First Presbyterian Church

860.246.2224       136 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106     E-mail Us    

July-Aug 09

April 2010

Sept. 09

May 11, 2010

Oct 09

June 2010

Dec.09

July 2010

Jan. 2010

Feb. 2010

March 2010

Session Highlights

      The Session of First Presbyterian Church meets monthly and acts as the Board of directors of the church and are charged with managing all of the affairs of the church on behalf of the congregation.  In addition, it makes decisions regarding the church’s affairs and it is their duty to communicate those decisions to the congregation.  In keeping the communication open, the monthly newsletter and e-news will also contain highlights from the Session meetings as they happen.  

July Session/ Planning Highlights

At its regular meeting on July 13, 2010, the session appointed three task forces to investigate three different alternative futures for the church. These are not proposals or recommendations, but areas for further study. The task forces are charged with gathering objective information on each of these alternatives (how it furthers our mission and purpose, how it affects our membership, and what are the financial implications) and report back to the session in September.  The alternatives, with the convener of each, are:

A. Sell the building and move to a smaller space; Mildred McNeill, convener.                          

B. Collaborate with The Bushnell (or a state agency); Tom McNeill, convener.

C. Partner with the United Methodist Church and Immanuel Congregational Church (both on Farmington Ave. in the West End of Hartford); Ben Klein, convener.

 If you would like more information or would like to help, please contact the convener of the group; Holly Billings, session clerk; or Russ, interim pastor.   

Session Notes  (continued)

 As the Session begins consideration of several possible alternative futures for our congregation, it is also trying to formulate a Statement of Purpose that will help focus our ministries and assist in evaluating the alternatives. Below are two proposed statements that have emerged from our work.

 The purpose of the First Presbyterian Church of Hartford is:

 A. To study, serve, and worship the Lord with the Holy Spirit as our guide.

 B. To educate, encourage, and empower those who seek to be followers of Jesus Christ.

We would appreciate your comments, suggestions, and amendments.

Committee Structure and Election of Chairs

Elected Clerk of Session: Holly Billings.  President of Trustees: Robert (Rusty) Spears, Jr.  Investment Committee:  Current Chair Tom McNeill and President of Trustees Rusty Spears will decide on the person to fill vacancy.

The committee structure today has Parish Stewardship, including Personnel; Parish Education; Parish Life; Parish Outreach; Worship Team, and  Nominating Committee. 

A special Planning Task Force was also established.  The goals of the revised structure are: (1) better coordination among the committees and sub-committees and (2) more involvement of the congregation.  A secondary result may be the number of programs more reflective of the size of our church.

The new committee structure and chairs were approved by Session:

·        Administration: Chair Rusty Spears.   Finance, including Budget, Audit and Investments, Property Management, Annual Stewardship Campaign.   Session members: Mildred McNeill

·        Outreach: Chair Shirley Dudley.  Benevolences, including coordinating with Deacon’s benevolences, Contact with Community Organizations, including Hands on Hartford, ICEJ, Presbyterian Promise, etc., Special Offerings or Projects. Session members: Julius Aboagye, Gladys Wiafe. Juliana Mantey has agreed  to serve in leadership capacity as At Large member

·        Parish Life: Co-Chairs Lois Maxwell and Jane Murray.  Education, including Youth, Adult and Library, Fellowship, including Coffee Hours and all Meals (brunches, suppers, etc.), Worship, including Music, Coordination with Deacons’ concerns and visitations, Annual Review of membership rolls.  Session members: Robin Herrera

·        Nominating Committee: Chair Mildred McNeill.  Nominates members to serve as Deacon, Elder, Nominating Committee, Auditor, and Treasurer.  Session member: Yaa Okoampa-Sykes

·        Personnel: Chair Holly Billings.  Reviews and updates position descriptions and recommends salary changes, Conducts annual performance reviews, Mediates any disputes.  Other committee members: Rusty Spears (Session), Gretchen Fuchs, Keith Rhoden, Alice Evans.

