Opening Prayer and Devotions: Cathy Rinehart

Roll Call:

• Pastor James G. Bell
• Associate Pastor Vickie Kintzel
• Class of 2004: Barb Lemmon, Becky Mentzer, Steve Miller, Jay Reece, Cathy Rinehart
• Youth Elder: Jeremy Brewer (excused)
• Class of 2005: Steve Barwick, John Crew, Ginny Nappi, Jerry Parsons, Mons Schrantz
• Class of 2006: Bob Hunt, Dave Seyller, Faith TenHaken, Terry Tosh, E'Lane Tufts
• Clerk Margaret Wolf

A motion was made and seconded to excuse noted members. Carried.

Treasurer's Report:
March 31, 2004 balance: $45,487.82
Mons Schrantz moved the treasurer's report be accepted. Seconded by John Crew and carried.

Jon Thetard, treasurer, introduced Brad McCannon, Springfield, Mo., who presented a loan option for the church building project. He represented Rives Leavell & Co. of Jackson, Miss. (First Presbyterian also has a loan plan proposal from Union Planters.) Much discussion followed. Rev. Bell asked members to study the offer. A decision will be made at a special session meeting on May 12 at 7:30 p.m. This follows the 6:30 p.m. meeting with the confirmation class.

Pastor's Report:

• Presented the 2004 Boys & Girls Club Partner Award to the church ($15,000 was given via the Mission Committee).
• Announced the August 11 Easter Seals Breakfast meeting at the Interstate Center.
• Announced the Local Pastor's Association will build a Habitat for Humanity House.
• Appointed Mons Schrantz as the go between of the church and builders/architects. (Walls will be broken into the main church building on May 1 or so.)
• Mons volunteered to attend the May 25 presbytery meeting at First Presbyterian in Springfield.

Associate Pastor's Report:

• Noted there are currently 82 "inactive" members. Passed a list of names asking elders to help some of them.
• Twenty four spring baskets were delivered to shut-ins.
• Thanked the congregation for all of the support during her eye surgery and healing.

Clerk's Report:

• Margaret made motion to accept her report. Seconded and passed.
• Approval of minutes of March 28, 2004 stated meeting
• Record of serving Holy Communion:
  • Maundy Thursday, April 8, 2004
  • Easter Sunday, April 11, 2004
• Record of baptisms: 0
• Communications: Board of Pensions Benefits Plan changes effective August 1, 2004
• Changes in Roll: Add one (Ralph Rodriguez). Current active membership: 507
• The following committees reported since the last session meeting: (Minutes received to date are in bold.)
  • Christian Education, April 7
    • Christian Education, Children's Ministries
    • Adult Education, April 23
  • Worship, March 17
  • Health Ministries, March 16
  • Personnel, March 10
  • Property, March 9 and April 13
  • Mission, April 14
  • Stewardship, April 14
  • First Peacemakers, April 25
  • Congregational Life
  • Marketing
  • Building Task Force
  • Outreach, Gifts & Memorials and Worship committees did not meet in April

Session Agenda:

Old business:

• There is a special called meeting on May 12 at 6:30 for communicants
• Explanation of Gifts & Memorials "Wish List" due May 18 to Margaret Wolf

New business:

• New member class wrap-up on Sunday night, May 2 at 7:30 p.m.
• Willow Creek Conference on May 19-21. Jim Bell invited anyone who wished to attend.
• Barb Lemmon asked for housing for the June 10 concert participants.
• The week of June 7 is a Conflict Management School. Jim Bell will attend.
• Barb Lemmon outlined some questions elders might ask the members of the communicants' class on May 12:
  • Discuss their faith statements (will be in mail boxes ahead of time)
  • Ask about their Timothy Tasks
  • Ask what part of the church they would like to serve or participate in
  • Bring your own life purpose statement for reference
• Kelley Marion has started her job as children's Christian education director.

Motion was made and seconded that the meeting be adjourned.

Rev. Bell closed the meeting with prayer.

The next regular session meeting will be Wednesday, May 26, which will be a presbytery review. Jim Bell will be taken out to eat. The session will then meet with the review triune. Devotions will be led by Barb Lemmon.

Dates:

• May 30, 2004, Pentecost Sunday
• July 18-22, 2004, vacation Bible school
• From March 28 study session, Writing Your Life Purpose Statement. NOTE: Elders are to complete their statement and share them at the next study session on May 26.

_____________________
James G. Bell, Moderator

_____________________
Margaret Allen Wolf, Clerk