Roll Call:

• Pastor James G. Bell
• Class of 2004: Becky Mentzer, Steve Miller, Jay Reece
• Youth Elder: Jeremy Brewer
• Class of 2005: Steve Barwick, John Crew, Ginny Nappi, Jerry Parsons, Mons Schrantz, Kathy Tosh
• Class of 2006: Bob Hunt, Dave Seyller, Faith TenHaken (excused), Terry Tosh, E'Lane Tufts
• Class of 2007: Jim Bouas, Judy Lindsay, Cathy Rinehart, John Tuttle and Lloyd Wiesemann
• Clerk Margaret Wolf

Pastor Bell called the meeting to order. Devotions and the opening prayer were led by Steve Miller.

There was acceptance of roll call, regretting the absence of Faith TenHaken.

The agenda was altered to welcome two members of the Personnel Committee: Kurt Swearingen and Eldon Brewer. These gentlemen, along with Personnel Chair Dave Seyller, reported the resignation of Josh Clemons, Youth Director, effective Oct. 31.

After much discussion, Mons moved to hire Kelley Marion as an Interim Director of Youth Ministries with a combined job salary of $_____, which would move to $____ if the position becomes permanent. Kelley Marion's job as Director of Children's Ministries will not be changed if she does not continue with the youth ministry job in the future. Cathy seconded the motion. (Note: For specific salary amounts, members may see the clerk of session.) Motion carried. At the end of the school year, Personnel will come back to the session with a recommendation to either continue or discontinue the Children's Ministries and the Director of Youth Ministries as one position.

Pastor's Report

• Member Edward Anderson died Oct. 25, 2004. A memorial service will be at our church on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2:00 p.m.
• There will be a meeting of jr. high parents on Monday evening, Nov. 1. It is proposed to separate 6th graders into a separate Sunday school class.
• Elaine Holthe has sent a letter asking to open a preschool for 2-year-olds in the fall of 2005. There would be a two hour class on Tues. and Thurs. mornings. Costs would be covered by tuition. Jay Reece made a motion, seconded by Steve Miller that we grant this opportunity to Playmates Preschool. Carried.
• The presbytery has voted to give the go-ahead to hire a new designated co-pastor.
• November 14, 9:35 a.m. was set for a congregational meeting. The purpose will be twofold: 1.) election of a nominating committee to search for a designated co-pastor. 2.) election of a church treasurer. The session accepted with regret and gratitude the resignation of Jon Thetard. Lynn Litwiller is the new candidate. Transition would be Jan. 1, 2005.
• Pastor Bell read a letter from BroMenn Health Care inviting our church to continue with representatives on their "Church Advisory Board." Dottie and Jack Peterson have been attending these meetings. The reps are to be a pastor and a lay person. The session came to the consensus that our church should continue to be represented. Clerk's note: Added: Cathy Rinehart has volunteered to be the lay rep.
• Pastor Jim will attend a pre-retirement meeting in Effingham on Nov. 9-10. He'll also attend a pastor appreciation event in Salt Lake City over Memorial Day, 2005.
• The Stewardship Sunday Oct.24 was a success ... a thank you to Chair, Steve Miller, and his committee (Dale Arbour, Barb Lemmon, Judy Lindsay, Avana Nice, Katherine Stelle, Sandy Theile, Rockie Ziegler). Please turn in your pledge cards.
• Building new addition: Mons reported a goal of Jan.-Feb. even though the contractors say they'll be done by Christmas.

Treasurer's Report: Balance: $38,546.25. Becky made a motion the report be accepted. Second by Jerry. Motion carried.

Clerk's Report:

• Approval of Corrected Minutes of Sept. 22, 2004 (Steve Miller was excused.)
• Approval of Minutes of Oct. 17 Meeting for Accepting New Members
• Record of Serving Holy Communion — Sunday, October 3, Home Communion Oct. 5 — Bob Briggs by E'Lane Tufts and Steve Miller
• Record of Baptisms, 5: Lindsey Amelia Fehrman, Edith Joan Klinger — new member, Pamela Janee Beach — new member, Lexi Danielle Beach and Taylor Lynn Beach — both children of Pam and Jeff Beach
• Record of New Members — 12 See Oct. 17 session minutes for names.
• Record of Deaths — 2 Ruth Schmidt (May 9, 1915-October 1, 2004), Ed Anderson ( Death date: October 25, 2004)
• Current Active Membership — 529
• Communications — Invitation to all for PRESBYTERY of GREAT RIVERS Third Annual Conference. Peoria, IL Nov. 12-13, 2004

Clerk's Consent Agenda — Accepted.

• Minutes of the following committees as posted:
  Congregational Life — August 4, Sept. 4; Oct.6; Marketing — Sept. 22; Christian Ed — Oct. 6; Children's Ministries — Oct. 6; Adult Christian Ed — Oct. 6; First Peacemakers — Oct. 10; Membership — Oct. 11; Property — Oct. 12; Small Groups — Oct. 20.; Health Ministries — Sept. 21; Worship — Oct. 6; Mission, Oct. 13; Stewardship, Oct. 6.

Margaret made a motion her Clerk's Report be accepted, seconded by Jerry. Carried.

Session Consent Agenda

Old Business: Action on report from presbytery was noted in Pastor's Report above.

New Business:

• From Christian Ed Committee Minutes: Designation of Noisy Offerings: October will be given to UNICEF; January to HEIFER; May to School Supplies; July to Middle School Assistance Fund.
• The next two session meeting dates will be changed because of holidays. They are: November 17 and Dec. 15 (third Wednesdays rather than the 4th).
• Bob Hunt will lead devotions in November.
• Next Baptism — Nov. 28.

Jim Bell asked for Joys and Concerns and closed the meeting with prayer. Adjourned.

Dates:
November 17 will be a study session: "Describe Ways You Belong to This Congregation in "Any of its Aspects." Text: The Search to Belong (Myers)

Respectfully submitted,

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James G. Bell, Moderator

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Margaret Allen Wolf, Clerk