Choir loft. Kelton Hunt proposed that cables will need to be added and he thought that the work could be done for under $600 dollars. Kelton is still investigating this problem and will report to the Council in November.
• Three members will be rotating off the Council in December (Jim Killebrew, Marc Acree, and Kim Crawford). The Council will need two more members to be added in 2025. Members suggested two possible new members to the Council – Kate Updegrove and Jim Harrelson. Members will ask the following individuals if they would like to serve.
• The Council will not meet in December.
Kim Crawford closed the meeting at 5:45 p.m. The next meeting will be on November 7, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Andrew Harry will give the devotional.
Respectfully submitted, Jan Carnes
First Presbyterian Church
Chancel Guild Annual Meeting
September 24, 2023
The Chancel Guild met in the library on Tuesday, September 24th, at 4:00 p.m. Janis Kish opened the meeting with the following members in attendance: Kimberly Asbell, Ann Beason, Jan Carnes, Maranah Sauter, and Mary Ann Rasmussen (absent Kim Crawford, Janet Clark, and Cathy Schirra)
The tentative calendar for next year was reviewed. Members should let Jan know if there are any conflicts with scheduling. The final schedule will be sent to members in December. Also, members are needed to cover the columbarium during the year. Kimberly Asbell volunteered to cover the April – June slot for 2025. Jan Carnes will contact Nancy Sheppard to see if she wants to volunteer again. Janis Kish and Maranah Sauter also volunteered to help. Check with members to see if they have potted plants that can be used in the columbarium (ferns, peace lilies, etc.) if flowers are not requested.
Items discussed on the agenda:
• Plants can be used on the Reredos. Be sure to use a plant that “fits” the space and is not too small. It is very important that the calendar board next to the office is checked to make sure that requests from the members of the congregation are honored. Also be sure that on special Sundays (Pentecost, Palm Sunday, Easter, Advent, and World Communion) flowers are used.
• One can order flowers from any florist, but be sure to have them invoice the church or bring your receipts for reimbursement.
• Mary Ann Rasmussen reminded members that oasis is dangerous to the environment. Try to use as little as possible. May try the plastic honeycomb material, but this may not work with a larger arrangement.
• Be sure to have Guild members do the flowers. If one cannot do flowers on their appointed Sunday, please ask a Guild member to switch dates with you to do the flowers. Avoid, if possible, having a florist doing the flowers on Sundays.
• For the last few years concerns were expressed about Chancel members working alone in the church. If you would like to have someone to be with you and help you, please contact a fellow member of the Guild to work with you. You can also text someone when you are working alone in the church and let them know when you finish.
• New members are needed. We currently have 9 members on the Guild. We would like to have 12 members. Sarah Pelham has expressed interest in joining the Guild. Members were encouraged to ask people to join the Guild.
• The Conine Society event will be on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. We were asked to do the flowers. The event may be held outside. If this is the case, we may use potted plants on
the tables. Three people are needed to do the flowers. Janis will contact people to work on this with her.
• A member asked if the Guild is responsible for “cleaning up” the flowers after a wedding? If a florist does the arrangements the Guild members will need to check to see if they removed the flowers. If not, the Guild members will need to remove the flowers.
• Janis suggested that we get together as a group and go out to eat or attend an event during the year. Maranah will see about having a workshop at Hills and Dales that will include the public and other church groups. FPC could host the event.
• Janis Kish worked on cleaning up the workroom. Many items were removed to the 3rd floor store room and the workspace was cleaned.
o Be sure that if you order oasis to order the smaller box – 52 bars can fit under the cabinet.
o Be sure to leave the counter clean.
o Wash buckets (many were dirty and had to be washed out).
o Any and all equipment needs to be removed or placed in its proper spot.
o Can communion prep be moved to another location? This is being addressed through the staff and Worship Council.
• The planning session for Advent will be held on November 19, 2024, at 4 p.m., Tuesday, in the library. We will work on Advent decorations on November 30 (Advent starts December 1).
