FirstPresbyterianChurchofHoustonNovemberAgenda–November19,2019

5:30PMLC181OpeningPrayer TannerSykes OmnibusResolution AndrewSteppApproveMinutesofAugustSessionMeetingAdditionalConsentMotionsOldbusinessHereToServeReporta. HTSUpdate AndrewStepp/ MattMalinskyb. BuildingCommitteereportandmotions JohnGabrielc. AdvisoryCouncilmotion MattMalinsky BOTOperationsReviewTaskForcemotion AndrewStepp BookStudy RobertMooreDiscussionofToChangetheWorldchapter CommitteeReportsFinanceReport MattMalinskyCommitteeReports CommitteechairsCommunionupdate JanSmith Pastor’sReportPersonnelreport AndrewSteppClerk’sReport RobertMooreStandingCommitteeonNominations-2020-2022ONCnominations Calledcongregationalmeeting–January12,2020 Focusedprayer:Visioncampaign–Gratitude PrayerandPraise AndrewSteppCommunionandDoxology MotiontoAdjourn2019-20SessionMeetings&ImportantDatesNovember19,2019–SessionmeetingNovember24,2019–OrdinationserviceforCaitlinRhodesDecember1,2019–CommunionDecember5,2019–SessionChristmasparty(Rustay’shosting)January12,2020–Annualcalledcongregationalmeeting(pendingapproval)January21,2020–SessionmeetingFebruary4-6,2020–ECONationalGathering,Grapevine,TXFebruary18,2020–SessionmeetingMarch17,2020–SessionmeetingApril20,2020–Sessionmeeting(Monday)

MINUTESOFTHESESSIONTHEFIRSTPRESBYTERIANCHURCHOFHOUSTON,TEXAS

October15,2019TheOctoberStatedMeetingoftheSessionbeganat5:45pmintheLC181withaquorumpresent.Dr.JimBirchfieldcalledthemeetingtoorderandMarthaLawleropenedthemeetingwithprayer.Attendance:SeetheattachedSessionAttendanceRecordforattendancetodatethisyear.OmnibusMotions:Thefollowingomnibusmotions,providedtoSessioninadvanceofthemeeting,werepassedunanimouslywithoutdiscussion:

• MovedthattheminutesoftheSeptemberStatedMeetingoftheSessionbeapproved.• MovedthattheSeptemberMembershipReportbeapproved.

BOARDOFTRUSTEEOPERATIONSTASKFORCEREPORTChrisWolfepresentedrecommendationsforthesession’sconsiderationtobevotedonattheNovembersessionmeeting.

1) EliminationoftheBoardofTrusteesinFPC’sbylawsandtheCertificateofFormationasitcurrentlyexists.

2) Eliminationoftheat-large-memberofsession(Bylawchange).3) Reducethemandatorytimebetweensessiontermsfromthreeyearstooneyear(Bylaw

change).4) SessioncreatearesolutionfortheOfficerNominatingCommitteerequiringaminimumof

twoneweldersandaminimumoftwoelderswhohaveservedonFPC’ssessionpreviouslyineachnewclass.

5) SessiontocreateasixthcommitteethatwillretainsimilarresponsibilitiesasthecurrentBoardofTrusteesasdefinedanddelegatedbythesession.a) Thiswillconsistsofninemembers,eachmakingathreeyearcommitment.b) Itwillbenamedsomethingsimilartothecurrentname“BoardofLong-Term

StrategicPlanningandProperty.”c) ItwillrecruitthreenewmemberseachyearforSessionapprovaltoreplacethethree

departingmembers.d) ThechairorarepresentativewillattendtheAdvisoryCouncil.e) AclerkofSessionwillattendBoardmeetings.

RobertMooreledadiscussiononachapterfrom“CreationRegained.”COMMITTEE/TASKFORCEREPORTSFinance/OperationsCommittee:AndrewSteppreportedtheincomeisdownandexpensesaredownsoweareabouteven.WillHarveyisnolongeronstaffandtheITdepartmentisworkingwell.CommitteeReports:

• GordonMarcumreportedforMissionInnovationMinistry.EmmanualPaulpetersharedafivepagereportdescribingFPC’sGospelFootprint.ProjectFlourishisstartingupinthefall.Theyareacceptingapplicationsfortheprogramandneedvolunteerstoworkwiththeapplicants.

• PaulSeifertreportedfortheEquippingandSendingMinistry.TheministryisexploringwaystoinvolveStreetGracewithotherministrypartnersandhowtoidentifymemberswhomightbeinterestedintheministry.StreetGraceGalaisThursday,October24at6:30pmat

MemorialDrivePresbyterianChurch.Therehasbeenafavorableresponsetothepodcastandadesiretoseethepodcastcontinueafterthecampaign.

• JennRustayreportedfortheMarriageandFamilyMinistry.RyanBornandhisnewleadteamaredoingawonderfuljobwiththeyouth.Theparentsofthechildrenaremeetingmonthlyforprayertime.

• JanSmithreportedfortheWorshipandPrayerMinistry.Thereisaneedformoreushers.BrentDorseyandDorianBennareplanningaprayerwalkaroundthecampusofferingprayersfortheupcoming“HeretoServe”campaign.TheSanctuarySingersarelookingforwaystobuildcommunity.TheFineArtsPolicywillbesenttotheOperationsCommittee.ThecommitteeislookingforwaystohighlightandenhanceprayeratFPC.AndrewHebertgaveanin-depthreportontherebootingofthe11:05service.Theyarelookingcloselyatthevaluesandpracticesofcommunalworship.Thenewsetupforthechairsgivesafeelingofintimacy.Thereisattentionbeinggiventolayleadership,acalltoworship,additionalliturgy,areadingofscriptureoutsideofthesermontime,asingingoftheKyrieEleisonandtheGloriaPatria,sayingoftheLord’Prayer,communionandsingingofthedoxology.

PASTOR’SREPORT:

• JimBirchfieldthankedthesessionforallowinghimtimeforrelationshipsoutsideofFirstPresbyterianChurch.Anopportunityforglobalconversationsandexperiencingpracticeswithincrediblepeoplearoundtheworld.

• TheVisionCampaignisprogressingwithaverypositiveresponse.Thereareprogramsthatalsoincludethelittlechildren.

CLERK’SREPORT

• Anelectronicvotewastakenonthefollowing-AmotionwasmadeandapprovedforanexpenditurefromHTSCampaignFundsfortheamountof$75,000forthelandsurveyorCLDavis&CompanyforaboundarysurveyoftheentireFirstPresbyterianCampusincludingalltracts,properties,facilities,easements,andrightofways.CurrentlythereareseveralsurveyfilesthathavechangedorareoutofdateormodifiedbytherecentagreementswiththeMFAHandvariousaddedproperties.ThissurveywillconsolidateallthatinformationalongwiththecurrentutilitylocationsintoonecompleteupdatedsurveyfileforFirstPresbyterianChurchtouseforfutureCampusplanninganddevelopmentoptions.