·        Planning Task Force: Gather information from Revitalization and the congregational meetings, Clarify the issues to be addressed, Research and present alternatives to the session for discussion and implementation.  Task Force members are Shirley Dudley, Lois Maxwell, Sue Corrigan, Holly Billings.  Others from the congregation to be asked are Tom McNeill, Ben Klein, Jasen Lambright as well as an open invitation will be expressed to the congregation.

Interim Pastor Discussion

Pastor Feroe’s contract expires July 31, 2010.  Session is in the midst of reviewing the contract and determining any changes required.

Next Steps for the Church

Session is in the midst of creating our church’s Statement of Purpose,   which is an action statement of who we are as a church as well as what we’re not.  It is typically no more than six words.   Session agreed to explore and be open to ideas for possible alternatives for the church.

Regular Session Business

Installation / Ordination of Officers was held on Sunday, May 9, 2010 with Rev Russ Feroe officiating.  Lois Maxwell, Shirley Dudley and Robert Spears were installed as elders for 2010 – 2013.  Akosua Ware was ordained and installed as Deacon for 2010 – 2013.  Amanda Eldridge and Lianne Doherty were installed as deacons for 2010 – 2013.

April 2010 Treasurer Report and balance sheet received.  We further discussed the need to have Committee Chairs fully understand all programs under their responsibility and sign off on all requests for reimbursements.

 Joint officer training with Westminster (elders and deacons) on Saturday, June 12th from 9 – 3 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 679 Farmington Ave., West Hartford , CT.

Next regular Session meeting on Tuesday, June 8 at 7:00 with Executive Presbyter Dana Lindsley and Committee on Ministry Representative Tom Speers attending.

April Meeting Highlights From The Clerk

Baptism was held during worship on Sunday, March 21, 2010 for the children of member Adu Amankwah and wife Jenilee (Pedres) Amankwah.

Communications:

• Thank you note from Presbyterian promise for our $100 contribution
• Thank you note from Hands On Hartford for our monthly $1,000 as well as the 1,400 lbs. of food from the annual Souper Bowl food driver.
• More Light Presbyterians – sent top 10 ways in 2010 to make a difference in your church & Presbytery

Parish Life Highlights

• Palm Sunday Breakfast held on March 29 before worship at the church
• Next planned event is movie night on Saturday, April 24^th at the church

Stewardship and Financial Highlights

• Sam Hamilton reported that Revenue and Expenses are tracking as expected, which means that we are heading toward the -$76,000 deficit that was budgeted.  Consequently, a motion was made and APPROVED to increase the withdrawal from investment fund up to $10,000 per month starting in May 2010 until Stewardship recommends and Session acts upon a deficit reduction plan or other mitigation occurs.  A strong appeal will be made to the congregation at the congregational meeting on April 25^th regarding the financial outlook of the church at this point in time.
• Motion made and APPROVED to accept the recommendation of law firm representing an estate trust regarding disbursement to First Presbyterian Church, who is a beneficiary.
• Grooming / planting to be handled by John DuPont and donated outside service and request donations of plants / money by congregation
• Windows are not closing properly and doing temporary fix for now though potential cost could be $20,000 - $30,000

Other Business

• Motion made and APPROVED to bring to the congregation an amendment in the by-laws to change the size of active elders to 9.  Congregation will be asked to approve at the April 25^th Congregational Meeting.
• May 9^th at 9:30 AM has been set for the examination of new elders and deacons for Session to approve ordination
• Joint officer training with Westminster Presbyterian Church set for Saturday, June 12^th 9:00 – 3:00 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in West Hartford.  All newly elected officers are requested to attend as well as existing officers

Pastor’s Report

• Meetings continue with Westminster to discuss what gifts (resources) we each have and possible share with each other to enrich our mutual ministries or to begin new ones.  Please note that these discussions are not to talk about a possible merger.
• In addition, we will bring on new Session members in the month of May and create a new committees and chairs to lead those committees, including a Planning Task Force.
• The next 4 – 5 months will be critical as we complete our statement of purpose as a church, discuss alternative visions of the church and finalize the interim pastor contract. 

