Session Digest  - (Continued)

Page 5

Volume 2008, Issue10

             The Sacrament of Holy Communion was celebrated at both worship services on October 5, 2008. Communion was celebrated at the homes of members unable to attend church by Rev Younger and Deacon Edith Streck on September 29, 2008

             Storage may become available in the garage if the white van is sold. Grange maintenance priorities are being formed.

             The Nominating Committee reported the following slate of candidates for election at the Fall Congregation Meeting. Elder: Dave Reichelderfer, Eric Albert and Frank Conner.   

             The motion regarding the withholding of Per Capita funds designated for the Synod of the Trinity and the PC(USA) General Assembly was removed from the table and discussed. The motion failed.

             The Terms of Call for 2009 for Rev Younger were approved as were the salaries of all paid staff. New member classes will be conducted in the near future.  A letter of notification will be sent to a list of 22 potential member candidates.

             November Presbytery meeting – Frank Conner will attend

             A recommendation from the Worship Committee to repeat the summer schedule begun this year in 2009 was approved.

             Devotions for the next meeting on November 20, 2008 are the responsibility of Elder Bill Beltz.. There being no further business to come before Session; the meeting was adjourned with prayer offered by Rev Younger at 8:10 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jim Redka - Acting Clerk of Session

 

Anyone of us could experience financial hardship at any time in our lives and often we may need someone to come along side in Christian love to assist us.  The deacons have established a means of helping individual families in the church who are struggling financially. This process involves coming along side in love to establish good stewardship.  Contact is made with the family and the process is explained.  If they agree to the assistance they are matched to a mentor to come along side to keep abreast of their situation.  The mentor meets initially with the family to establish a relationship and to determine financial needs and goals.  They examine or help the family create a budget.  This is also a time to look at items in the budget that can be trimmed in order to pay the bills.  Community resources are also explored to help with things like fuel assistance or reduced child care. 

The mentor and family meet monthly to pray and review the budget as well as fellowship.  An important aspect of the relationship is to teach that it is God’s money and we all are to be good stewards of His money.  This precept covers both the giving and receiving of His money.  The family is also encouraged to attend a class on budgeting with biblical principles. 

During this time of financial need the family may receive benevolence money. The deacons prayerfully consider the request.  If at all possible all benevolence is directed to a utility, rent or heating. Food cards and vehicle gas cards are also considered.  Goals are established with the family to develop long term budgeting skills.  The aim is for them to recover from financial hardship. 

We pray that God will be glorified in this ministry. 

If you are in need, feel free to contact Billy, the deacons or an elder.  All mentoring relationships are kept confidential.

The Deacons

Mentoring by the Deacons