• Thereisacontinuedneedforelderstoservecommunion.• ThefollowingmotionsfromtheAdvisoryCommitteeweremadeandapproved.

1. Effectiveimmediately,wegrantauthoritytodirectorswithseminarytrainingandintheordinationprocesstoparticipateintheservingofcommunionalongsideElders.

2. WeauthorizetheWorshipCommitteeincollaborationwiththeCommunionGuildtodevelopproceduresforcongregantstoreceivecommunionbycomingforwardinallfourservices.

3. WeauthorizetheWorshipCommitteetodevelopcriteriaforrecruitingandtrainingupto30laycovenantpartnerstoservecommunionalongsideElders.

• Therewillbefiveneighborhoodgatheringsandtheeldersareencouragedtoattendatleastoneofthemeetings.

• TherewillbeasessionretreatearlynextyearonaSaturdaymorningatthechurchtofollowuponthemomentumfromthefallSessionretreat.

• Amotionwasmade,secondedandapprovedtohaveasingleWorshipserviceintheGrandHallonCommitmentSunday,November10at9:30am,withalunchtofollowintheFellowshipHall.

• TheStandingCommitteeonNominationsisaskingfornominationstotheOfficerNominatingCommittee.

• ThesessionChristmasPartywillbeThursday,December5,2019atAlanandJennRustay’shome.

• Amotionwasmade,secondedandapprovedforaspecialserviceofordinationforCaitlinRhodesonSunday,November24,2019.

• TheAprilsessionmeetinghasbeenmovedtoMonday,April20,2020.• ThenextECONationalGatheringwillbeinGrapevine,Texas,February4-6.Amotionwas

madeandsecondedtosendRobertMoore,ChrisWolfe,MarkPotter,MarthaLawler,andGordonMarcumascommissionerstotheGathering.Amotionwasmade,secondedandapprovedtogiveRobertMooretheauthoritytoapproveornameanyadditionalcommissionerstoattendthegathering.

Rev.JimBirchfieldledatimeofsilentprayer.Prayerswereraisedforthechurch,memberconcerns,ministrypartners,andthecityandneighbors.CommunionwasservedbyintinctionbyeldersMarkPotterandKentWoodard.Themeetingwasadjournedat8:30pmwithaprayerbyRev.JimBirchfieldandthesingingoftheDoxology.__________________________ __________________________Rev.JimBirchfield,Moderator RobertMoore,ClerkofSession

MINUTESOFTHELONGTERMSTRATEGICPLANNINGBOARDOFTRUSTEESTHEFIRSTPRESBYTERIANCHURCHOFHOUSTON,TEXAS

November13,2019MembersPresent:TomBrents,KenHumphries,SeanKeenan,SteveKing,JanetLionberger,FredRobertson,RussSchulze,DebbieThompson,ChrisWintersStaffandEx-OfficioPresent:JimBirchfield,KayDuPont,SecretaryMembersandEx-officioAbsent:DougMeikle,AndrewSteppFredRobertsoncalledthemeetingtoorderat11:40amintheLivingRoomandopenedthemeetingwithprayer.Amotionwasmade,secondedandpassedtoapprovetheminutesoftheOctober9,2019meeting.CommitteeUpdates:

• RiskCommittee:SteveKingreportedthattheinsurancepoliciesinvolvingthebuildingthatisleasedtoMainStreetMinistrieshavebeenreviewed.DavidBarneshasbeenaskedtojointhecommittee.ItwassuggestedthattherebeanannualreviewoftheinsurancepoliciesandtodeterminewhetherthisresponsibilityshouldresidewiththeTrusteesortheOperationsCommittee.

• ChurchGrowthCommittee:JanetLionbergerwillmeetwithAndrewStepptocoordinatethevariousareasandprogramsthatarefocusingonchurchgrowth.

• BuildingCommittee:TomBrentsreportedthattherehavebeenseveralmeetingswithJohnGabrieltoputtogetherabudgetspreadsheetwhichwillbepresentedatthenextsessionmeetingforreviewandauthorization.

ReportsfromMembers:• FacilitiesCommitteeRepresentativeTomBrentsreportedthattheyarelookingatdeferred

maintenanceandrenovationcost.• OneFundSteeringCommitteeRepresentativeJanetLionbergerreportedthattheworship

serviceSundaywasverywellattendedandtherewererequeststhattheyhavecombinedworshipagainthroughouttheyear.

• ParkingRepresentativeDebbieThompsonrequestedahighervisibilityforparkingoptionsonSundaysandforspecialevents.Therewillbeanindepthstudyoftheusageoftheparkingthroughouttheweektoseewhattheneedsare.

• MFAHRepresentativeSeanKeenanreportedthatthefinalagreementshavebeensigned.• PresbyterianSchoolRepresentativeTomBrentsreportedthattherehavebeenmeetings

withPresbyterianSchoolinregardtotheconstructiononthesecondflooroftheLancasterCenter.Allisgoingwellandapparentlyaheadofschedule.

• MainStreetMinistryRepresentativeSteveKinghasreviewedtheagreementswithJimD’Agostino.Theinsurancepolicieshavebeenreviewed.Thepoliciescovertheinteriorbutnotthecontents.

• DaleAvenuePropertiesRepresentativeChrisWintersreportedthatthetaxesonthethreepropertiesis$65,000ayear.Thecommitteewillinvestigatetheprocedureforprotestingthetaxes.

• ManvelPropertyRepresentativeSeanKeenanreportedthattheyarestillindiscussionastohowtomoveforwardwiththeproperty.Thereareconcernsofenvironmental

contaminationandflooding.Chevronhasbeenaskedtoprovideadditionalinformationastogroundwatercontamination.Thecommitteeisinvestigatingfilinganagriculturalexemptionfornextyear.

• BonnerPropertyRepresentativeRussSchulzereportedthatthereisnothingnewregardingtheproperty.

• SessionRepresentativeFredRobertsonreportedthatchangesintheByLawsandBoardofTrusteeswillbepresentedatthenextSessionmeeting.