 March

MARCH 9, 2010 SESSION MEETING

News from the Clerk

• Review of the Roll: Inactive letters were sent in February 2010 to the 19 individuals that were previously approved by Session at our December 2009 meeting
• Session Annual Statistical Report: Motion made and APPROVED to accept the 2009 Annual Statistical Report that was e-mailed to Presbytery office in February.
• Thank you from The Board of Pensions for our Christmas Joy Offering support, which goes towards Urgent Financial Needs of Church Workers, Retired Church Workers and Vocational Leadership Needs of Pastors.  The 2009 Grant Awards totaled $6.1 million.
• Attention Committee Chairs: please return Annual Reports to church office by Thursday, March 25, 2010
• Motion made and APPROVED to hold the Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday, April 25^th.  The main purpose will be to receive the committee reports and to hear nominations for officers.

Pastor’s Report

• Russ met with Jenilee (Pedres) Amankwah and member Adu Amankwah regarding their request for Baptism for their three children: Afua Felisa Pedres, born July 23, 2004; Abena Korantemaa Pedres, born June 12, 2007; and Kofi Adu Tutu, born October 2, 2009.  Motion made and APPROVED to baptize Afua, Abena and Kofi on Sunday, March 21, 2010 during worship.
• Russ, Lois Maxwell and Shirley Dudley are continuing to meet with Westminster .  Joint officers training is scheduled for Saturday, June 12.
• A state employee from the Department of Education has requested use of the building for a prayer group, one day a week at noon.  She is a Protestant Christian.  They will use the sanctuary when it does not need to be heated.
• The Sexton has requested a simple form to be completed in advance for use of a room at the church to not only identify needs but also to know dates for set-up.

Parking Lot Agreement with The Bushnell – Clarification

Our agreement, which charges the Bushnell $6,500 per year, allows the Bushnell to use 15 spaces in our lot for Monday through Friday from 7 AM – 6PM; Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday after 6 PM; and, Saturday afternoon and evening.  There are 18 spots in our parking lot, excluding those next to the sanctuary, which are reserved for the church all of the time.  Additionally, the Bushnell has an agreement with the state and pays rent for the surrounding state lots.  We have no agreement with the state on the use of these surrounding state lots.

Committee Highlights

Parish Outreach (Juliana Mantey – Chair)

• Peacemaking Offerings ($134) given to ICEJ (Interfaith Coalition for Equity and Justice) by Edwin Carty
• Authorized Julius Aboagye to contact the Rotary Club of Ghana while visiting to look into possible affiliation for the Ghana Project dollars
• Keith Rhoden, Jr. has graciously agreed to be the FPC Team Captain for the Walk Against Hunger on Sunday, May 2, 2010.

Stewardship and Financial Report (Sam Hamilton – Chair)

• Sam reported good news and bad news.  The good news is that Revenue and Expenses are tracking as expected, and that includes pledges are at or ahead of schedule.  The bad news is that we had a -$76,000 deficit.  Unless we receive an in flux of un-pledged giving, we will need to withdraw from our Foundation, beyond interest only as being done so far, beginning in June or July.
• To better track money in and out related to church activities / functions, all monies should flow through the treasurer.  This will allow the Session to see all revenue and expenses of the church.

Session Retreat

The second half of the meeting continued our discussion regarding the future direction of the church.  We discussed the results of the Session survey taken at the February 9, 2010 meeting.  Pastor handed out materials on The Great Ends of the Church for Elders to read to begin discussion on our Mission Statement.  Finally, we watched a video: Celebrating What’s Right with the World. 

 February

Session Highlights - February 9, 2010 Session Meeting. 

      Clerks Report

        Received Certificate of Transfer for Ruth Bergman from First Presbyterian Church in Iowa City, IA

        Thank you note from Plowshares Institute for our $110.00 gift and for supporting their vision of a more peaceful world community.

        Received request for Presbytery of SNE for our PCUSA pledge amount – will send on 2/10/10 and state it is $2,500.

      Pastor’s Report

      Rev Russ Feroe continues to meet with our community partners, including:   (a) Charter Oak Cultural Arts Center in ways to use our space for art

      display, (b) Hartford Symphony in using our space for rehearsals, and (c) Westminster Presbyterian Church to have joint officer training in May 2010

      and, on an informal basis, to talk about long-term vision of what it might mean for a Presbyterian presence in the greater Hartford area.  For the

      latter, a couple of members of the congregation from each church as well  as the pastors of each church and Rev John Merz will begin discussions

      soon.

