New Philadelphia News Across the Pastor’s Desk
The Congregational Council was convened by the pastor, who led the assembly in prayer, asking God to lead by His Spirit. Sister Brittany Huddleston served as Congregational Council Secretary. The Business of Elections 1.The Nominations Committee reported a slate of six names for four positions on the board of Elders: Becky Beauchamp, Evon Crooks, Susan Cook, Bill Donnell, Denise Hunt and Bob McReynolds. 2.The following people received a majority of all votes cast: Becky Beauchamp, Evon Crooks, Sr., Susan Cook and Bob McReynolds. We appreciate Denise Hunt and Bill Donnell standing for election, and look forward to serving with them in the future. 3.The Nominations Committee reported a slate of four names for four positions on the board of Trustees: Charles Galloway, Michael Crotts, Ron Vogler, Smitty Welborn. The slate was accepted and nominations closed. The Council unanimously approved all four names. 4.The Nominations Committee requested nominations for the two lay representatives for the Yadkin Valley RCC. Jane Shore and Tim Ward were nominated, and unanimously approved for the positions. 5.The Nominations Committee requested nominations for Church Council Secretary. Nancy Holland was nominated and unanimously approved. We failed to elect an alternate. Committee Reports The Church Council heard Committee Reports from various committees, and individuals, including: 1.The Christian Education Committee 2.Connections Ministry Team 3.Missions and Social Concerns Committee. Activities of the Joint Board The Pastor gave a brief report on the activities of the Joint Board, including the hiring of Michael Crane, and the call of the Rev. Joe Moore. Worship Hymnal The Pastor asked the Council for permission for the Joint Board to explore the purchase of a new Worship Hymnal, popularly known as the “blue hymnal.” This was done, because the Council had twice voted to not
to buy the new hymnal. The council asked the Joint Board to explore the options that are available to us, and bring a recommendation back to a Special Church Council to be held after the first of the year. Rules and Regulations The Pastor brought the new Rules and Regulations before the Council, thanking several members for their contributions, including but not limited to, Bruce Bradley, Bill Sides, Marie Rodden, Joey Transou, and Earl Wall. The new Rules and Regulations will accomplish three things. 1.I will bring our Rules and Regulations into harmony with the Book of Order of the Southern Province. 2.It will bring our Rules and Regulations in harmony with present practice. 3.It will improve our institutional memory, and assist our boards and committees in performance of their duties. It was determined that the only controversial part of the new Rules and Regulations was whether we should establish a minimum age at which Communicant Members can cast their vote and hold office. The Council was presented with three options. A discussion was held, and the Council decided that all Communicant Members in good standing have the right to vote, and those who are 18 years of age and older have the right to hold office as an Elder, Trustee, RCC Representative, Synod Delegate, or such other office elected by the Congregational Council. The council agreed that it was both unwise and unfair to ask people under 18 years of age to represent the church to the outside world, as when the board approves a contract to build a new building, or to repair an existing building.
The new Rules and Regulations were unanimously approved by a voice vote. They can be found online at: http://newphilly.org/pdf/2016.npmc.constitution.pdf. Additional business was called for, and there was none. Adjournment was moved, and the Council adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Worth Green Pastor