Themeetingwasadjournedat1:00pm. WorshipServicesComparison2016

Week41 Week42 Week43 Week4410/8/17 10/15/17 10/22/17 10/29/17

8:15/8:30Worship 173 201 164 2209:30Worship 10:45Worship 326 468 239 41111:05Worship 230 275 329TotalWorshipAtt 729 669 678 960

Congregational

MeetingCombined

10:45&11:05

UniqueLiveStreams:28

WorshipServicesComparison2017

Week41 Week42 Week43 Week4410/7/18 10/14/18 10/21/18 10/28/18

8:15/8:30Worship 167 173 304 2089:30Worship 124 100 179 11510:45Worship 316 325 277 41811:05Worship 187 190 216 TotalWorshipAtt 794 788 976 741

NoLiveStream-World

CommunionSunday(Guest

Preacher)

LiveStreamData:46Plays

LiveStreamData:38Plays;

PresbyterianSchoolSunday

LiveStreamData:26Plays;8:30,1stGradeBibleSunday;

10:45CongregationalMeeting-No11o5Service

WorshipServicesComparison2018

Week41 Week42 Week43 Week4410/6/19 10/13/19 10/20/19 10/27/19

8:15/8:30Worship 0 243 142 1859:30Worship 146 98 124 13710:45Worship 316 304 269 25111:05Worship 191 167 223 202TotalWorshipAtt 653 812 758 775

UniqueLiveStreams:148

UniqueLiveStreams:126

UniqueLiveStreams:116

UniqueLiveStreams:101

October2019 Baptisms:

Infant 4 Adult 0

Weddings: 1 MemberMemorials: 1 NonMbrMemorials: 0 FIRSTPRESBYTERIANCHURCH,HOUSTONREPORTTOTHESESSIONMEMBERSHIPREPORT,October2019NEWCHURCHMEMBERSBeloin,Shawn T/L:FPCMarietta–Marietta,GACarlson,Kent Reaffirm:BayouCityFellowship–Houston,TXEdwards,Stephanie T/L:FPCGoliad–Goliad,TXPatton,Emily Reaffirm:RedeemerLutheran–Peoria,ILRESTOREDTOACTIVEROLLCarlson,Elizabeth DECEASEDBlair,Bonnie 10/30/2019DISMISSEDNoneREMOVEDFROMACTIVEROLLNoneMOVEDTOINACTIVEMEMBERSHIPROLLNoneDISMISSEDFROMINACTIVEROLLNoneMEMBERSHIPASOFSeptember30,2019 2962Gains 5 Losses -1MEMBERSHIPASOFOctober31,2019 2966

ConsentMotions:MotionfromtheStandingCommitteeonNominationsfor2020OfficerNominatingCommitteeMovetorecommendthefollowingslatetothecongregationatthenextcongregationalmeeting:Elders:CalliePatersonandKentWoodwardSusanBooneJoeChorleyLeoEspinozaBeccaHerboldClaudiaStewartNancyTurnerLyndaWalshCarltonWilde,Jr.AlisonYoungerReportsOperationsMondayNovember18,2019

Memberspresent:BobShimp,TiffanyMelchers,AlDupont,SteveKingandAndrewStepp.Membersabsent:MerryDavis,HenryHumphries,andMattMalinsky.StaffandOtherspresent:None.I. CalltoOrder,DevotionalandPrayer–BobShimpopened.

II. FacilitiesMinistryReport–AndrewSteppprovidedanupdateontheoldpewsremoved

fromtheChapelandinstorage.Hehasreachedouttovariouschurchplantsandotherpartiestoseeifanyoneisinterestedinthepewsandwillcontinuetomoveforwardwiththis.AndrewSteppprovidedanupdateonvariousotherfacilitiesrelatedmatters.

III. PermanentFundsMinistryTeam–ThePermanentFundsMinistryTeamheldameetingonMonday,November4,2019whereinvariousgrantswereawarded.Acopyofthemeetingminutesforsuchmeetingareattachedheretoandmadeaparthereof.

IV. FinanceReportandotherFinanceandAccountingMattersA. OctoberFinancials–AnoverviewoftheFinancialPacketwasgivenbyAndrewStepp.

Asummaryofthefinancialinformationisincludedbelow(in000’s):1. CurrentYear(CY)ComparisontoBudgetandPriorYear(PY):

2. CurrentYear(CY)ComparisontoBudgetandPriorYear(PY)forYear-To-Date(June2019throughOctober2019):

3. Liquidity–CashBalances–

V. OpenDiscussion–None.

TheCommitteeclosedwithaprayerbyAndrewStepp.ThenextOperationsCommitteeMeetingwillbeheldonMonday,December16that12:00noon.

CY Budget PYActual Budget Var Actual

Income 558$ 651$ (93)$ 403$ Expenses (622) (644) 22 (716) Surplus/(Deficit) (64)$ 7$ (71)$ (313)$

Current Year Comparison to Budget and Prior Year - Month

CY Budget PYActual Budget Var Actual

Income 2,254$ 2,548$ (294)$ 2,345$ Expenses (3,062) (3,307) 245 (3,002) Surplus/(Deficit) (808)$ (759)$ (49)$ (657)$

Current Year Comparison to Budget and Prior Year - Year-To-Date

General Fund Balance 1,458$ Designated/Temporarily Restricted Accounts (1,267) From (to) PFM (5)$ Unrestricted General Fund Balance 186$

Capital Fund Cash Balance 1,385$

Liquidity - Cash Balances

Equipping&SendingDate: November13,2019

Time: 12:15-1:15P.M.

Location: FPCBride’sRoomS104

Inattendance: MarthaAdams,Mary-FloyeFederer,JimmyMyers,CaitlinRhodes,PaulSeifert(Chair),CatieSmith,TannerSykes

Absent: None

MINUTES

I. Openingdevotionalandprayer:Paulsharedapassage fromNurturetheWowbyDanyaRuttenberg and what God has been teaching him recently about parenting as a spiritualpracticeandhowourkids,andsometimesthemorefrustratingpartsofraisingthem,canbeone of the greatest sources of awe that God offers us. Paul also connected Ruttenberg’scomments on awe to the practice of standing in awe of others that Gregory BoylewritesaboutinBarkingtotheChoir.

II. Discussion:

a. YoungAdults:Jimmysharedthebelowanddiscussionfollowed:

• MainStreet:YoungsAdults’ engagementwithourhomelessneighborshasbeen deepening through recent Sunday afternoon worship services. MSclients especially appreciate YAs leading music. Future of this worshipservice isuncertain thoughdue to (i)newdirectorstaring in Januaryand(ii)MSdecisionsarounddevotingresourcestoeffortswherelivesaretrulybeing transformed (which has not been a fruit of the Sunday afternoonworshipservicetodate).

• YADirectionNight:Jimmy,CaitlinandcoreYAleadersmetNovember12todiscussthecurrentstateoftheYAcommunity—whatisflourishingv.whatisbrokenandneedstobediscardedv.whatisbrokenandcanberepaired.Overall, through the past year, the YA group has grown into a strongcommunityidentityandethosthatdidnotexistthistimelastyear.ManyofthecoreYA leadersarenewerattendeesofFPC.ChangesmaybemadetoThe Table format to better cultivate the community that YAs havedevelopedthroughothergatheringssuchasHopsandHymnsing,etc.

b. Discipleship:Catiesharedthebelowanddiscussionfollowed:

• AdventDevotional:CatieandothershavedevelopedanAdventDevotional(printedmaterial,podcasts)followingontheHeretoServeDevotional.SheencouragedtheCommitteetopromotethedevotionalinourSmallGroupsandDiscipleshipGroups.