      Committee Reports

        Parish Education: Chair Robin Herrera reported that attendance has been good for both the adult forum and Sunday School Parish Stewardship and Financial: Chair

        Samuel Hamilton reported that the books have been changed over to our new Church Windows Accounting System and both Parish Stewardship members as well as the

       Session will need to be educated on reading and understanding the reports.  Both income and expenses are tracking as expected; however, our two endowment

        funds incorrectly withdrew the monthly amount based on last year’s rate rather than the rate subscribed in 2010, which reflects interest only.   Correction will be made in

       future months to ensure we receive the proper  amounts. With respect to Heating Oil & Gas, we had a credit outstanding of $4,460 which we will use for future oil

      charges this winter.

      Other Business

        Russ noted that he has printed material and a DVD from the conference he  attended in late January in Boston regarding the Broad Street Ministries in Philadelphia.  It is

        led by Bill Golderer, who was a seminary intern at First Presbyterian Church back in the early 1990’s doing his field work.  Bill also volunteered to talk directly to our

       session about his experience. 

      Congregation:  Anyone remember Bill?  It can be such a small world and glad to see that someone in our midst is making a difference and spreading God’s word and love.

       Session was asked for feedback regarding our worship in Hodge Hall and it was noted close to 80 people attended on Sunday, February 7th.  One area of improvement

       was to cover the back of the piano for better acoustics.

      Congregation:  What are your thoughts?  Has worship in Hodge Hall brought closeness and energy to the service?  Is it a keeper?  Suggested changes? 

      See Worship Team (Alice Evans, Chair) for your ideas and comments.

        Session discussed the fact that we had removed the Pastor’s Contingency Fund from the 2010 Budget, which has resulted in no immediate place for

        the pastor to provide emergency funds for members in need.  Russ will talk to Keith Rhoden, moderator of the Deacons, to discuss having a

        separate fund within the Deacons for that purpose.

      Retreat

      At the conclusion of our business meeting, the Session continued discussions around our identity and future direction.  Rev Russ Feroe led  us through a quick true / false

      survey; the results will be discussed at a future meeting.  In addition, we talked about the Biblical Modes for the Church and where we fit: (1) Institution, (2) Community,

     (3) Prophet, (4) Servant and (5) Spiritual.  He asked us to think about “what story / what  image, biblical or otherwise, do you think of when you think of our

      church.  Time will be designated at future Session meetings to continue

      these discussions.

End of Highlights from Feb 2010 Session meeting.

 Session Highlights from January 2010

Clerk’s Report:  Received thank you note from Presbyterian Promise for our $100.00 gift.  Annual Statistical Report is being compiled

 Pastor’s Report – February Worship

Much discussion occurred regarding the energy and closeness felt at the December 27 service held in Hodge Hall due to the heat being off in the sanctuary and whether we should do that for the winter.  Motion made and APPROVED that we experiment with the four Sundays in February by having worship in Hodge Hall.  Pastor Feroe will explain the reasons (closeness, energy, receiving the spirit in different worship locations) on Sunday January 17 and 24 to the congregation and then we will request feedback on Sunday March 1.

 Stewardship & Financial Report

 Motion made and APPROVED to elect Tonya Spears as Treasurer Signatory

• Chair Samuel Hamilton reported that Revenue and Expenses tracked as expected through the end of the year, resulting in an approximate $40,000 surplus that will help us through 2010. 
• $7,500 was used to replace windows to help keep the heat in and the heating bills down.

Session Highlights from Tuesday, December 8, 2009

• Budget

-        As a Session, we have to look to take care of the church first and to look at the realities of where we are.

-        Pledge offering has increased 11% and we are thankful to the congregation for their continued support.

-        Revenue cannot be expected to keep up with expenditures and thus we have to deal with how we reduce our church outlay.  Each expenditure will pass a needs test – not good enough to say it’s in the budget.

