Session Notes: November 2024

Your Session sat for its regular monthly meeting this week.  Bridge Pastor David Ensign moderated.

We welcomed two new elders elected by the congregation, Alec Resurreccion and Todd Trafford, to break bread with us (Panera in this case) before our meeting.

The Designated Pastor Search Committee – consisting of all sitting elders -- stayed on after the regular business meeting.  It was the second of three times the PNC will meet over eight days.  You’ll hear more about our progress from Elder Susie Farr, who leads the PNC.  Or feel free to query any Session member directly.

During the business meeting, Finance Chair Elder Anna Zelinsky presented a first reading of the proposed 2025 church budget.  We expect that 2025 will mostly represent the “new normal” in terms of staffing and expense, with new hires in place for most of the year.  We will also enjoy the additional income we receive from Miriam’s Kitchen for their additional building use (independent of the nascent, larger discussion with MK).  The extent to which our organization changes lead us to financial sustainability lies, as usual, with the results of our stewardship program.

Speaking of Miriam’s, the Presbytery has approved the Memorandum of Understanding between Western and MK, subject to the congregation’s approval.  You’ll be asked to vote on it (we strongly recommend a “yes”) on November 24.  More on this elsewhere.

Thanks for reading, and happy Thanksgiving.