• LentDevotional:ALentDevotionalisalsointheworkstoaccompanyasixweek teaching series on the Servant Songs of Isaiah. The Committeediscussed potential themes/focuses of the Devotional such as addingspiritual practices to your daily/weekly rhythms and/or examination ofdifferentformsofprayer.

• Missional Pathways Booklet: Rollout of this resource will not occur untillaternextyearduetofocusontheaboveinitiativesamongothersandalsothe need to improve website capabilities and rethink aspects of FPCcommunicationstrategypriortorollout.

c. MinistryPartnerships&Engagement:Mary-Floyesharedthebelowanddiscussionfollowed:

• WebpageUpdates:MPEiscurrentlyrevampingourministrypartnerspagestomoreeffectivelycommunicatewhowesupportandwhy.Partnerswillbegrouped into categories such as (i) Lives in Transition, (ii) VulnerableChildrenand(iii)JusticeandRestoration.

• Vetting of Partners: The Committee discussed the Ministry InnovationTeam’scurrentproceduresaroundvettingofourministrypartners,criteriainvolvedindecisionstosupport,etc.Proceduresarestrictandthoughtful.Wecandoabetterjobcommunicatingtothecongregationwhatgoesintotheselectionprocess.

d. Vision Campaign: The Committee discussed further feedback received from SmallGroupsontheCampaign.Generallypositive.HelpfulcommentsontheHeretoServeDevotionalthatwereinstructivefortheAdventDevotional.Caitlinhadhoped,asaresultoftheCampaign,peoplewouldthinkthroughwhethertheformat/purposeofFPC Small Groups should evolve and become more service-oriented. Thisconversation has not spread yet. Tanner is hearing that people want our SmallGroupstolookmorelikecommunities.

e. StreetGrace:

• Street Grace Gala: FPC was represented at the Gala at Memorial DrivePresbyterian Church on October 24 by several Committee members andother FPC covenant partners. Committee was impressed withprofessionalismofStreetGraceandtheorganization’ssuccessinpartneringwithvariouslevelsofgovernmentandnon-faithbasedentities.

• HumanTraffickingAwarenessNight: Plans continue to develop for FPC tohost event earlynext year to raise awarenesswithinFPC congregationofhumantraffickinginHouston.

f. MFAH:

• CollaborationwithMFAH:Discussedcontactstobemadeinconnectionwithdeveloping church’s relationship with MFAH. Continuing to pursuerelationship-buildingonmultiplefrontsincludingthrough(i)PresbyterianSchool contacts, (ii) Fred Robertson’s operations contacts, (iii) AustinHermann’s contacts through Faith & Arts work and (iv) Merrill Athon’scontacts.

III. Prayer:Caitlinclosedthemeetinginprayer.

SeebelowMinistryUpdatescirculatedtoCommitteeinadvanceofmeeting.

FPCEquipping&SendingCommittee–MinistryUpdates–November2019

MINISTRYPARTNERSHIPS&ENGAGEMENT

1. HeretoServe–Missionserviceopportunities• AttheCelebrationSundayLuncheononNov.10,wehadadisplayofphotosfrom

bothlocalandglobalpartnerswherepeoplecanserve.LeaByrd,ourcoordinator,didawonderfuljobfiguringoutthebestwaytopresentthephotosandcategories.

• WeareworkingonupdatinglocalpartnerpageofthewebsiteaswellasHeretoServepageserviceopportunities.

• WearestrategizinghowtobettercommunicateourglobalvisionandmissiontripsandplanningteamtrainingforSpring.

2. CullenMiddleSchool• TeacherAppreciationBreakfastonthethirdWed.ofthemonth;Dec.18willbea

specialChristmascelebration;allareinvitedtojoin!• CullenPrayerWalkonthesecondWed.ofthemonthat6p.m.• CullenFriendsgivingNov.2312:00–2:00p.m.Annualevent.Providingtimeof

fellowshiparoundamealforfamiliesofCullenthathaveexpressedaneed/homelessness.Familieswillreceivebackpacks,schoolsupplies,frozenturkeyandwater.

3. FriendsofNorthside• GiftsofLove–NorthsideHighSchoolDec.7Annualevent.Atimeoffellowship

aroundamealforfamiliesofNorthsideHighschoolthathaveexpressedaneed.Eachfamilywillleavewithgiftsfromtheirwishlist,providedbysponsorsforeachstudent.YoungProfessionalsEndingPoverty(YPEP)willhavewrappingevent2daysrpiortowrapallthegifts.FPCyoungadultsinvolved.

4. EngagingtheMuslimWorldPrayerGatherings• Spreadtheword–thirdThursdayofthemonthfrom12:00–12:45p.m.intheFPC

Bride’sRoom5. StreetGrace

• DeterminingtimetopromoteandholdthefirstAwarenessNight;hadhopedforJanuarybutlikelylaterintheSpring.

• FollowwithestablishingStreetTeams6. MiddleEastPartnerships

• BethlehemBibleCollegeAwarenessandFundraisingDinneratFPC(March6,2020)i. ThedinnerwaspostponedfromOctoberandisnowscheduledforFriday,

March6.ii. PresidentJackSarawillbeguestspeakeralongwithalumnaeofBBCand

MiddleEasternmusic,foodandsilentauction.Willpromotetothechurchmembership.

• HolyLandPilgrimageandEncouragementtripMay3-15,2020andOct.4-16,2020• FPCWomen’sMinistryVisionandEncouragementtripbeingplannedfor2020

7. EquippingandMobilizingOpportunities:• StateoftheCity(April17-18,2020);

i. Volunteersneededfortheevent.ii. SpeakersincludeSteveKlineberg/Fri;Dr.Spann/UHmedicalSchool

confirmedforSat.,BobRodgersorKathyMcGibbonwithStreetGraceandCindyWuorMollyRaneywithHoustonWelcomesRefugeeswillspeak;educationaltopicspeakertbd.

• MobilizingMedicalMissionsConference/M3(Feb.21-22,2020)atLakewoodChurch

i. Anexcellentmobilizinggatheringformedicalprofessionals.SeveralFPCdoctorshaveengagedinmedicalmissiontripsafterattendingthisconference.FPCisasponsoroftheconference.

8. Christmas• 18thAnnualAdventMissionsMarket-Sun.Dec.1,8,&15andAdventFamilyNight

Dec.1,andMondaysDec.2&9from8–3p.m.forPS,FPCstaffandCovenantPartnersandfriends.Excellentopportunitytoraiseawarenessofourpartnersandprovidefinancialsupportforthem.Volunteersneededforpricing,setup,andonSundays.

• ChristmasEveofferingtobenefittwomissionpartners:Jossour–BridgesofHopeandHoustonWelcomesRefugees;alllooseplateanddesignatedchecks

• TheAdventDevotionalbookletwillhighlightfourofourmissionpartners;itwasacollaborativeeffortwithDiscipleshipandMissions.