The meeting dismissed at 5:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jan Carnes
FPC Montessori Board Meeting Meeting September 17, 2024
Present: Natalie Doeer, Kristin Kirby, Sarah Peterson, Beth Hudson, Michael Holle, Kate Updegrove, Chap Hines; James Goodlet attended the later part of the meeting Chap led the devotion Kristin reviewed the financials and led her agenda as follows:
1. 2-day program is off to a great start (12 students)
2. Upcoming dates (September/October)
a. September 20 Gardening program begins with Love + Land
b. September 25th PTO 12:00
c. October 4/7/8 Fall Break
d. October 3rd 10-12 Oakhurst Field Trip
e. October 31st PJ Day and Mama Jama
3. November happenings
a. Thanksgiving Soup/Planning on asking to partner again to have soup prepared by our school and used for the Thursday meal program
b. Book Fair
i. Natalie and Chap agreed to help with the book fair for the Wednesday night programming on 11/20
c. Night of Thanksgiving November 21 from 6-7:30
i. Children will sing
ii. Have a free craft option
iii. Feel free to come out and see the event
4. December happenings
a. Christmas program 12/19/24
5. Current numbers: 88.68% enrollment currently (we do have a family that should begin this week once their move is finalized that will add one more to red room and one more to our two day program) – we currently have 74 students
a. Primary rooms:
i. Red – 19 (about to be 20 when new child moves to town)
ii. Blue – 19
b. Toddler rooms
i. Yellow (5 day) - 12
ii. Green (3 day) – 12
iii. Green (2 day) – 12
c. Added several to the waitlist from the FBC daycare closure
6. Taste of the Town
a. Kristin was asked by Jr. Service League to set up a table – will be October 12 and has had great success with enrollment from this event in the past
7. Read Learn Grow
a. Kristin plans on volunteering again this year
8. Discussed First Baptist daycare closing
a. Third floor of the Gallant Building will not work because of the only exist being all the way down on the bottom floor and it is only cleared for 5 year old + to be up there
9. Kristin has purchased Sophie’s Montessori certification program
10. Kristin will purchase the sink for the music room/new toddler room in October.
a. We have approval from the Church to remove the stall
11. Kristin, Natalie and Michael will meet with Finance Committee again to try to get clarification on what is covered in rent and what responsibilities Montessori has for church building repairs
a. It was discussed that entering into a formal lease might be the best way to formalize this agreement
b. Spurred on by $900 water heater repair that Montessori was asked to pay. Typically this would be a landlord cost.
Next meeting is October 15, 2024 at 2:30
Respectfully submitted – Beth Hudson
FPC Montessori Board Meeting
Meeting September 15, 2024 2:30
Present: Natalie Doeer, Kristin Kirby, Sarah Peterson, James Goodlet, Kate Updegrove, Chap Hines, Michael Holle, Beth Hudson
- Kristin led the devotion
- Michael reviewed the financials
- Kristin led her agenda as follows:
1. Current Numbers:
a. Primary room
i. Red-19
ii. Blue- 19
b. Toddler rooms
i. Yellow (5 day) - 12
ii. Green (3 day) - 12
iii. Green (2 day) - 12
c. Early stay ranges on average from 8-14 paying children (drop-in program)
d. Lunch and Learn varies daily as it is a drop-in program (6-7 children on average)
e. PreK extended day - 17
f. Kindergarten extended day - 5
2. October happenings:
a. Taste of the Town-got the name out and handed out lots of materials
b. Field Trip Oakhurst Farm was fun
c. Spirit Night – Your Pie Oct. 17th (5-8 PM)
d. Picture day to happen Oct. 23/24
e. PJ day and guest reader Oct. 31
3. November happenings:
a. Fall Into Literacy training provided by Get Troup Reading
b. Night of Thanksgiving November 21st
c. Friendship soup- November 21st (This is where the students prepare the soup that will be shared for the Thursday lunch program)
4. December happenings:
a. Christmas program December 19th
b. We typically have no official board meeting in December but attend the FPC Montessori Christmas party
i. The party has been scheduled for 12/13/24 at C’sons
5. Staff Reviews are underway
a. There is an observation grid from the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector
6. Accreditation Visitors to happen January 14th
a. Will have to pay mileage and visit payment
b. This will be our third and final visit needed for a while. The program is designed to provide a visit once a year for the first three years. After this we will only require a visit once every 3-5 years.
