SESSION NOTES - NOVEMBER 2025

 


In the fall of each year, our church leaders engage in activities to determine new leaders within our boards (Trustees, Deacons, and Elders) and work to create a financial plan for the coming year (Annual Budget). These activities are familiar to me, having been involved in both recruiting open staff positions and leading the preparation and presentation of annual budgets and financial plans for my employer. However, there are some distinct differences in how these activities are conducted and the focus, especially regarding the annual budget.

First, let me acknowledge that there are many similarities in the budget process. We determine the financial adjustments needed for various reasons, including inflation and program changes. We also use our revenue (or donations/giving in the case of the church) to guide our expenditure budget. However, the differences are more interesting for us to consider. A couple of differences come to mind. Pastor Bryan reminded our boards of one difference: we do not exist to generate income or accumulate bank accounts. We exist to “Make disciples who make a difference.” This causes us to set our spending plans and establish our programs without looking for increases to our bank balance or providing shareholders with a dividend.

The second difference is that we operate as stewards of the resources that God has provided through the giving of the APC congregation. We make plans to invest and humbly ask the Spirit of God to work, the Gospel to be heard, our missionaries to reach the world where we cannot go, and the kingdom of God to be advanced.

We invite you to join us in prayer for the new leaders who will be serving on APC’s boards, and for wisdom as we shape a budget that truly reflects our mission as a church. Your involvement, whether through volunteering your time, sharing your talents, or supporting our ministries, helps us make a meaningful impact in our community and beyond.           

Ray Jenks for the Session

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

VIEW FROM THE MANSE 2.0 - April 2025

  Recently, on a Saturday morning, APC hosted a new members’ class. This class has taken different forms in recent years. It was once offered on 6 consecutive Sundays during the Sunday school hour (and we may go back to doing that in the future). But, more recently, we have been taking a Saturday morning to cover all that material in a single day. It sounds daunting, but we take breaks and conclude with lunch from the Argyle Variety. I enjoy teaching this class immensely and I am usually assisted by a ruling elder (this past time I was assisted by Wes Clark).           The class is structured around the membership questions. There are 5 of them and they can be grouped into 3 categories; what does it mean to be a Christian, how do we live as Christians, and what is the Evangelical Presbyterian denomination of which APC is a part? Here are the membership questions: 1.   Do you acknowledge yourselves to be sinners in the sight of G...
Read more

Session Notes - Feb 2025

  The Session met on 12/19. We made adjustments to increase the budget for the Deacons and Women’s Ministry programs in the proposed 2024 budget to more accurately reflect what they are spending. We talked about the impromptu Children’s Christmas Pageant. Everyone seemed to love it. JoyAnn Stimpson is stepping down as the person who prepares the communion table each month. If that is something you’d be interested in helping out with, please let us know. We have a Children’s Ministry Committee that is working on improving our Nursery, Children’s Church and Sunday School programs. As always, more volunteers are needed in these important areas. Bob Black, Deb Randles and Deb Bailey are finishing their time on Session. We are all grateful for their years of faithful service. Thank you!!! As always, if you have any comments or concerns, please let a Session member know. For the Session – Karen Lohret
Read more

VIEW FROM THE MANSE 2.0 - AUGUST 2025

            As I write this month’s entry, we are part way through VBS. The energy of VBS is such a wonderful thing to be a part of. It is a delight to see volunteers from high school and senior saints working together to share the story of Jesus with our young people. Our opening and closing sessions are being led by Brian Wells Jr. He is doing a tremendous job getting us started on the right foot. His skits with his dad are playful and goofy and the kids love it. All the hours that were given to decorating the church have really made it a special place to be. Our kitchen team is crafting simple, delicious meals and no one leaves McLean Hall hungry.           It is hard to believe we are entering August already. The summer has, once again, flown by. In the month of August, we are going to be looking at “On The Incarnation” together on Thursday nights at 7pm. You can join us via livestream...
Read more