-        We will limit the withdrawal from our two endowment accounts to interest only, which is anticipated to be 3%.

-        No increase in salaries / benefits, but also no reduction in number of staff or staff hours.

-        Reduction in all benevolences, including eliminating all but Per Capita, PCUSA Missions and Hands on Hartford. We will focus on what benevolences to support by requesting Parish Outreach and Deacons to combine their forces for selection of charities and collection for them.

-        Because we anticipate $42,000 of surplus at the end of 2009, our projected deficit will be over $34,000.  Without that surplus, the proposed budget would be a $76,000 deficit.

-        We restored $400 for Presbyterian Promise and $400 for Interfaith Coalition for Equity and Justice and moved them out of Benevolence and create a new category within Local Programs – Parish Outreach for membership / dues

-        We APPROVED the 2010 Budget and it was presented to the congregation on Sunday, December 13

• New Members

-        Ruth Bergman by letter of transfer and Ben Klein by profession of faith were received into membership on Sunday, November 29^th.

• Parish Outreach Highlights

-        $200 donated for the Ghana Project to Bright Star Vision (Marla Ludwig’s Backpacking Grandma organization

-        Edwin Carty will contact Presbyterian Church in Providence to help establish a contact with a church in Ghana as $640 remains to be donated

-        From Strawberry Festival funds, $1,250 donated to Adult Mission Trip and a mixer

• Parish Life Highlights

-        Reviewed present membership roll and suggested individuals to be placed on inactive roll.  It was APPROVED to place 19 members on inactive roll or inactive roll (non-resident). 

-        These individuals will remain members of the church as inactive only impacts per capita and gives us a better picture of the active participants.

• Worship Team Highlights

-        Move Minute for Mission on a Sunday other than the 1^st week and request Deacons to determine which Sunday

-        Temporarily suspend the hymn sing on the 2^nd and 4^th Sunday and seek alternative ways to increase the energy and volume of congregational singing

-        Utilize ushers rather than youth acolytes to light the candles prior to worship

-        Experiment with when the announcements are held during worship to ensure the majority of the congregation hears them

-        Presbytery minimum for pulpit supply is $150 plus mileage rather than our current $125 plus mileage.

• Stewardship Highlights

-        Revenue and expenses are tracking as expected through November 2009 thus can still refrain from withdrawing any money from the two foundations through year end 2009.

-        We APPROVED to take the $1,590.13 in excess funds designated for roof repair and place in fund as permanently restricted.

December 13, 2009 Congregational Meeting Highlights

• Nominating Committee – Chair Sam Hamilton

Clerk was instructed to cast one unanimous ballot for the nominees – APPROVED.

Elder Hamilton thanked the outgoing officers and noted specifically William Cooke who has served as Corporation Treasurer for at least 10 years and has graciously agreed to help mentor the newly elected Corporation Treasurer, Tonya Spears.

• Approved 2010 Budget presented to the congregation, who APPROVED its support – Chair Sam Hamilton

• Where Are We Going? – Moderator Rev Russ Feroe (see the January 2010 issue of the At First...newsletter for column.

Where Are We Now?

-        Roll will be 120 members with approximately 100 active as of 12/31/2008 compared to over 200 in the mid-1980s.  Membership has continued to decline regardless of new ministers.

-        In 1999, pledge offering budgeted totaled $124,000 with 60 units compared to 2010 totaling $93,000 and 47 units.

-        Capital expenditures (beyond the budgeted amounts) have averaged $10,000 - $20,000 a year.

-        Investments totaled $1.6 million at 12/31/1999 compared to an estimated $0.7 million at 12/31/2009.

What We Are Planning? – Next Steps

-        Interim Planning Team to help him organize and execute

-        Session retreat to be held to discuss critical questions – to be held January 17^th following worship

-        Members of congregation asked to participate in various activities: January – Who Are We? What is our Identity?; February – What’s our Purpose?; March – What Resources do we need to do these purposes?

