December 2021 Session Highlights

December 22, 2021

  • Installation and ordination of incoming church officers is scheduled for January 9, 2022. 
  • Steven Guenther presented the Treasurer’s report which showed that giving in November was less than projected. Committee spending is generally in line with or under budget.
  • The Session has been discussing whether to loosen restrictions for wearing masks at the 8 AM Sunday service. Given the current unknown effect of the Omicron variant and the increase in hospitalizations locally, no changes were proposed at this meeting. This topic will continue to be reviewed at future meetings.
  • Duncan Campbell, Chairman of the Stewardship & Finance Committee, presented Derry’s 2022 proposed budget. After review, Session approved the proposed 2022 Operating Budget in the amount of $1,250,000 projected revenue and $1,293,937 projected expenses.  
  • The Session also reviewed and approved the 2022 Rental Committee’s budget for income and expenses relative to the 275 Mansion Road and 233-235 East Derry Road properties.
  • An amendment to the “Covenant of Agreement for Pastoral Relationships-Temporary Pastor” with Rev. Dr. Marie L. Buffaloe was approved which permits Pastor Marie to reduce her hours to half time beginning January, 2022 with an associated salary adjustment.
  • The building used as the “Scout House” is in need of repairs to preserve its structural integrity. The Buildings & Grounds committee submitted a Capital Procurement Requisition to use $25,000 from the Futures Fund to cover these repairs. This proposal will be reviewed by Derry’s committees and voted upon at the Session’s January meeting.
  • The Session reviewed and approved a submission from the Building & Grounds Committee to the Stabler Foundation for a grant to assist with cemetery restorations. Thank you to Bill Alexander for his work in preparing the grant request.
  • A contribution from HERCO to the repairs previously made to Derry’s Session House glass enclosure was reviewed and accepted.
  • Special 2022 Offerings/Fundraisers as submitted by Presbyterian Women were reviewed and approved.
  • Due to staffing shortages, Derry Discovery Days requested approval to fill a substitute teacher position. The Session approved the hiring of Haily Radnor as a substitute teacher.
  • Communion dates for 2022 were reviewed and approved.
  • A big “thank you” was extended to those Ruling Elders finishing their terms for their dedication and leadership over the past three years.