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New !!! – Session Report for March 16, 2010

by admin

Dear Congregation,

The session and the deacons meet several times each year to discuss various issues concerning the diaconal needs of the congregation, the building and the finances of the church.

  1. One of the main topics of discussion was Pastor Reynolds and Robin’s health insurance. With some suggestions and direction from Sandi LaVergne and the help of an insurance broker, we anticipate there will be significant savings on the pastors health insurance this year.

  2. The treasurer’s report for February was reviewed. Giving is $4,556 under budget for early 2010. We think that some of this is due to winter weather which providentially hindered regular church attendance. We encourage the congregation to make up missed Lord’s Day giving as they are able. We are thankful for the sacrificial giving of the congregation and are trusting the Lord to provide. The elders and deacons discussed areas we might be able to reduce the budget. Our goal as a congregation is to maintain a healthy balance of at least $10,000 in the General Fund. Once we have reached that  goal for an extended period of time we will be able to meet our financial obligations to the Presbytery and Denomination.

  3. New carpet for the sanctuary and fellowship hall should be possible in the near future. The deacons are currently working on the details. This will be paid from the building fund which contains designated gifts for improvements to the building.
  4. All of our deacons will be attending, Lord willing, the OPC Deacon’s Summit at Wheaton College in Chicago, IL, June 3-5, 2010. This is a great opportunity for our deacons and we are very thankful that have decided to attend. Pray that the Lord will bless our deacons and that this time of fellowship and instruction will bear much fruit.

  5. The Officer’s Retreat at Shiloh Lodge is scheduled for May 14-15. We have invited elders and deacons from sister churches in the area to join us this year, as we did last year. The theme this year is “Encouragement and Prayer”.  Keep this retreat in your prayers, that we strengthen our relationships with our sister churches, and with one another. That the Elders and Deacons would be encouraged and renewed for the work.

  6. We praise God that he has given us deacons who are mature, godly and fit for the work of the ministry of mercy. We encourage the congregation to pray regularly for these men, their ministry and their families, as they faithfully serve the congregation at APC.

The Session:

  1. Continue to pray for Jon Kamerman and encourage him as prepares to become an elder at APC. Pray for wisdom for the session as we train Jon. Pray that the end of this process will result in Jon’s ordination as elder.
  2. Pastor Holmlund gave a report on the work in Dover. Pastor Holmlund requested that the APC elders and deacons plan to make regular monthly visits to Pilgrim for morning worship. The session is working on a schedule for this. Deacon Lascaze will be visiting on 5/28, he will be accompanied by Keith Dubuc.

  3. There were 2 baptisms at Pilgrim on March 7. Fabian and Qwaide Sanborn, who were recently adopted by Steven and Toni Sanborn, were baptized by Pastor Holmlund.  The baptisms and adoption were answers to many prayers.

  4. APC’s 10th anniversary as a particular church will be celebrated sometime this spring. Jen Foley will chair a committee of Liz Graves, Robin Reynolds and Ethel Sharpe. More information forthcoming.

  5. The session began a discussion on how we can be more effective in our service to the congregation as shepherds. We are considering how we can shepherd individuals and families on a regular basis, according to the Scriptures. Please pray for the session as we seek to fulfill our biblical calling as overseers of the flock.

  6. The ruling elders desire to be an encouragement to Pastor Reynolds as a preacher of God’s Word. We are very thankful that God has given us a man who is so gifted and understands the great responsibility he has. We want to be a sounding board for Greg and give him regular feedback on his preaching. Feel free to talk to an elder about the preaching so that we can do this.

  7. The session discussed the pastoral needs of the congregation and prayed for the congregation at the close of the meeting.

1 Peter 5:1-4: So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

For the session,

Elder Graves

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