FirstPresbyterianChurchofHoustonJuneAgenda–June16,2020

7:00PM,viaZoomOpeningPrayer JimBirchfield OmnibusResolution JimBirchfieldApproveMinutesofMaySessionMeetingAdditionalConsentMotionsReports

Clerk’sReport(1) ChrisWolfeInstallationoftheClassof2023ElderResignation

BoardofTrusteeReport TomBrents

FinanceReport MattMalinskya. Finances DougMeikleb. Long-termplanningupdate AndrewStepp

ReopeningTaskForceReport MarkPotter

CommitteeReports CommitteeChairs NewBusinessOldBusinessPastor’sReport JimBirchfieldPersonnel&Ministryupdate AndrewStepp Clerk’sReport(2) ChrisWolfeConflictofInterestStatementAffirmationofServiceSessionRetreatCongregationalMeeting PrayerandPraise JimBirchfield

MotiontoAdjourn

2020SessionMeetings&ImportantDates

Sabbatical-NoMeetinginJulySessionmeeting–Tuesday,August11,2020(DateChange)Sessionmeeting–Tuesday,September15,2020SessionRetreat(TBD)Sessionmeeting–Tuesday,October20,2020CongregationalMeeting(TBD/Sunday,November1or8)Sessionmeeting–Tuesday,November17,2020Sessionmeeting–Tuesday,December15,2020

MINUTESOFTHESESSIONTHEFIRSTPRESBYTERIANCHURCHOFHOUSTON,TEXAS

May19,2020TheMayStatedMeetingoftheSessionbeganat7:00pmbyazoomconferenceduetotheCOVID-19pandemicwithaquorumpresent.Dr.JimBirchfieldcalledthemeetingtoorderandMattLeeopenedthemeetingwithprayer.Attendance:SeetheattachedSessionAttendanceRecordforattendancetodatethisyear.OmnibusMotions:Thefollowingomnibusmotions,providedtoSessioninadvanceofthemeeting,werepassedunanimouslywithoutdiscussion:

• MovedthattheminutesoftheApril28,2020StatedMeetingoftheSessionbeapproved.• AmotionfromtheAdvisoryCouncilwasmadeandapprovedthathavingcompletedacourse

ofstudyontheroleandresponsibilityofelders,includingtheEssentialTenetsofECO,andhavingbeenexaminedbytheclerks,thefollowingelders-electoftheClassof2023areapprovedforordinationaseldersintheCovenantOrderofEvangelicalPresbyterians:ECOandallareapprovedforinstallationasmembersoftheSessionofFirstPresbyterianChurch,HoustoninaserviceofpublicworshiponOrdinationSundayoronalaterdate,ifnecessary:

Forordinationandinstallation: Elder-elect MelaneyDerden DavidQuan

SaraRobertsonAmyWinstead

Forinstallation,havingpreviouslybeenordainedtotheofficeofelder: Elder-elect MarthaBarnes

TomReiser(Clerk)BoardofTrusteeReport:

• FredRobertsonreportedtheyhavereceivedproposalsforthedemolitionoftheOakdalebuildingbymidsummer.TherewillbemodificationsonthesecondfloortomovetheprintersfromOakdaletothesecondfloorofthechurch.Theestimatesare$270,000forremodelingofthesecondfloorand$60,000forthedemolitionoftheOakdalebuildings.Amotionwasmadeandapprovedtoremovetheseprojectsfromthepostponedprojectslistandtoproceedwiththeprojectsthissummer.

CommitteeReports:• FinanceReport–MattMalinskyreportedthatthefiscalyear2019-2020willfinishinthe

black.• AndrewStepppresentedtheproposedbudgetfor2020-2021.Thereisa10%reduction

fromthebudgetof2019-2020.AmotionfromtheAdvisoryCounciltoapprovetheBudget2020-2021wasapproved.

ReopeningTaskForceReport:ManishShahpresentedapowerpoint“ReopeningTaskForceUpdate”and“FPCReopeningTaskForce(RTF)PlanforSession”.Guidancefrommanyentitieswereconsideredaswellasasurveythatwastakenfromthecongregationastohowcomfortableandwhenwouldtheybewillingtoreturntoworshippinginperson.Amotionwasmadeandapprovedforthestart/stoptriggersforworshipandlargegatheringsandforrelaxingofinfectioncontrolmeasures.

