Session Agenda St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church

September 23, 2019 – 6:00 P.M.

Call to Order – Dr. Michael Jinkins Devotional and Opening Prayer – Brenda Stephens, Member Involvement Moderator’s Report – Dr. Michael Jinkins Clerk’s Report – Laura Shields

▪ Report ▪ Action Item

1. Approval of meeting minutes (attached) ▪ Stated Session Meeting, August 26, 2019

PSL Listening Project Presentation – Donna Stogner, Vice Moderator, Council of PSL

▪ Listening Project information is enclosed in the Session packet. Session members are encouraged to read this material prior to the meeting.

Committee Reports:

▪ Community Ministries – Glen Barnett, Chair (Kathy Randall, Vice Chair) o Report on Fall Day of Service o Habitat for Humanity Unity Build—Rev. Sarah Chancellor-Watson

▪ Congregational Care – Nancy Rix, Chair

o Update on committee activities

▪ Congregational Life – Allison Tiller, Chair o No report

▪ Finance – Harrison Frampton, Chair (Hunter Hill, Vice Chair)

o August financial statements

▪ Global Ministries – David Stagg, Chair o No report

▪ Member Involvement – Brenda Stephens/Margaret Ann Lindsey, Co-Chairs

o Action Item: ▪ Endorsement of Henrietta Harris as a nominee for

Commissioner of the Presbytery of South Louisiana to the 224th General Assembly to be held in Baltimore June 20-27, 2020

o PSL Meeting Friday, October 11-Saturday, October 12

Broadmoor Presbyterian Church, Baton Rouge 2 Elders still needed as SCAPC delegates

▪ Membership – Deanna McLendon, Chair (Louise Schaefer, Vice Chair) o Update on new members o WNO New Member Welcome Night-October 16th

▪ Personnel – Pete November, Chair (Bob McCleskey, Vice Chair)

o No report

▪ Property – Leigh Ferguson, Chair (Kevin Murphy, Vice Chair) o No report

▪ Spiritual Formation – Sarah Edgecombe, Chair (Patrick Egan, Vice Chair)

o No report

▪ Stewardship – Holly Snodgrass, Chair (George Wilson, Vice Chair) o Update on Stewardship

▪ Worship and Music – Matt Guy, Chair (Rick Grubb, Vice Chair)

o No report Other Business Pastoral Care

▪ Rev. Sarah Chancellor-Watson Staff Reports

▪ Rev. Sarah Chancellor-Watson ▪ Evelyn Audler ▪ Steven Blackmon ▪ Michelle Murphy ▪ Chris Hazlaris ▪ Savannah Frazier

Closing Prayer – Rev. Sarah Chancellor-Watson

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St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church

Minutes of Stated Meeting of Session

August 26, 2019

Call to Order – Rev. Michael Jinkins, Moderator

The opening of the meeting was delayed due to late afternoon flooding in New Orleans

that prevented or delayed several Session members from making it to the meeting at 6pm.

The Moderator called the meeting to order at approximately 6:15 pm.

Attendance –

Present: Evelyn Audler, Arden Barnett, Glenn Barnett, Steven Blackmon, Sarah

Chancellor-Watson, Philip Clinton, Jaime DeFraites, Sarah Edgecombe, Leigh Ferguson,

Rick Grubb, Matthew Guy, Chris Hazlaris, Shannon Holtzman, Michael Jinkins, Margaret

Ann Lindsey, Ann Maier, Jeff Mazzanti, Julie Nice, Kathy Randall, Nancy Rix, Susie

Rumsfeld, Laura Shields, Holly Snodgrass, David Stagg, Brenda Stephens, Allison Tiller,

Pat Widhalm, Beth Wren, Scott Zander

Excused: Harrison Frampton, Larry Hamric, Stephanie Haniford, Katie Kuhns, Nell

Lanier, Price Lanier, Deanna McLendon, Kevin Murphy, Michele Murphy, Pete

November, Mary Dawn Pugh, Jane Rasi, Ebie Strauss, George Wilson

Absent: Jessie Bruggers, Patrick Egan, John Galbraith, Noah Hardie, Hunter Hill, Bob

McCleskey, Louise Schaefer, Conery Schmidt (youth), Jacob Thomas, Nathan Turner

Devotional and Opening Prayer –

Holly Snodgrass opened the meeting with a devotional and opening prayer.