DISCIPLESHIP

1. SmallGroups• GREATsmallgroupleader’sluncheononNovember3rd

i. ExplainedAdventbookletii. Receivedfeedbackfromcampaign

• TwoweeksofregularstudyguidesemailedtoSG’spostcampaign• AdventseriesbeginningweekofDecember1st

i. Bookletthatincludes1. Sermonnotespage(5weeks’worth)2. SmallGroupstudyguides(3weeks’worth)3. DailyDevotionals(5weeks’worth)4. Christmascalendar/scheduleatFPC5. Podcastlinks

a. JimmywillbethevoiceoftheDecemberpodcasts• ForJanuaryandFebruary:CurriculumTeamwriterswillwriteSmallGroupguides

2. SundaySchool• Classesarecontinuingwiththeirownteachers• BrainstormingthroughpossibleLentrotationseriesfor6weeks,liketheParable

series3. DiscipleshipGroups

• Willdiscussinthespring-willneedtobeaspring/summerYOUNGADULTS

1. Homelessgatherings:we’vehadtwomoreworshipgatheringswiththehomelessatMainStreetMinistries,withthearticulatedgoalthatthisisatimetospendtimewithandbuildrelationshipswithourhomelessneighbors.SunOct.13andNov.10.Oct.13YA’sledworship,CaitlinRhodesledliturgy,Jimmypreached,DougMeiklecelebratedEucharist,andthensomeoftheyoungadultsservedfoodwhileothersengagedthehomelessinconversationandprayerifappropriate.Nov.10,YA’sledworship,ShikhaHansenledliturgy,JakeDodsonpreached,DougMeiklecelebratedEucharist,andthensomeyoungadultsserveddinnerwhileothersengagedhomelessinconversation.Nov.10wasespeciallyremarkable,becausemiddleyoungadultslikeMattandHilaryReed,SarahBurkhart,and

others,didsuchabeautifuljobbeingwiththehomeless.WeareinconversationwithMainStreetaboutthisworshipservice,becausetheycurrentlydon’thavethestaffingorvisiontokeepitgoing.Prayoverthis.

2. HopsandHymnsing:Nov.3.Notmuchtosayhere,exceptthatitwassimplystunning.Bestonewe’vehadyet.Anexplosionofsound.Lotsofyoungadults,andalsoagreateventwherenewfolkswereinvitedtojoininthegoodness.Butalsoincrediblebecauseintergenerational.Allinall,around80peopleorsothere,40orsoyoungadults.

3. Alpha&Table:Afewyoungadults,includingmyselfandAbbyMacdougall,havebeenparticipatinginAlphaonTuesdaynights.Reallygoodconversation,andalotofyoungadultspresent,whichiswhywe(EmmanuelandI)aregoingtodoathreeweekfollowupseriesattheTabletoincorporateinalphafolksintothecommunity.We’llinvestigatethreetopics,Story,Community,andPractice,inordertoroundoutthevisionofChristianitygivenintheAlphavideos.PraythatthiswillbeahospitablemomentinwhichlonelyanddespairingfolkslongingforcloseknitcommunitymightfinditinthecommunityofJesusChrist.

4. YoungAdultDirectionnight:OnTuesday,Jimmy,Abby,andCaitlinarehostingayoungadultdirectionnightwithsomeofthelongtimeleadersintheyoungadultcommunity.Wearegoingtoassesswhereweareasacommunity,whatisflourishing,whatisinneedofrepairorrehabilitation,andwhatisbrokenandneedstobethrownout.WillupdateonWednesdaywhenwehaveourmeeting.

5. Overall:IjustwanttosaythatoverallI’mthrilledaboutthehealthofthiscommunity.RealChristiancommunityishappeningandrealChristianpracticeishappening.We’vegotgoodmomentumandareinagoodrhythmrightnow;we’vebeenlivingintoourcorepracticesthatwe’vesetouttoliveintoandbyandlargefrommyvantagepointthegoalofknowingandlovingGoddeeply,knowingandlovingeachotherdeeply,andknowingandlovingtheworlddeeplyistakingplace.Beautifulstuff.I’mthankingGodforhisworkofshapingusinthisway.

PermanentFundsNovember4,2019–email

Meetingwascalledtoorderbyemailat10:59amonMonday,November4th.Allmemberswerepresent;ChrisAthon,JaneChampion,SamMurray,JulieHarris,JamesMelchers,GabrielZamora,JamieHampton,SharonHenry,JoshKirklinandAndrewStepp.ErinVarnellwaspresenttorepresentstaff.MinutesfromSeptember9,2019meetingweresubmitted.MotionbySamMurray-secondbyJoshKirklin-Allvotedinfavor.Discussion/Review/Motions

1) ReviewedtwoSeminaryApplications:MotionbySamMurray-secondbyJoshKirklin-Allvotedinfavor.

i. MartinNkundeki-$7500scholarshipfromtheBentsenFund.ii. HannahBarnes-$1779scholarshipfromtheKingFund.

2) Discussionofrequestoftransferof$2278.00fromtheMusicEquipmentFundtothe

WorshipDepartmentforpaymentoforganrepair.MotionbySamMurray-secondbyJoshKirklin-Allvotedinfavor.

Meetingwasadjournedat1:43pmonWednesday,November6,2019.

MarriageandFamilyMinistryMetOctober24,2019at730AMtodiscussWomen’sMinistryInAttendance:MelissaCarbajal,JonCrantz,EllenMabry,MarkPotter,andJennRustay,ValerieLarremore

I. StatusofMinistry- Haveestablishedprogramsthatcontinuetodrawnewparticipants- Valerie’spositionisnowfulltime

II. Presentprograms

A. Monday–FirstPlaceforhealth–smallgroup;beenmeeting10years–focusonhealthyliving

B. Tuesday–FirstMoms–largergroupBiblestudyforyoungmomsand“mentormoms”;haveaBiblestudytimeinsmallgroups;alsodooutreachprojectswithfullgroup

C. WOW–womenoftheword–haveteachersfromFPC–presentlystudyingRuth;havefixedsmallgroupsafterlargerstudytimetogether

D. OneTuesdaynightamonth–Sojournbookclub-Lostabouthalfofmembersduringdiscernment/movetoECO;coreremainedandhascontinuedtogrow;readanddiscussavarietyofbooks,includingsecular;discussionalwaysabouthowbookrelatestolifeasaChristianwoman

E. Thursdaynightwomen’sbiblestudy–LedbyBeccaHerbold;includesstudybyvideo,thensmallgroupdiscussions

F. Circles–meetonceamonthinhomes;allgatheronetotwotimesayear;8circlesatpresentandcouldaddmore

G. Women’sprayergatheringsH. Bigeventstoreachouttoallparticipants- Everyotheryear-retreat–CampAlleninFebruary- Gathering

III. Futureneeds/dreamsA. Gettingthewordout–wouldliketobeincludedinChurchAliveandchurch-wide

announcementsconsistently;wouldliketobeincludedininformationgiventonewmembers–Connections

B. Prayersforlayleaderswhoarepresentlyinvolvedandlayleaderstocome;forsensitivityonwhereGodwantstotaketheministrynext

MetbyteleconferenceNovember14,2019at730AMtodiscussOutreachineachofthethreeMarriageandFamilyministriesInAttendance:MelissaCarbajal,JonCrantz,StephanieLionberger,EllenMabry,andJennRustay.MarkPotterwasreadyandwillingtoattendandwasinadvertentlynotprovidedwiththecallininformation.

