There will be a BBQ lunch on April 27 sponsored by the Membership Committee with the theme "Bring A Friend". At the World Day of Prayer, there were 20 people from outside OHPC who attended. They came to OHPC because their own church was not sponsoring a prayer time. A CD recorder will be added to the sanctuary sound system so that services can be recorded. Then duplicates will be made to be made available to shut-ins and others. The addition will be done by the company that installed the sound system and has maintained it. The mortgage balance is down to about $46,200 and it is hoped that we can have it paid in full before fall. Then, just as we did on Easter, we can again say "Hallelujah". Buildings and Grounds is busy as usual. The sheds in the back lot have been painted and cleaned out. The sewer line was blocked but is now in working order. The line is as old as the building and had tree roots growing into it and the clay pipe has crumbled in places. The line will need replacing. Finally, much to Ed's relief, progress will happen on the Blue Room. The rooms will be painted. The folding doors will be replaced with wooden doors that will still allow the Blue Room and Room A to be opened into one room and will maintain or improve on soundproofing between the two rooms. Once that is done, the flooring will be replaced with tile. We have already had two Habitat for Humanity work days with one remaining, April 12. From the church budget, the Outreach Committee approved allocating $500 each to (1) The San Antonio Presbyterian Cluster Habitat house build, (2) House of Neighborly Service, and (3) Christian Assistance Ministry. Members of Session have been in touch with a Christian Farsi refugee family and have provided some financial assistance. Session approved asking you, the congregation, to contribute to this family's assistance as we make a commitment to help them consistently over the next year. The family consists of husband, wife, and three teen-age boys. The father works at a low paying job which includes working on Sunday mornings. In Iran, they attended a Baptist church. Look for more details on how you can help. Caritas, the people who keep in touch with, pray for, and visit church members who are ill. They send sympathy and get well cards signed by each member of Caritas. Carol Johnston chairs the group. A congregational meeting to receive the report from the Nominating Committee and to elect elders in the class of 2011 is called for May 4 immediately following worship. The Nominating Committee is composed of Mike Jenson and Patty McCurnin from the Session and Roberta Betts, Fred Cooper, Sherrie Haglund, Mary Kate Morgan, and Joy Eckbreth from the congregation. In routine business, Session noted and prayed for those in the congregation and those related to the congregation who are in need (this is done at every stated session meeting). The Session Annual Statistical Report for 2007 was approved; key parts of this report were included in the Annual Report you received in January. A report from the March meeting of Mission Presbytery was received. Frank Walmsley attended. Frank also led a workshop for Clerks of Session at the presbytery meeting with 20 in attendance. There were three baptisms in February/early March. Lara Sterns and Jake Sterns (son of Lara and Mike Sterns) and Charlotte Sankey (daughter of Bonnie Sankey). Aimee Barton, Don & Janice Barton’s granddaughter was baptized on Easter Sunday. New members received included Louise Rauch, Eloise Davis and Joseph Davis. Several church members, Katheryn and the staff attended a workshop at Mo Ranch on Healthy Congregations. The leader, Peter Steinke, not only knows his stuff but is able to communicate it effectively. Each of us probably came away with somewhat different impressions, but all valuable. The Session and the staff are continuing working on this by studying Peter Steinke's book. You may have noticed that this report is getting longer and longer. Session expressed its desire to try to do a better job of keeping you informed of its activities. I am in my 13th year of serving on church sessions and I can say that OHPC has a dedicated, careful, and open group of elders who work hard at keeping OHPC vibrant and effective as we contribute to all the people of God. The Session thanks all of you for your continued dedication to God and to your church. Frank Walmsley, Clerk of Session |
SESSION NOTES |
Session Breakfast Saturday, April 5, 9 am The Rev. Annaleine Drake will lead us in an engaging discussion about the importance of creating a clear and meaningful vision for our church by asking the question: Who does God want our church to be and how can we most effectively serve our community and world? |