October 2009

Session Notes from October 2009

• The session noted October was Clergy Appreciation Month with a thank you to Pastor Russ.
• Rev Tom Speers will serve as our contact liaison to the Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry (COM). COM has oversight as we move through this interim period.
• As of 12/31/08 we had 145 members on roll. Our per capita amount for each member is $39.96 and our total due to Presbytery will be $5,794.20.
• Church expenses are tracking as expected and with that the session approved extending the period of not withdrawing from the Wright and Alton funds through December, 2009.
• Elder Tom McNeill was re-elected as Chair of the Investment Committee through 2012.
• The Revitalization reports from Ann Philbrick were accepted. (The last reports are available on the church’s website.) The Revitalization Team was dismissed and thanked for their service. Members were: Holly Billings, George Blick, Amanda Eldridge, Anita Marchant, Thomas McNeill and Yaa Okoampa-Sykes, Robert Spears.
• The session approved the formation of an Interim Planning Team to build on the work of the Revitalization Team. Members of this team are: Edwin Carty, Juliana Mantey, Lois Maxwell, Tom McNeill and Jane Murray, and Keith Rhoden, Jr.
• Committee chairs should submit their budgets by November 1.
• November 8 will be Pledge Sunday. 
• Worship Team: If you would like to serve as an alternate usher, contact Alice Evans or Rusty Spears. Note: The greeters schedule has been mailed so please check your mail and mark your calendar for the date you are listed.

What will the Interim Planning Team Do?

The team will  need to identify  two or three key questions this congregation must answer regarding its future. Then they will plan a process that will involve  members in addressing these questions. Finally they will summarize the findings, offer several alternatives, and present them to the Session. The team will be building on the work of the Revitalization Team and gather additional information that the Session can use to bring a final recommendation to the congregation. More.

September

Notes from the September Session Meeting:

Effective October 2009: Session meetings have moved to 7:00 pm on the second Tuesday of the month. 

Stewardship will meet prior to the Session at 6:00 pm, on the second Tuesday of the month as well.  

The Worship Team is now a separate standing committee and no longer part of Parish Life. Alice Evens is Worship Team Chair and Rusty Spears, co-chair. 

Parish Outreach is determining how to disperse the $2,900 in proceeds from the Strawberry Festival.  Tom McNeill has agreed to chair the Investment Committee.

Stewardship – Samuel Hamilton

Outreach – Juliana Mantey

Life – Jane Murray

Education – Robin Herrera

Nominating – Samuel Hamilton

Clerk – Holly Billings

Stewardship Committee

• Elder Samuel Hamilton provided May 2009 Year To Date and estimates for the rest of the year to provide an expected cash flow for 2009.  Without the investment fund withdrawals we are about $5,000 - $7,000 short each month, however, our cash on hand is sufficient to cover this shortfall for a limited period of time. 
• There are no major kinds of capital repairs needed, i.e. nothing beating on the door to be repaired.  Part of our savings is due to not having an interim pastor in place.  A motion was made, seconded and APPROVED to suspend withdrawal from the investment fund for 90 days (July – September 2009) and to be reviewed at the September session meeting.
• It was noted that Pledge Offering through end of May 2009 was at the same percentage as year elapsed (42%), which is the first time in several years.  Thanks to the congregation for keeping current with their pledges.

  Nominating Committee

• Elder Holly Billings, chair of Nominating Committee, reported that Clarissa Watson has asked to step down as a Deacon and we need to find a one-year replacement (2009 – 2010).  In addition, Carlos Lyte has asked that his name be withdrawn from consideration for Elder and we need to find a three-year replacement (2009 – 2012). New Nominating Committee will find candidates:  Julius Aboagye, Jr. as Elder for 3-year term and Carolyn Perkins as Deacon for 1-year term, which the congregation approved at the Congregational Meeting on Sunday, July 5^th.

Interim Pastor Search Committee  

• Elder Mildred McNeill, chair of Interim Pastor Search Committee, brought forth the recommendation of Rev. Russ Feroe as our Interim Pastor, his contract and terms of call.  The candidate was asked to be excused for the vote.  The motion was made and unanimously VOTED to approve.
• Covenanting Service will take place on Sunday, August 2^nd, 2009 with Rev. John Merz representing the Presbytery of Southern New England.

~ END JULY/AUG 2009 ~