7. Accreditation vs Licensure
a. As of October 1st , there have been exemption and rule changes
b. FPC Montessori had to take 2 different self-assessments to make sure our programs were in fact operating as we originally planned when applying for the exemptions.
c. Now the exemptions that we did have do not matter.
i. Best way to explain this is, by starting the accreditation process when we did, we saved ourselves a lot of trouble now.
d. The biggest thing that works in our favor is, now programs that are providing short term care (no more than four hours a day) for children of ANY age do not require exemption or a license from my understanding
i. This helps with toddler 3-day compared to 5-day
ii. This helps to be able to open an infant room if we can find the space and personnel
8. At Taste of the Town Kristin spoke with someone from the Charter Foundation. They have actually taken a tour recently for their child to attend our pre-k program next year. Kristin was able to give a run-down of how beneficial the grant money was! They were well pleased to hear it.
9. Financial assistance needed – Kristin presented the application
a. Natalie made a motion; Michael made a second motion and all agreed to allow 30% off the applicant family’s tuition
- Next meeting is November 19, 2024 at 2:30 PM
Respectfully submitted –
Beth Hudson
FirstPresbyterianChurchLaGrange
MissionCouncilSeptember16th2024MeetingMinutes
FiveYearGoals
1.CommunicateaboutTolbertCommunityGrantrecipientstothecongregationtwiceayear.
2.Sharefollow-upsonthegrantrecipientsquarterlyandincludeanopportunityforindividuals tocontributetothegrantfunds.
3.IncreaseDayofServicetotwiceayear.
4.Trackvolunteersandincreasenewvolunteersby3%annuallyforthenextfiveyears.
5.Increasecongregationparticipationinmissionandvolunteeringto90%.
ChairmanJulePattoncalledthemeetingtoorder
Present:JuliePatton,AdrienneHardy,SharonBower,AnnaKnight,RussDavidson
Absent:PaulaThurman,JudNewman,RichardHarless,
Devotional – SharonBower
ApprovalofAugustMinutesandFinancials –Motionwasmade,seconded,andreceiveda unanimousvoteofapprovaltoaccepttheAugustMinutesandAugustFinancials.
MissionAreas:
DeCelleMinistry –NoReport
BertaWeathersbeeElementary –NoReport
ThursdayLunchProgram
–Juliereportedonanincidentinwhichaguestbecame hostile,thus,askedtoleavethefellowshiphall.Hasnotreturned.
TolbertCommunityGrants –Richarddidapressrelease,isreceivingapplications, andwillpresenttotheMissionCouncilfollowingtheapplicationdeadline.
CampViola-Noreport
WellstarMobileMarket –October5
JuliereportedthattheOctoberflyerswillbedistributedtoMealsonWheelsclients. JulieandAnnawillsplitThursdaySeptember28thcalls.Richardwilltakeregistrant callsonFriday,September27th.JuliewillreachouttoPaulaaboutpossiblytaking callsifneededonSaturday,September28th.RichardtobeWellstarcontactpersonfor Octobermarket.Annawillunlockthebathrooms.
DayofService-8/24/24-Day(morning)ofServicewasabigsuccesswith49filled volunteerslots.Volunteeropportunitiesincluded1)BuildaBeddelivery2)organizing JabaleyClothingCloset3)packingSnackSacks4)packinghygienekits5)deep cleaningthekitchen,and6)paintingtheBranchesofHopeHomelessShelter.
OldBusiness
JuliepresentedtheMissionCommitteeFinancial2025proposaltotheFinancial Committeeforconsideration.ResponsefromtheFinancialcommitteeshouldbein November.