Moderator’s Report – Rev. Michael Jinkins

Michael distributed a brief written report, a copy of which is attached hereto.

Clerk’s Report – Laura Shields

Laura called for the approval of the minutes of the May 20, 2019 Stated Session Meeting.

A motion for approval was made, duly seconded, and unanimously approved.

Pastor Nominating Report

The Chair of the Pastor Nominating Committee, Stephanie November, provided an update

on the work of the Pastor Nominating Committee (“PNC”), including a summary of

priorities learned from the congregational survey and “listening lounges.” Stephanie also

explained the PNC’s proposed MIF, Ministry Information Form, which must be submitted

to the Presbytery of South Louisiana’s Committee on Ministry in accordance with the call

process of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.

Michael called for the approval of the MIF, Ministry Information Form. A motion for

approval was made, duly seconded, and unanimously approved.

2

Committee Reports

Community Ministries – Glenn Barnett, Chair (Kathy Randall, Vice Chair)

Glenn reported that the Fall Day of Service is set for September 7, 2019. Glenn also

reported that SCAPC’s partner agencies have been providing information to the committee

as to the scope of their services.

Congregational Care –Nancy Rix, Chair

No report.

Congregational Life – Allison Tiller, Chair

Allison reported noted that the Wednesday Night Out program will be resuming on

September 11, 2019, there will be a New Member Night on October 16, 2019, and a Fall

Picnic Barbeque will be held in late October or November.

Finance – Harrison Frampton, Chair (Hunter Hill, Vice Chair)

Harrison was unable to attend the meeting due to the flooding in New Orleans. Due to

Harrison’s inability to get to the meeting, Evelyn Audler reported on the July 2019 financial

statement, which was included with the Session packet.

Global Ministries – David Stagg, Chair

No report.

Member Involvement – Brenda Stephens/Margaret Ann Lindsey, Co-Chairs

Brenda reported that the Presbytery of South Louisiana will be meeting October 11-12,

2019 at the Broadmoor Presbyterian Church in Baton Rouge. Three SCAPC elders must

attend the meeting to represent our Church and Brenda asked for Session members to

volunteer to attend this meeting. Attendance at even one of the days would be appreciated.

Membership – Deanna McLendon, Chair (Louise Schafer, Vice Chair)

Sarah Chancellor-Watson reported that an SCAPC 101 class will be scheduled this Fall.

Personnel – Pete November, Chair (Bob McCleskey Vice Chair)

Michael Jinkins reported that the Personnel Committee is continuing to work on the salary

range for the MIF.

Property – Leigh Ferguson, Chair (Kevin Murphy, Vice Chair)

No Report.

Spiritual Formation – Sarah Edgecombe, Chair (Patrick Egan, Vice Chair)

Sarah reported that brochures describing all Sunday School class offerings will be mailed

soon. Sarah also reported that Sunday School training was conducted on August 25, 2019

and that a new class for first and second grade students will take place during the 10:30

worship service to educate these students about various aspects of our worship services

such as Communion, baptisms, etc.

3

Stewardship – Holly Snodgrass, Chair (George Wilson, Vice Chair)

Holly reported that the theme of this year’s Stewardship Campaign is “Numbers/We Want

Everyone to Be Included in that Number.” The Stewardship Campaign will kick off on

September 29. Holly asked that all elders please submit their pledges prior to the

September 29 kick off in order to be able to announce 100% Session participation to the

Congregation.

Worship and Music – Matt Guy, Chair (Rick Grubb, Vice Chair)

Matt requested and received unanimous approval for the baptisms of Cap Patrick, Reid

Wilson, Lilian Gravolet, Percy Zaunbrecher, Susanna Lake, and Katherine Turner.

Other Business – Laura Shields

Laura advised the Session of the proposal for adopting a Session Resolution conferring

Pastor Emeritus status upon Don Frampton and Laura read the proposed Resolution

(drafted by Beth Poe) to the Session. Michael Jinkins explained that Pastor Emeritus is

strictly honorific and does not confer any privileges or obligations. After discussion, the

proposed Resolution was unanimously approved.