Amotionwasmadeandapprovedoftargetdatesforscreeningcurrentstaff,havingallstaff/visitorsonsite,andlogisticalreadinessforworshipwithJune14asasuggestedfirstSundayforworshipinthesanctuary.Amotionwasmadeandapprovedtoapprovethephasedimplementationfornumberandstyleofworshipservices.Tobegintherewillbeonelive,blendedstyleserviceat10:45(sanctuarybased)andoneprerecordedandstreamedservice(notinperson).Amotionwasmadeandapprovedforgeneraleventsplanforbaptisms,memorials,andweddings.

PASTOR’SREPORT–noreport

CLERK’SREPORTMay1,2020-Amotionwasmadeandapprovedbyelectronicvote,Sessionherebyapprovesthecancellationofconstructionprojectsplannedforsummerof2020.ChrisWolfeannouncedthefollowingcommitteeassignmentsfor2020-2021:ChurchPlanting&InnovationPaulaPaine-ChairJordanBenningfieldDavidQuanMarriage&FamilyMarkPotter-ChairStephanieZamoraMelaneyDerdenWorshipCalliePaterson-ChairKentWoodardMarthaBarnesEquippingandSendingMarthaLawler-ChairTannerSykesSaraRobertsonOperationsTiffanyMelchers-ChairAlDupontAmyWinsteadTherewasacelebrationandfarewelltributetotheoutgoingElderClassof2020.Themeetingwasadjournedat10:10pmwithprayerbyChrisWolfe.__________________________ __________________________Rev.JimBirchfield,Moderator RobertMoore,ClerkofSession

RESOLUTIONSPROPOSEDBYADVISORYCOUNCILTOSESSION

JUNE16,2020

RESOLVED,thatSessionnotestheCOVIDsocialdistancingchallengestocustomary

practicesregardingtheincomingElderClassof2023.

RESOLVED,thatSessionextendsallrightsandprivilegesasifMembersofSessionto

the Elders Elect of the Class of 2023 effective as of June 1, 2020 but delays the

ceremony of formal installation and ordination until we can joyously gather in

publicreligiousservice.

RESOLVED,thatSessionnotestheresignationofTomReiserfromSessioneffective

June9,2020.

RESOLVED,thatMarthaBarnesbeandherebyiselectedClerkfortheElderClassof

2023,effectiveimmediately.

RESOLVED, that the Officer Nominating Committee is charged with discerning,

beforethenextCongregationalMeeting,sixEldercandidates for theClassof2024

andoneEldercandidatetocompletethenowvacantpositionintheClassof2023.

ConsentMotions:None

ReportsBOARDOFTRUSTEESJune10,2020MembersPresent:TomBrents,JohnCrane,BrockHudson,SeanKeenan,SteveKing,RandySchorre,RussSchultz,DebbieThompson,ChrisWintersStaffandEx-OfficioPresent:KayDuPont-SecretaryMembersandEx-officioAbsent:JimBirchfield,AndrewSteppTomBrentscalledthemeetingtoorderat11:40aminLC181andopenedthemeetingwithprayer.AmotionwasmadeandpassedtoapprovetheMinutesoftheBoardofTrusteesMay20,2020.CommitteeReports

• SessionActionCommittee-TomBrentsreportedthatSunday,June14willbethefirstinpersonworshipserviceandtherewillbeaTownHallMeetingWednesdaynighttoexplaintothecongregationwhattoexpectwhentheyattendSundaymorning.Financialcontributionshavebeenabovebudgetandexpensesaredown.

• FacilitiesCommittee-TomBrentsreportedthatthearchitectsaregoingforwardwithacquiringpermits.Theinteriorrenovationswillproceedasplannedforthefirstandsecondfloor.Therewillbenoexteriorrenovationsatthistime.ThelogisticsfortakingdowntheOakdaleBuildingarebeingreviewed.ThedemolitionshouldbecompletedbythemiddleofAugust.HenryHumphriesisspearheadingtheproject.

• BuildingCommittee-TomBrentsreportedthatthesanctuaryhasbeenrefreshed.Thefireprotectionsystemisbeingupdatedtoastate-of-the-artsystem.ThewindowsoutsidetheKDOareawillbecleanedandrepainted.

• RiskCommittee-SteveKing–nonewreport

Neighbors• MFAHRepresentative-SeanKeenan–nonewreport• PresbyterianSchool–TomBrentshasbeenincommunicationswith

PresbyterianSchoolabouttherazingoftheOakdalebuildingandtheneedfortheschooltoremovetheirpropertyfromwithin.Therearediscussionsaboutnewsignagefortheschoolandhowtoco-ordinatethemwiththechurchsignage.Plansarebeingmadeforsecuringthesecondfloorforsecuritypurposes.

