Session Highlights

Study time was led by Rev. Kendy Easley who introduced the plans for the FPCB Roadmap for May and June 2009 as well as the “Roles and Responsibilities” recommendations from the Session Task Force. Dr. Dudley opened Session with prayer followed by two Elder witnesses; Tom Ylvisaker and Kevin Wallace.

Scott Dudley’s Pastor’s Report touched on the upcoming week-long conference, June 8-12, 2009 at First Presbyterian Seattle, co-hosted by FPCB, Westminster Chapel, and First Presbyterian Seattle. The emphasis for the conference is connecting people intimately with God.

He noted that the Green Team is working on Key Accountabilities which will be due May 15, 2009. This will provide a focus on how to develop staff and staff positions. Annie Vander Pol shared her spiritual journey with Session and asked to be taken under care. Session approved the motion and an Elder liaison will be assigned to guide Annie.

Committee Reports:
Building: On budget and on target.
Personnel: Made a motion to request approval to call a Congregational Meeting to be held May 3, 2009 to approve adjustments in Pastors’ salaries. The motion passed.

Christian Growth: Made a motion to request permission to serve communion at the Alpha Weekend, April 18, 2009 with Rev. Scott Mann serving. The motion passed.

Community Life: This committee is looking into ways to welcome, integrate, and encourage the modern worship community in the life of our church.

Community Outlook: Sheri Skidmore shared the plans in place for the three Divine Makeover weekends, April 18-19, April 25-26, and May 2-3, at Rainier Avenue Church. The FPCB staff also spent a workday in service on this project.

Guest Bill Block, Project Director for the Committee to End Homelessness, presented a Session Study on the impact of homelessness in King County and the 10 year plan to end homelessness. For more information visit www.cehkc.org.

Dr. Dudley opened Session with prayer, followed by Elder Sheri Skidmore’s Lay Witness. The Finance In Depth Report was presented in skit form by Elders Rick Levy, Scott Mullet, and William Starks with special guest appearance by Christina Dudley. The Pastor’s Report included an updated Green Team Roadmap Report, a review of the Soaking Conference held the previous weekend at the church, praises for the successful launch of the new fifth service, and a celebration of thanks for Pastor Rich Leatherberry’s ten years of service to this church.

During the Clerk’s Report, Robert Harding called for a Congregational Meeting for April 5, 2009 to elect Deacons, Elders, a Trustee, and the Congregational Nominating Committee. The motion was approved by Session. Session was reminded of the March 17, 2009 Presbytery meeting at Overlake Presbyterian Church which will include a vote on Amendment B from General Assembly requiring fidelity and chastity by ordained pastors. First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue will have seven permanent delegates voting and several non-voting alternates in attendance, including Elder Jerry Ringer.

Committee Reports:
Building: The new education building officially “topped out” on March 10, 2009 and occupancy is expected by late summer.
Community Outreach: A motion was made for approval in support of “Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness in King County” presented by Bill Block, Program Director. The motion passed.

John Meisel reported on the trip to Cambodia he and Rev. Rich Leatherberry just returned from and their visit with Lynn Ogata. She will be returning to FPCB in September. Please keep her in your prayers, along with Tim Vance and Tina Candoo, also under FPCB care.