Laura also reported on the ad hoc feasibility committee’s work regarding the Centennial

Organ Campaign proposal for a new organ (the “Organ Campaign”) which would be a part

of the Church’s Centennial celebration. A copy of the Organ Campaign proposal that was

provided to the Session in the pre-meeting packet is attached hereto. The members of the

committee included representatives from Finance, Property, Worship and Music, Global

Ministries, and Community Ministries. The Organ Campaign ad hoc committee has

recommended implementing a campaign to raise $3 million for a new organ, the total of

which is comprised of $2.45 million for the purchase and installation of a new organ,

$300,000 for renovations to the sanctuary to accommodate the new organ, and $250,000

for an outreach fund for community concerts and other educational outreach programs.

Laura reported that the ad hoc committee had conferred with Michael Bell who believes

that $300,000 is a reasonable estimate of the costs of renovations to accommodate the new

organ, that Sonny Shields had reviewed the organ vendor’s draft contract, and that Sonny

believes that the draft contract is reasonable. The ad hoc committee recommends that the

Congregation needs to be re-educated about the long term strategic plan and the benefits

of a new organ. Final approval of the campaign will be sought from the Congregation after

a Campaign Committee has been formed to plan the campaign strategy and marketing

efforts. The timing will not to conflict with the annual Stewardship drive. After discussion,

the capital campaign and related recommendations of the Organ Campaign ad hoc

committee were unanimously approved by the Session.

Pastoral Care – Rev. Sarah Chancellor-Watson

Sarah reported that Betty Brown passed away and that Ebie Strauss is recovering from

surgery in which she donated a kidney to her husband. Margaret Ann Lindsey reported

that long-time SCAPC visitor, Cherie Schneider, had recently passed away.

4

Staff Reports –

Rev. Sarah Chancellor-Watson –

Sarah reported that RHINO director Tim Shipkin has left SCAPC and that his

position will be filled by Savannah Frasier, a former New Orleans Y.A.V.

Evelyn Audler –

No report.

Steven Blackmon –

Steven reported that the Choir will resume on August 25, 2019. Steven also

reported that he will be the interim artistic director for the NOVA Chorale.

Michele Murphy –

No report.

Chris Hazlaris –

Chris introduced himself and expressed his thanks, gratitude, and excitement with

respect to his role leading SCAPC’s Youth Group Program. Chris reported that

this year’s Youth Group theme is “Blessed to Be a Blessing.”

Closing Prayer – Rev. Sarah Chancellor-Watson

Rev. Sarah Chancellor-Watson offered the closing prayer and the Session adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

____________________________________ _________________________________

Laura S. Shields Rev. Michael Jinkins

Clerk of Session Moderator of Session

LISTENING PROJECT

The Presbytery of South Louisiana is not the same presbytery that it was 15 years ago. During that time we

have seen the departure of multiple congregations to other denominations and the closure of others. In the

coming years we can anticipate closing several more. Part-time ministry has become the norm for many of our

congregations. During that time we have also seen important signs of new life with faithful responses to

multiple hurricanes and floods and the birth new worshipping communities across the presbytery. In order to

address the trauma of the past and challenges of the present and to walk in faith into God’s future, the

Presbytery Council has entered into a time of discernment on who we are as a presbytery and who the Spirit is

leading us to be. We seek the input of every session to help this presbytery be more faithful in our vision to

“strengthen congregations, empower leaders, and impact communities.”

A member of the presbytery council would like to visit with your session in-person to hear your concerns and

hopes for the future. We have developed four questions about your congregation and four about our

presbytery to guide that conversation. They are list below.

CONGREGATION

1. Share a story about a time when you were proud of the ministry of this congregation.

2. What are the opportunities for mission in this community?

3. What challenges do you face in engaging in that mission?

4. What would the ideal version of this congregation look like for you?

PRESBYTERY

1. Share a story about a time you were proud of the ministry of this presbytery.

2. The mission of the presbytery is to support its member congregations in mission. What would it look

like for PSL to support you in your mission?

3. What challenges does this presbytery face in carrying out its mission to support congregations?

4. What would the ideal version PSL look like to you?

After the visit the member of council will write a report so that your feedback can be included in the council’s

discernment. You will also receive a copy of the report for your own records. We thank you in advance for

your openness and honesty in these conversations as we seek to strengthen our shared ministry.