• MainStreetMinistry-SteveKingreportedthattherearenonewprojectsplannedfornowandthatthelargemeetingroomhasbeenupdated.

Properties

• DaleAvenueProperties–ChrisWintersreportedthatthetaxprotesthasbeenfiledandtheyarewaitingforadate.Theyareintheprocessofrenewingtheleasesfortheunitsanddonotplantoincreasetheratesatthistime.

• ManvelProperty–SeanKeenanreportedthattheyhaveacquiredanagriculturalexemptionfortheproperty.Theattorneysaresettingupameetingtodiscussthefutureoftheproperty.

• BonnerProperty–RussSchulze–nonewreportChurch

• Parking-DebbieThompsonrecommendedreassigningtheparkingresponsibilitiestotheFacilitiesCommittee.

• Children&Youth(NewCommitteeFocus)-KDOwouldliketorenovateandincreasetheirareainordertoexpandtheirprogram.

• CommunityOutreach(NewCommitteeFocus)-–nonewreportThmeetingwasadjournedat12:35withaprayerbyChrisWinters.

OPERATIONSJune15,2020

Memberspresent:TiffanyMelchers,AlDuPont,AmyWinstead,AndrewStepp,SteveKing,HenryHumphries,JaimeHampton,MerryDavis.Membersabsent:KelliLawless.Staff&Otherspresent:None.WELCOMEtoAmyWinstead(ElderClass2023)&JaimeHampton(PermanentFunds)CalltoOrder,DevotionalandPrayer/(JesusCalling,June15,2020)&OpeningPrayer/AlDuPontFacilitiesMinistryTeamReport/HenryHumphries

§ CompletedpaintingandrefinishingintheSanctuary,whichincludesChancelceiling,Nave,pewcaps&wainscot

§ RefinishedwoodinChancel§ AddedsmokedetectorsinSanctuary§ Obtainingquotestorepairthewoodaroundthewindows§ Workingonplanstodemolish10Oakdale(needconcessionfromneighbor

sinceOakdalebuildingabutspropertyline)§ ITMinistryTeamhasbeenformed§ Comcasthasinstalledanewinternetline.Asecondfiber-opticslineisalso

beinginstalledasabackup.Also,workisongoingtoseparateFPClinesfromPresbyterianSchoollines.

§ Continuetostoreunneededpews…workingonpassingontoorganizationsinneed

§ MediaRoomupdatesinCEbuildingcontinuing§ Question:HowdotheserepairitemsfitintoFPCongoingmaintenance?Are

currentrepairsbeingdoneinawaytoreduceongoingmaintenance?§ CommentfromAndrew:Repairshaveimprovedthelooksanddurabilityof

property.

PermanentFundsMinistryTeamReport/JaimeHampton§ ApprovedtoAustinHermanforseminary§ Approximately$170Kgoingforward§ Teamwillbemeetingnextmonth

Treasurer’sReport/AndrewStepp§ ForMay/BudgetedIncome~$580K,ActualIncome~$1.1M/Budgeted

Expense~$662K,ActualExpense~$1M[PropertyInsurancewasupdatedandfinancesallowedpaymentINFull…thisresultedinanannualsavingsof$10Kinmonthlyfees][AlsoincludesafewmediaupgradesincludingsomelightsintheChancel]

§ CurrentYear(CY)ComparisontoBudgetandPriorYear(PY)–Month

CurrentYearComparisontoBudgetandPriorYear-Month May May Budget PY PY

Actual Budget Var Actual Var

Income $1,093

$580

$513

$485

$608

Expenses (1,040)

(662)

(378)

(474)

(566)

Surplus/(Deficit)

$53

$(82)

$135 $11 $42

§ CurrentYear(CY)ComparisontoBudgetandPriorYear(PY)forYear-To-Date(throughMay2020)

CurrentYearComparisontoBudgetandPriorYear-Year-To-Date CY CY Budget PY PY

Actual Budget Var Actual Var

Income $8,992

$7,975 $1,017 $7,202 $1,790

Expenses (8,091)

(7,975)

(116)

(7,324)

(767)

Surplus/(Deficit)

$901 $-

$901

$(122) $1,023

§ Liquidity–CashBalances

Liquidity-CashBalances GeneralFundBalance $5,947 *Designated/TemporarilyRestrictedAccounts (1,962) **UnrestrictedGeneralFundBalance $3,985 CapitalFundCashBalance $2,162

* GFCash$2,891+PPPloanCash$894+CFCash$2,162]

** DesignatedFunds+MemorialWall+PPPLoanUnearned

§ FY2019End-of-YearaccountingnumbersarebeingfinalizedandwillbepresentedatJuneSessionmeeting…QUICKINCOMEREVIEW:March~$630K/April~$1.2M/May~$1.1M

§ PPPLoanAssessment/FPCobtainedaloanof~$900K.Wewillhaveusedthisforapprovedexpensespriortotheextendeddeadlineandwillnothavetorepaytheloan.