I. Whoarewereachingoutto- Wanttoreachouttothosewhousedtoattendandhavestoppedattending

anywhere- Wanttoreachouttonewparticipantstomakesuretheyareknown,encouraged,

andengaged

II. Discussedtheoutreacheffortsinplaceatpresentineachofthethreeministrygroups

A. Children–1.Discussedtheattendancedatawepresentlycompileandhowitsusescouldbeoptimized2.Discussedwhatisworkingnowandwhyitworks(examples:birthdaycardswithpersonalizedmessages,picturesaftereventslikeVBS)3.Discussedwhetherwhatisworkingcouldbeexpanded

B. Women–1.Discussedtheattendancedatawepresentlycompileandhowitsusescouldbeoptimized2.Discussedwhatisworkingnowandwhyitworks(examples:Biblestudieswithleadteammemberswhoreachout)3.Discussedwhetherwhatisworkingcouldbeexpanded

C. Youth1.Discussedneedtoobtainattendancedataandhowthatmightworkinpresentprograms2.Discussedwhatisworkingnowandwhyitworks(examples:smallgroupswithknownrosters)3.Discussedwhetherwhatisworkingcouldbeexpanded

D. Ideas1. Trainingastohowtoreachoutwithsensitivity“Ihaven’tseenyou”versus“I

missyou”2. Establishingoutreachteams/outreachplansandtraining

Worship,MusicandPrayer

Date:November19,2019AcommitteemeetingwasheldonSunday,November3 after theworship services. In attendancewerecommitteemembersAndrewStepp, JanSmith,KentWoodard, JaneCostello,BeverlySchorre,LijaShah,AlanSexton,CherylChristieandAmyMcCarty.AfteranopeningprayerofferedbyJanthefollowingdiscussionstookplace.

WorshipUpdates

• AmyMcCartyhasjoinedthecommitteeandwillrepresenttheSanctuarySingers;shewasaskedtoassumeresponsibilityforcontactingCelestewhenpublicityforchoiractivitiesisneeded.

• Inpreparationforanassessmentofthe9:40service,similartotheonedonefor11:05,JennRustaysubmittednamesofCovenantPartnerswhoregularlyattendthatserviceandwhomaybeinterestedinhelping.ThelistwasturnedovertoAndrewStepp.

• Thecommitteemembersweregivenanoutline–Attachment1–summarizingtheupdatethatAndrewHebertgavetoSessioninOctoberonthe11:05reboot.

o AndrewSteppreportedthatJohnStepp,anexperiencedWorshipLeaderattheFamilyChurchinFlorida,speakswithAndrewHebertonaregularbasisandisavailableforanyguidanceneeded.

o ThereisconsensusthatthisserviceisingoodhandswithAndrewH!

MotionsfromtheAdvisoryCouncilconcerningCommunion

• JanpresentedthethreemotionsfromtheAdvisoryCouncilconcerningCommunion• Thefirstmotionreading“Effectiveimmediately,wegrantauthoritytodirectorswith

seminarytrainingandintheordinationprocesstoparticipateintheservingofcommunionalongsideElders.”requiresnoactionfromthiscommittee.

• Thesecondandthirdmotionsdiscussedbelowdorequireactionbythiscommittee.o “WeauthorizetheWorshipcommitteeincollaborationwiththeCommunionGuild

todevelopproceduresforcongregantstoreceivecommunionbycomingforwardinallfourservices.”

§ Thisaffectsthe10:45serviceonlyasallotherservicesalreadyserveCommunioninthismanner,onebyintinctionandtheother2byservingofbreadand“wine”separatelyatthesametime.

§ Thecommitteespentthemajorityofthemeetingdiscussingthismotion,anddiscussionhascontinuedviaemail.TwoGuildmembersandSusanMiclettewerebroughtintothediscussionviaemailaswell.

• Attachment2summarizesthisdiscussionandhowwearemovingforwardwithimplementationoftheplan.TheCommitteeandGuildwillreviewtheDecember1Communionserviceandmakeanyrecommendationsthatmaybeneededforthenextservice.

o “WeauthorizetheWorshipCommitteetorecruitandtrainupto30laycovenantpartnerstoservecommunionalongsideEldersforatermofthreeyears.”

§ Afterabrief(duetotimeconstraints)discussionoftheneedforprayerfulconsiderationofthefollowingpoints,itwasdecidedtofinalizeaplanformovingforwardatthenextmeeting.

§ Selectioncriteria• Minimumnumberofyearsinthechurch?• Evidenceofspiritualmaturityorgrowth?• JanandAndrewS.willdiscussa“job”descriptiontopresentatthat

meeting.§ Trainingprotocol

• UsethesamematerialsusedforEldertraining?§ GuidelinesgoverninglaycovenantpartnersservingofCommunion?

• WouldtwolaycovenantpartnersbeauthorizedtoserveahomecommunionwithoutanordainedElderpresent?

§ WhileSessionhasgrantedthiscommitteetheauthoritytorecruitandtrain,layCovenantPartners,therewillmostlikelybeaneedtobringsomeproposalsbacktoSessionforconsideration.

PrayerUpdates

• MarthaErwinwasnotabletoattendthecommitteemeetingasshewasattendingasmallgroupluncheonfocusingonprayer.Wehopetohaveanupdateonthiseventatthenextmeeting.

• Wediscussed–againbrieflyduetotimespentonCommunion–theongoingcommitteeprojectofsubmittingaproposalhighlightingprayeratFPCtotheAdvisoryCouncil.

o ThecommitteewasremindedofthesuggestionsthatCalliehasalreadymade.§ RaisevisibilityoftheMondayeveningprayergroup§ AllocateequaltimeduringSessionprayertimestoAdoration(Praise),

Thanksgiving,ConfessionandIntercession.§ FifthchapterofLifeTogetherbyDietrichBonhoefferentitled

ConfessionandCommunion§ DevelopingaPowerfulPrayingChurchbyDr.

RichardBlackaby

§ Financialinvestmentinprayerforthenextfiscalyear?