May the Peace of Christ be with you,

Rev. Barry W. Chance

Presbytery of South Louisiana Council, Chair

Run Date 9/17/2019 001 St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church Page 1

Time 14:49:26 1545 State Street

New Orleans LA 70118

Fiscal Year Beginning 1/1/2019

Income & Expense Statement for Period 08 August(*)

SCAPC Monthly Financial Report

Current % Y-T-D %

RECEIPTS

Prior Yr Pledge Revenue 3,280.00 2.38 65,425.70 4.89

Current Year Pledge Revenue 123,563.58 89.79 825,342.13 61.69

Draw on Prepaid Pledges .00 .00 184,969.16 13.83

Members w/o Pledges 3,085.00 2.24 85,315.99 6.38

Loose Plate Collections 2,109.00 1.53 20,288.37 1.52

------------------------- -------------- ------------------------- --------------

Operating Receipts 132,037.58 95.95 1,181,341.35 88.30

Visionary Fund Operating Draw .00 .00 105,000.00 7.85

Visionary Fund Housing Draw 2,847.95 2.07 27,599.05 2.06

Funds from Gifts & Memorials 3,141.83 2.28 24,584.75 1.84

Interest & Inv Income (Fees) -423.00 -.31 -1,442.98 -.11

Miscellaneous Budgeted Income 5.35 .00 833.36 .06

------------------------- -------------- ------------------------- --------------

TOTAL REVENUE 137,609.71 100.00 1,337,915.53 100.00

DISBURSEMENTS

Benevolences

Greater Church Support .00 .00 21,571.54 1.61

Local Community Ministry 5,000.00 3.63 92,639.86 6.92

Global Ministries 193.99 .14 32,934.59 2.46

------------------------- -------------- ------------------------- --------------

Total Benevolences 5,193.99 3.77 147,145.99 11.00

Adult Spiritual Formation 54.00 .04 1,079.57 .08

Children's Spiritual Formation 958.01 .70 11,686.03 .87

Youth Spiritual Formation 3,997.84 2.91 20,046.13 1.50

Selley Speaker Series 98.06 .07 1,754.04 .13

Congregational Care 1,212.24 .88 10,702.39 .80

Congregational Life 109.45 .08 12,237.47 .91

Property & Insurance 20,054.81 14.57 224,743.74 16.80

Membership .00 .00 41.00 .00

Music 5,517.14 4.01 68,167.66 5.10

Personnel 86,501.09 62.86 758,528.42 56.69

Member Involvement 77.28 .06 -1,125.28 -.08

Worship 220.12 .16 1,795.03 .13

Office 7,993.30 5.81 85,879.34 6.42

------------------------- -------------- ------------------------- --------------

TOTAL EXPENSES 131,987.33 95.91 1,342,681.53 100.36

------------------------- -------------- ------------------------- --------------

NET FROM BUDGETED OPERATIONS 5,622.38 4.09 -4,766.00 -.36

------------------------- -------------- ------------------------- --------------

NET FROM BUDGETED OPERATIONS 5,622.38 4.09 -4,766.00 -.36

UNBUDGETED ITEMS

Run Date 9/17/2019 001 St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church Page 2

Time 14:49:26 1545 State Street

New Orleans LA 70118

Fiscal Year Beginning 1/1/2019

Income & Expense Statement for Period 08 August(*)

SCAPC Monthly Financial Report

Current % Y-T-D %

Wedding/Funeral/Rental Revenue .00 .00 12,150.00 .91

Wedding/Funeral/Rental Expense .00 .00 -8,661.06 -.65

------------------------- -------------- ------------------------- --------------

Net Weddings Surplus (Deficit) .00 .00 3,488.94 .26

RHINO Revenue 4,591.01 3.34 100,220.95 7.49

RHINO Expenses -4,591.01 -3.34 -97,255.52 -7.27

------------------------- -------------- ------------------------- --------------

Net RHINO Surplus (Deficit) .00 .00 2,965.43 .22

Miscellaneous Revenue .00 .00 78.80 .01

Miscellaneous Expenses .00 .00 546.62 .04

------------------------- -------------- ------------------------- --------------

Net Misc. Surplus (Deficit) .00 .00 625.42 .05

------------------------- -------------- ------------------------- --------------

Net Fixed Asset Surplus (Def) .00 .00 .00 .00

------------------------- -------------- ------------------------- --------------