NewBusiness
NextMeeting:October21st5:30pm
OctoberDevotional:RussDavidson
First Presbyterian Church LaGrange
Mission Council Minutes
October 21, 2024
Present – Adrienne Hardy, Sharon Bower, Russ Davidson, Julie Patton, James Goodlet, Richard Harless (joined on phone).
Absent – Anna Knight, Jud Newman
Julie Patton called the meeting to order.
Russ Davidson gave the devotional on “God Can”.
Minutes and financials were approved.
Mission Areas:
DeCelle Ministry – Paula reported that there were no new issues and that all was well.
Berta Weathersbee Elementary – Sharon and Paula reported that Brittany Pierce (counselor) had contacted Margaret Goodlet to let her know that Berta would participate in the Tinsel Trail again this year. Paula and Pat Priebe delivered crocheted hats and scarves to the school for the students in need.
Thursday Lunch Program – Julie and Richard said that there had been an $8000.00 donation to the program so that it could operate as usual for the remainder of the year.
Tolbert Community Grants - Grant applications will be discussed and decided with recommendations from the committee tonight. We will also discuss the possibility of changing the grant process to annual applications as opposed to the current twice a year. We will table this until after the budget process is complete. The following organizations are the ones that the Mission Council recommended as approved for grants:
Biblical History Center-$1,000
Ujima Tribe Inc.-$1,000
Feeding the Valley Inc.-$2,000
Circles of Troup County-$1,000
Camp Viola – No report
Day of Service – Julie Patton reported that there were 49 volunteers, and that the day went smoothly. We will look at dates early in 2025 for two days of service for the coming year,
Wellstar Mobile Market – There were some glitches in the sign-up process, but the market went well. Wellstar gave out t-shirts to the volunteers from First Presbyterian.
New Business – Mission Council rotating off are Jud Newman, Russ Davidson, and Richard Harless. Jim Harrelson has requested to be on the Mission Council. We tabled any further discussion about new members until we see which Elders and Deacons will be assigned to the council. Julie and James asked both Richard and Jud to type up a list of duties and responsibilities for the Tolbert Gants and for Camp Viola so that the new member taking over their jobs will have a detailed list of expectations.
Mission Council is serving Wednesday Night Dinner
Next Meeting – November 11th (please note change)
Devotional – Paula Thurman
Personnel Council Meeting Minutes
September 3, 2024
First Presbyterian Church, Lagrange GA.
Members Present: Anne Bottenfield, Stuart Countess, Sue Duttera, James Goodlet, Kip Johnson, Cacky McKenzie, Brian Patton, Todd Simpson, Lacy Tumambing, Luke Scanlon
• The meeting was opened with a devotional and prayer provided by Cacky McKenzie.
• The minutes of the August 5, 2024 meeting were reviewed and approved.
• Rev. James Goodlet provided the Staff Report with no specific concerns noted and that everyone is doing well.
2025 Personnel Council Goals Update
• Rev, Goodlet advised that the updated Personnel Policy Manual was emailed to the council on September 3. The following items were reviewed and amended as deemed necessary by the council (specific approved amendments are now included in the Handbook and policies):
o Policy Manual and Handbook which includes job descriptions will be maintained as separate documents. The Handbook is to be reviewed and amended as necessary on at least an annual basis, and shall remained aligned with the Policy Manual.
o Section 71.70 for the evaluation process was amended to adjust job title(s).
o Section 71.40 addressing authorized travel reimbursement was amended for clarification.
o The council voted and approved the Policy Manual and Handbook as amended. These documents will now be presented to the Session on September 15, 2024 for their review and approval.
2025 Personnel Budget Review and Submission
• Rev. Goodlet provided his thoughts on the potential hiring timing of our new pastor to include in the council’s final consideration for our 2025 Budget. James then excused himself from the meeting, and the council finalized our budget request. The request was approved by the council for submission.
The meeting was closed with a prayer.
Next Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, 2024.