§ JointhemovementtoenlistChristianstocommittoprayforrevivalinHouston

o Additionalsuggestionsgiventothecommitteeforconsideration§ SermonseriesorSundaySchoolcurriculumonprayer§ Regularprayerservices

• WednesdayorSundayevening• Beginwithone/quarter

o Highlightadifferenttypeofprayereachtime

§ Healingprayer§ Praiseandthanksgiving§ Intercessionandpetition§ Confessional§ Vocalprayersinformof

musicandwords§ Meditativeprayers

§ Askingcovenantpartnerstoshareapersonalexperiencewithprayer• PutitineWeekly• ShareintheSundaymorningservices

duringthetimewesometimesuseforMissionpartners,etc.

o ActionItem:BeginsummarizingaproposalthatincludesBiblicalmandatestopray,typesofprayerandcurrentsuggestions.

§ Janwillcreateadraftandcirculatetocommitteeforcomments,ideasanddetails

§ JanesuggestedrevisitingwhatVision2020saysaboutprayer–thiswillbeincludedinthedocumentJansendsout.

o KentaskedwhatwearedoingprayerwiseatFPCcurrentlyindicatinganeedtosummarizecurrenteventsinadditiontoproposingnewwaystofocusonprayer.

o AndrewS.statedthatthebigumbrellaisDiscipleship.HetalkedabouttheprayertimeattheSessionretreatandthateveryWednesday,thestaffgathersforprayer.

o CherylindicatedthattheprayerrequestsontheConnectioncardsareincreasing.MusicUpdates

• CynthiaBlackwellplanstotakeChildren’sChoirtoHollyHallinFebruary• ChancelChoirscheduledtogoinMarch• AmyMcCartywasgiventhetasktointroduceconcepttotheSanctuarySingers.Lijastated

thatMaywasopen.DateforNextMeeting

• DuetoAdventbeginningDecember1,thenextmeetingwassetforJanuary5• Thecommitteewillcontinuediscussionsviaemail

JaneCostelloclosedthemeetinginprayer.Respectfullysubmitted,JanSmithChairofWorship,MusicandPrayer

Attachment1Outlineofpresentationonthe11:05RebootgiventoSessiononOctober15byAndrewHebertTaskforce

• AndrewHebert,MichaelHoman,DougMeikle,LynnMichels,JimmyMyers,RyanBornValuesvs.practices

• Everythingwedospeakstheologically• Identifyingthevaluesthatweholdforthisservice(ProclamationoftheGospel,discipleship,

missions,community,participation)• Identifyingexistingpracticesthatsupportorworkagainstourvalues• Identifyingnewpractices

Space• GrandHall,chairsonthefloor“intheround”• Achieves“intimacy”thatweenjoyedinFellowshipHall• Settingoutappropriatenumberofseats• Promotesparticipationinworship,corporatenatureofworship• PhysicallyplacesproclamationoftheGospelatthecenteroftheservice/space

Songs• Introducingnewrotationofsongs(morehymns,folk-stylecontemporarysongs)

Orderofservice• Recenttrendtowardliturgy• Takingcuesfromstrong10:45liturgy• Newelements:CalltoWorship,scripturereading,Kyrie,Lord’sPrayer,doxology

PlanningTeam• CaitlinRhodesandJimmyMyersjoininginbi-weeklytomonthlyplanningmeetings

Attachment2CommunionProceduresfortheSanctuaryServices

Advisory Council Motion from October of 2019: We authorize the Worship committee incollaboration with the Communion Guild to develop procedures for congregants to receivecommunionbycomingforwardinallfourservices.Background

• Currently,CovenantPartners,whoareable,comeforwardtoreceiveCommunioninthe8:30and9:40services,whereas,inthe10:45service,theCommunionplatesarepassedrowbyrowtoallCovenantPartnerswhoremainseated.

• Eachofthefirsttwoservicestypicallyhas6Elders+aClerk.o Atleast4Eldersarestationedacrossthefrontwhile2areavailabletotake

Communiontothoseunabletocomeforward.o TheClerkisresponsibleforreplacingtraysastheyempty.o Ushersmaybeusedtoholdthebasketsforemptyglasses.o Thetrayshavebothbreadandjuice.

• Incontrast,afull10:45servicewiththebalconyopenreallyneeds24Elders+theClerkforthecongregationand4EldersfortheChoir.

o SusanMiclettereportsthatforthepastyearorso,wehavehad20EldersatbesttoservethecongregationinthedownstairspartoftheSanctuarywithMarkPotterandotherusherstakingcareofthebalcony.

§ FewerEldersrequiresthat2sectionsbecollapsedintoonerequiringlongerperiodsoftimetoserveCommunion.

o ElderswhoarechoirmemberstakecareoftheChoir.

§ TherehasnotbeenashortageofchoirmemberElderstoservethechoirsincethesmallerChamberchoirtookoverthe9:40service,sotheChoirisatfullstrengthfor10:45.

o ThetimetoserveCommunionincludesfirstpassingofthebreadfollowedbytheEldersreturningtotheChanceltopickupthetraysofjuice.EldersthenreturntothefrontoftheSanctuarytobeservedbythePastors.TheClerkinturnservesthePastors.

§ Besidestime,theCommunionGuildreportsasignificantamountofwasteofbreadandjuiceforthe10:45service.

• TheGuildmembersalsospendasignificantamountoftimeonSaturdaymorningcuttingthebreadintocubesforallthreeservicesandpreparingthetrays.

ProposedProcedureChanges

• Communionbreadintheformof“crackers”shouldbepurchasedinsteadoftheGuildhavingtocutupbread,putitinplasticbagsanddistributeontotraysSundaymorning.

• Otherwise,nochangesareneededfor8:30and9:40• Proposedchangesfor10:45

o Trayscontainingbothbreadandjuicewillbeprepared.o CovenantPartners,whoareable,willcomeforwardtowardtheChanceltoreceive

boththebreadandjuicefromoneofsixEldersstationedacrossthefront.o TwoElderswillgotothosewhoremainseated.o CovenantPartnersseatedinthebalconymaycomedownstairsandforwardtothe

ChancelormeetoneoftherovingEldersatthebackoftheSanctuary.§ Alternatively,oneEldermaybeassignedtogotothebalcony,butthis

wouldneedtobedecidedbeforehandandmaydependonthenumberofavailableElders.

o AfterallCovenantPartnershavebeenserved,EldersmayserveeachotherwhilethePastorsandClerkserveeachother.

o EldersintheChoirwillcontinuetoservetheChoirwhowillremainintheChancel.§ Withthetraditionalmethodofserving,thismaybeaccomplishedinashort

amountoftimeleavingtheoptionopentosingwhiletheCovenantPartnerscomeforward.

• FourtrayswithfewerglassesshouldbesetonthesidetablesfortheChoirElderstopickup.

• AfterallChoirmembersareserved,thefourEldersmayserveeachother.

o TwoUshersorothervolunteerswouldbeneededtostandneartheservingElderstocollecttheglasses.