Net Renovation Surplus (Deficit) .00 .00 .00 .00

Gifts & Memorials Revenue .00 .00 5,386.62 .40

Gifts & Memorials Expenses -14,546.34 -10.57 -22,727.13 -1.70

------------------------- -------------- ------------------------- --------------

Net G&M Surplus (Deficit) -14,546.34 -10.57 -17,340.51 -1.30

------------------------- -------------- ------------------------- --------------

Total Net Unbudgeted Surplus (Defi -14,546.34 -10.57 -10,260.72 -.77

------------------------- -------------- ------------------------- --------------

NET OPERATING INCOME (DEFICIT) -8,923.96 -6.49 -15,026.72 -1.12

MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP REPORT

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY CHANGES & UPDATES

August 2019

ADDRESS UPDATES

Name New Address Donald & Nevada Paxton 85 Versailles Blvd., NOLA 70125 Trudi Stafford 203 Plenty Hills, Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657

BIRTHS

Name Birth Date Parents

Katherine Anna Turner 8/14/2019 Nathan & Anna Turner

BAPTISMS

Name Baptism Date

Lilian Legendre Gravolet 8/11/2019

Percival William Zaunbrecher 8/18/2019

Susanna Wolfe Lake 8/25/2019

MARRIAGES

Name Wedding Date

n/a

DEATHS

Name Death Date

Betty Graves Brown 8/26/2019

NEW MEMBERS

Name Address Date Received Carol Maher∞ 1022 Arabella St., NOLA 70115 8/12/2019 ^Received by Transfer of Membership *Received by Reaffirmation of Faith “Received as an Affiliate

©Received by Confirmation

∞Restored to Active Membership

MEMBERS DISMISSED

Name Date Made Inactive

n/a

STATISTICAL REPORT

August 2019 Active Membership (as of 7/31/2019) 1114

Gains + 1

Subtotal 1115 Losses - 1

TOTAL FOR AUGUST 2019 1114

*Membership Total on 1/1/19 1113 *New Members YTD 15

Centennial Organ Campaign

When St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church decided to create a fund for a new pipe organ in its 2015-

2019 strategic plan, it represented more than a decision to enhance our sacred music program with a new

instrument. It was a decision to improve the aural architecture of the church sanctuary as the home of

worship services central to the spiritual development of the congregation and visitors to the church.

The Ad Hoc Committee proposes that SCAPC initiates a Centennial Organ Campaign related to its

music program, specifically to provide funds for the purchase and installation of a new organ and the

related renovations to the sanctuary. Furthermore, the Ad Hoc Committee proposes that this campaign

will provide an Outreach Fund for educational and community enrichment, in keeping with the

Strategic Plan’s goal to broaden the scope and reach of the music program. The proposed campaign

goal is $3 million.

Subsequent to Session approval, a campaign committee would be formed. Such committee would

develop further plans for the campaign, including educating the Congregation about the history of the

strategic plan, the process of choosing the proper vendor, the financing of the purchase, and the

outreach program included in the campaign. A silent phase of the campaign could begin to seek major

gifts. Final approval of the campaign would be sought from the Congregation at an appropriate time

determined by the committee. Careful consideration will be given to the annual Stewardship appeal to

prevent any interference.

The two parts of this proposal are:

1. Physical improvement aspects:

A. Purchase and installation of the organ, including console, pipes and other equipment.

Estimated cost: $2,450,000

B. Renovations to the sanctuary to accommodate the new organ.

Estimated cost: $300,000

2. Outreach Fund: Create an endowment of $250,000, the income of which will support the

following programs:

A. Community concerts in which world-class musicians will be invited to perform.

B. Young Church Musicians Program, through which SCAPC will attract potential church

organists and music directors to participate in master classes and workshops led by visiting

guest artists as well as local musicians.

The expectations of this campaign are threefold:

1. To further enrich the worship life of St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church which is

foundational to our community life and mission work.

2. To foster, inspire and nurture a new generation of dedicated church musicians.

3. To support the musical life of our city and region, particularly sacred music

Centennial Organ Campaign Recap

$2,450,000 Purchase and installation of organ

$ 300,000 Sanctuary renovations

$ 250,000 Outreach fund

$3,000,000 Total Campaign Goal