Session Update: September

Kristin Ream provided an update on how the Faith Formation program is going following the departure of Jenni Whitford. She also provided an update on her theological education. She is currently at Inquirer status and does feel that she is called to ordained ministry. Session heartily endorsed Kristin for Candidate status.

Reverend Bubar reached out to 11 members who had been identified as inactive and Session approved removing them from the active membership roll.

On a positive note, Reverend Bubar anticipates that we will have 7 new members and that a few Session members need to meet with them on Sunday October 12, at 9:00 AM.

For our next Session meeting on October 28, we will meet from 6:30 – 7:30 with Joel Esala (Moderator of Presbytery, Pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Columbus) and members of the Welcome & Inclusion Task Force for conversation and a meal. At 7:30, members of the Task Force will continue to meet with Reverend Esala, while Session breaks out to continue with our regular business.

As discussed last month, Reverend Bubar would like to recruit members to a Building Use Task Force to explore how we can use our space once the HVAC project is complete. He is anticipating that it would be 5-6 people, and those who have experience in property, real estate, mission, community connections, and law.

A revised Child Safety Policy was distributed prior to the meeting. There are a few minor changes and it will be reviewed with staff yearly.

Reverend Bubar met with Mike Schmidt about this year’s Stewardship campaign. The process will start in mid-October and culminate on November 9.

Elder Reed Fraley brought a motion from the Finance Committee to fund the Handel Messiah project (three seasonal performances as well as related Bible study.) This was approved.

Session also approved a revised Mileage Reimbursement Policy brought by the Personnel Committee.

Reverend Bubar provided an update on the Faith Formation position. The interim plan is working well. Ellen Clark will continue through December, but would like to return to mission-only in 2026, so we need to plan for that.

—Kathy Craig, Clerk of Session