BMPC

Session Notes

by Paul Bergsteinsson

Clerk of Session

In response to suggestions from members, we now provide periodic updates on the work of Session. These “Session Notes” give quick summaries of the business that is conducted at Session meetings. The Session, which is the principal governing body of the church, meets monthly from September through June or July of each program year and also holds special meetings from time to time.

December 2008

The Session held its monthly meeting on Tuesday evening, December 9, 2008, moderated by Pastor – Head of Staff, Dr. Wesley Avram. This first segment of this meeting was a joint meeting with the Board of Trustees. The second segment of the meeting covered regular monthly reports as well as several new and continuing business items.

Joint Meeting with Trustees

The Session typically meets jointly with the Board of Trustees at least once each year. This joint meeting included several reports by Trustees as well as an extended discussion of the budget outlook for 2009.

Treasurer Bill Thorkelson reported that financial results through November show a continuing pattern of lagging receipts and that there remains a high likelihood of a substantial deficit in the church operating budget for 2008. Trustee John Schneider, reporting for the BMPC Foundation, indicated that Foundation assets had declined year-to-date by 25 percent, with results in line with that of institutions with similarly diversified portfolios.

Trustee Bill Black reported for the Property Committee with respect to ongoing efforts to evaluate and plan for needed maintenance and upkeep of church facilities, including replacement and/or refurbishment of the church heating system.

Elder Mark Hess, Chair of the Stewardship Committee, gave an update on 2009 stewardship campaign results, indicating additional work remains and that amounts pledged so far this year are 12 percent below that pledged at the same time one year ago.

The largest item on the agenda for the joint meeting was an extended discussion of the church operating budget for 2009. Finalizing a budget for 2009 will occur after the completion of the stewardship campaign and following a careful look at actual 2008 results. Estimates with respect to 2009 were regarded to be preliminary and subject to change. Taking into account estimates on stewardship and other gifts, general economic conditions, and the contribution that the Foundation will be able to make to the church operating budget, Trustee President Scott Renninger indicated that the 2009 church operating budget would need to be significantly lower than in 2008. Without special fund raising efforts during 2009, the required year-to-year decline in total expenditures could be in the area of 15 percent. There was discussion regarding the need to reduce expenditures across the board, noting also that work already begun to reduce spending must continue.

Both Session and Trustees voted affirmatively and unanimously on a resolution related to formulation of the 2009 budget. This resolution endorsed a conservative approach in line with the general direction presented by Trustees and directed that Session and Trustees continue to work with deliberate speed to finalize a 2009 budget.

Dr. Avram spoke to both Session and Trustees regarding the challenges ahead, noting that we must face these head-on, and need to focus cooperatively on ministries that matter most as we work to live within our means while challenging all to participate and serve in the life of the church. He spoke of his longer term visions for the church and of the need that we be open, as opportunities arise, to invest in the future.

Following these financial discussions and before closing ending the joint meeting, Dr. Avram noted that Debra Sutton was completing her interim pastoral assignment at BMPC in December. A sincere thank you was extended to her on behalf of the Session and Trustees for her many contributions during her time with us.

Regular Meeting

In conducting ongoing business, Session received a report on proposed 2009 Youth trips from Elder David Callans and Youth Activity Director Lindsey Evans. Session approved this plan, which includes an international mission trip.

A four elder team reported on discussions it had held with a church member interested in enrolling in the Commissioned Lay Pastor program conducted through the Presbytery of Philadelphia. Session voted unanimously to endorse the effort of this church member as she applies to this program.

Session reviewed items related to its own spending, approving a contribution to the Covenant Network of $5,000. This amount is one half of what had been given in prior years, with the reduction reflecting current budget pressures. The Moderator was asked to reach out to a few members of the congregation who might be in a position to provide a special gift to allow us to meet our desired $10,000 contribution. The Session also voted to defer payment of the final installment of a five year pledge made by the church to the Bryn Mawr Film Institute in 2003.

Session approved a plan, as yet not fully finalized, that a worship service be held on January 11^th at which baptisms will be reaffirmed. Elders were invited to participate in completing a segment of the 2009 Lenten Devotional Book. Speaking for the Congregational Discernment Task Force, Elder Nancy Page indicated that it was nearing completion of a recommendation regarding a broad church study and congregational development effort.

Dr. Avram provided reflections on his recent and immediate priorities and spoke to the many programs and activities during Advent. He noted that a high priority was being given to the search for a new Executive Director of Operations and said that good progress was being made in that search.

If you have questions regarding the work of Session, please contact Dr. Avram or Paul Bergsteinsson (bergies@comcast.net).

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