Session Highlights for January and February, 2022
Session met January 18 and February 15, both meetings were held via Zoom. And both meetings began with Pastor Donna leading prayer and spiritual nourishment, followed by presentations from the “Featured Committee of the Month”.
January meeting
In January, the featured committee was Personnel, Chaired by Mary Jo Buffo. Mary Jo provided an overview of the purpose of the committee and explained how critical its work is to the life of the church.
Pastor Giver-Johnston shared that she is starting a new practice – Elder of the Month! Every month a different Elder will be recognized and appreciated. This month it is Mary Jo Buffo, recognized for her work with the Personnel Committee dealing with three staff openings, as well as her support of the financial tasks in the church office. Mary Jo joined the church in 2018 and been a very active member, as well as a member of the choir and several small groups.
Sadly, Session approved removal of Maurice Cohill from the church membership rolls. Maurice was a longtime member, who made many, many contributions to the church and the community at large during his lifetime. He died January 1, 2022.
The Personnel Committee presented the Pastor’s Terms of Call, which was unanimously approved. It was also reported that a new part-time Administrative Assistant, Cindy Miller, started on January 3, 2022. The Committee continues to recruit for a full time Director of Faith Formation as well as a parttime Financial Administrator. It was further decided to outsource the payroll function.
The Property Committee was granted $2,000 to replace the fluorescent ceiling cans in the Narthex in June 2021. Replacing the fluorescent tubes with LED tubes would save about 30% on electricity and would bring the total lights switched to LED to about 95% for the facility.
The Communications and Technology committee, after discussion with the Worship committee, was granted approval to purchase three new wireless microphones and associated equipment to support more performers (e.g., guitarists) during the service and events.
February Meeting
The February meeting featured the Property Committee, with a presentation from Chair Bob Nadin. Bob shared the accomplishments of the past year as well as some of the remaining challenges. Bob also shared the “to do” list of projects for 2022 and the help the committee needs to accomplish their goals for 2022.
Pastor Giver-Johnston shared that the “Elder of the Month” was Don Smith. Don’s contributions include Chair of the Finance Committee, faithful member of Bible study, the Sabbatical Committee, and the Generosity Committee. Don joined CPCBA in 2019 and has been a very active participant in the life of the church and his commitment is very much appreciated.
The Property Committee reported that the final phase of upgrading our lighting will be replacement of all the 48” fluorescent tubes with LED lights throughout the church and the spotlights in the sanctuary will be replaced with LED lights during 1Q22. This will bring the church to almost 100% high efficiency lighting.
The Communications and Technology team expanded captioning and projecting of scriptures, hymn lyrics, and the liturgy, supported the annual meeting by projecting slides, and plan to project hymns and scriptures on most Sundays and the full liturgy once or twice a month.
During the January and February meetings, the Elders approved:
The 2022 Terms of Call for Pastor Giver-Johnston
Purchasing LED lighting to replace existing 48” fluorescent tubes with LED lights throughout the church and the spotlights in the sanctuary. This will bring the church to almost 100% high efficiency lighting.
Purchasing wireless microphones to support more performers in worship and events.
Annual Meeting
The Annual Congregational Meeting was held February 13 in the church sanctuary, and live-streamed. Highlights from the annual report were presented as they related to the branches of the Jethro Tree – “Reaching Out”, including Mission and Outreach, Wooden Ladder, Communications and Technology, “Growing in Faith” - including Worship and Music and Children and Adult Faith Formation, “Growing Within” including Deacons, Fellowship, Stephen Ministries, Nominating, Personnel, and “Sustaining Our Ministries” covering Property, Generosity, Transformation, Finance and the Budget. Pastor Giver-Johnston’s Terms of Call were approved.
Pastor Giver-Johnston highlighted the events of the past year as mentioned in her letter in the annual report and emphasized “and yet” – the pandemic changed so much – “and yet” we are a strong, thriving church. She expressed her sincere appreciation for her staff, the elders and deacons, the financial officers, the Clerk, and all of those who give of themselves to carry out the work of our church
If you have any questions, please email them to cpcbaclerk@gmail.com.
Chris Skerlong
Clerk of Session