MissionInnovationCommittee(MIC)11/17/2019

Attendance:Sessionmembers:Jordan,PaulaandGordon.Staff:Rev.MattLee,EmmanualPaulpeterandAustinHermann

MinistryReportsAustin:UpdateonProjectFlourish:101applicationsreceived,54movedtoscreening.Expectapproximately20to30tomakethenextstep.Jan1ststartlabs,March2-5startpitching.LindseyKnighthasjoinedtheeffortasaparttimeassistantandisdoingagreatjob.WehostedathreedayannualmeetingfromNovember6-9foralltheMainStreetFellowshipleadersfromaroundthecountrytosharethechallengesandsuccessesofeachoftheprograms.EmmanualPaulpeter:FallAlphahad48people,14werenon-Christiansand5wereskepticalChristians.HadagreatAlpharetreattocloseFallsession.Onepersoncametofaithattheretreat.Matt:UpdateonKingdomStory:Thoughtheyarestillsmall(around20coreteammembers),theyarediligentlyworkingtoreachtheircommunityandgrowthechurch.Theyarehopingtogrowthecoregrouptoatleast40to50inthecomingyear.TheyhavebuiltastrongrelationshipwithStevensElementaryandarereachingouttotheneighborhood.SevenMileRoadChurchisalsocomealongsidetosupportKingdomStorythroughfinancialsupportandbysendingpeopletovisittoincreaseSundayattendance.(SeeMatt’sattachmentforupdatesonJerichoRoadRenewalandMontroseMissionalCommunityandgeneralupdates)

ImportantChanges

AtMatt’srequestthecommitteegrantedachangeinthenameofourcommitteetoChurchPlantingandInnovationCommittee(CPIC)toreflecthistitlechangetoPastorofChurchPlantingandInnovation.ThereasonforthischangewasconfusionbycongregationmembersandpeopleoutsideofFPCwithglobalandlocalmissions.

ChurchPlantingUpdate(11-17-19)1. Title Changes:

a. Matt’s title has been changed from “Pastor of Mission Innovation” to “Pastor of Church

Planting and Innovation.” • Primary reason for the change is due to the confusion that people within FPC and outside of

FPC have with Global/Local missions.

b. Consequently, “MIC” will change to “CPIC” – Church Planting and Innovation Committee

2. The Plants:

a. Kingdom Story Fellowship: • Though KSF is still quite small (~20-30 adults) and still developing their core team, they are

doing great outreach at Stevens Elementary, formed partnership with World Vision, and started Women’s Group.

• They are doing great relational evangelism and hope to see fruits in the near future.

• Matt recommended that they scale back production to reflect the smaller size. As well, to focus on core group formation, empowering the core group to reach out to others, and to spend two of the weeks per month in an informal worship service with lunch so that members would not get burned out and more people can participate.

• 7 Mile Road is supporting Kingdom Story via financial support and by sending some of their

people to visit on Sundays to increase attendance.

b. Jericho Road Renewal:

• Jericho House still is going well. They are hoping to add another house in the near future. • Cullen Middle School outreach is also going strong.

• Jonathan and Taylor are connecting with a house church network (www.churchatnetwork.org)

for mutual support and training.

c. Montrose Missional Community:

• Emmanuel continues to serve at FPC directing Alpha and is doing a great job of growing evangelism at FPC.

• He continues to meet with non-believers through coffee shop evangelism, movie and theology night, and TED talks held at FPC.

• A missional community has been started for those who have been a part of Alpha but not ready to attend a traditional church. Approximately 6-8 people attend.

3. The Future of FPC Church Planting: (Two Pathways) a. Conventional Church Planting:

• If there is someone who has calling, character, competencies to be a planter and wants to plant through FPC, we will:

o Send them through assessment with Stadia and HCPN

o Have them go through HCPN residency

o FPC will become an “Anchor” church (Provide connection to FPC and potential financial support after residency).

o Potential Planter should be: 1) Local to Houston; 2) Have potential core team outside

of FPC; 3) Some level of seminary training.

o FPC’s financial commitment would be the 9-month residency via HCPN as well as potential 3-year support.

b. Micro-church/Micro-expressions: • Examples include Jericho Road Renewal and Montrose house church: Do not require lots of

core team from FPC or financial support.

• Other micro-expressions would be to explore industry specific lunch groups: E.g. FPC medical lunch group; FPC law lunch group; FPC drilling/oil industry lunch group

o These groups can utilize a condensed version of Center for Faith and Work curriculum (via Doug & Austin)

o Can be evangelistic by inviting non-believers to topically based content meetings.

o Can provide support for people in different sectors of industry, but for those who are not connected to a church, or cannot attend a traditional church, this can become their Christian community.

o Austin could spearhead this effort with Matt support.

ADVISORYCOUNCILMINUTESMonday,November11,2019

Attending: JimBirchfield ,RobertMoore,ChrisWolfe,DouglasMeikle,MatthewMalinsky,MarilynMacDonald

OpeningPrayerandDevotionalwereledbyMarilynMacDonald..

Finance Report: Matt Malinsky reviewed the current financial status. Aligned with previousmonths actual giving remains somewhat behind planned. However, expenses are also behindplannedspendinglevels.Therewillbesomeadditionalscrutinyonfuturespendingtomakesurewecontinuetomanageexpensescarefully.

OperationsTaskForce: TheACdiscussedtheproposalsandagreedtobringthemforwardtothesessionforvote.Taskforcerecommendationswilleachbeopenfordiscussionandbroughttoavoteatsession.

Pastor’sReport:

(a).Personnel:Twoopeningswithinthestaffremainopen–PastorofWorshipandalsooperationsleader.Operationsleaderispartofanongoingsearch.PastorofWorshipisbeingevaluatedbasedashortreviewofthejobandtheACwilldiscussthedirectiontobetakenatafuturemeeting.

(b).The“Heretoserve”campaignresultstodatewerethoroughlydiscussed.Thisdiscussionwillbebroughttothesessionfortheirinformation.Atthistimetheresultsaremixedthoughencouraging.

Clerk’sReport:

(a).Communion:worshipcommitteehasaproposalnowforthe10.45communionservicewhichwillbebroughtbeforethefullsession.

(b).Nominationscommittee.Standingcommitteenowisfullystaffed.

(c). Book Study. An article from James DavidsonHunterwill be introduced and discussed at thesession.

(d)ACmeetingproposedforDecember2ndonthefollowuptothesessionretreat.

(e).Focusedprayertimeatthesessionmeetingshallbeonthesubjectofgratitude.

2019UpcomingSessionMeetings&ImportantDatesNovember11,2019–AdvisoryCouncilNovember19,2019–SessionmeetingNovember24,2019–CaitlinRhodesordination

ClosingPrayer:ChrisWolfeclosedthemeetinginprayer.