OpenDiscussion:§ PlansareunderwaywithPS/KDO/Childcaretobepreparedforthe

reopeningoftheseareas.

Equipping&SendingDate: June10,2020Time: 12:30-1:30P.M.Location:viaZoomconferencePresent: Mary-FloyeFederer,MarthaLawler(chair),JimmyMyers,Caitlin

Rhodes,CatieSmith,TannerSykes

Absent: SaraRobertson

MINUTESI. Opening prayer: Martha opened the meeting in prayer and a devotion

derived from Rev. Al Sharpton’s eulogy of George Floyd; specifically, hisorationof theGoodSamaritan. Wecanno longerbepassers-by of those inneedofourcareandconcern.It’stimeforustostop,listen,andact.

II. Introductions:

Abigail MacDougal as incoming director of YA introduced herself to thecommittee andMartha explained the role of the elders andhowwe are toreporttotheSessiontheworkofourcollectivecommittee. Incomingelder,SaraRobertson,wasunabletoattendduetoapreviouslyscheduledretreat.

III. Discussion:Our initialmeetingwas one of introductions and brief thoughts about ourwork over the summer and into the remainder of the year. Martha askedCaitlin for some recommended reading on spiritual formation (specifically,discipleship) and asked for thoughts on a summer book review. Caitlinrecommended Dana Allin’s SimpleDiscipleship and The Great Omission, byDallasWillard.

We welcomed Abigail as the new YA director and thanked Jimmy for hisinspiringworkoverthelasttwoyears.Wewillmisshimbutareexcitedforhisnewjourneyandtheopportunitiesthatawaithimandhisfamily. CatiereportedthatJimSingletonwouldbetheAugustSmallGroupandSSspeaker(pre-recorded “Ted Talks” with questions). She is also working to helpcreate a landing page on our website for Racial Reconciliation to go live(hopefully)sometimethismonth.EachMinistry’supdateisattachedbelow.

CaitlinRhodesUpdate:Regardingreconciliation,oneofthediscipleshipresourcesCaitlinrecommendedgoingforwardforourchurchwas:TheRepentanceProject'sAnAmericanLent.ItcameoutofanAnglicanchurchinDC;it'sa40-daydevotionalthatthoughdesignedforLentisveryfittinginthisseasonoflament.ShewentthroughitwithagroupofstudentsatGordon-Conwell,anditcametohermindasshe’sseenmanypeopleinFPCtryingtofigureoutwhattheyshoulddoandhowtheycanbegintorespondtothisinjustice.Wecan'tchangewhatwedon'tunderstand;learningandlamentingisagreatplacetostartreform.

TheRepentanceProjectexiststoencourageracialhealingbycommunicatingthesystemiclegaciesofslavery,buildingrelationships,andcreatingopportunities—throughformation,repentance,andrepair—forajustfuture.CaitlinalsosuggestedtheBibleProject’svideoon“justice”.Jimmyreferredustoanexcellentarticleontherelationbetweenthegospelandsocialjustice:https://mereorthodoxy.com/an-evangelical-response-to-the-statement-on-social-justice-and-the-gospel

The five FPC pastors and Emanuel Paul Peter have been andwill continuemeetingweeklytoconsidertheministryshiftsandchallenges,alongandhowbesttoengage/respondtotheneedtoaddressracism.Moreconversationtofollow.

IV. Housekeeping:WedecidedtocontinuemeetingonthesecondWednesdayofthemonthoverthelunchhour.OurnextmeetingwillbeWednesday,August5,2020,12-12:45pmviaZoom.

V. Prayer:Allmembersprayedandthemeetingwasadjourned.

MinistryPartnershipsandEngagementFPCOpportunitiestoServe6-9-2020MainStreetMinistriesJoinMSMforanonlineinteractiveworkshop,BridgesOutofPoverty,thatexploreshowallcommunitymemberscanjointogethertopreventandreducepoverty.Participantswillanalyzepovertyresearch,theoriesofchange,hiddenclassrules,resources,familystructure,andlanguage.Thisisaneight-weekZoomseriesbeginningJune17from11:30am-12:30pm.EmailKathieHartzogatkhartzog@msmhouston.orgifyouwouldliketojoin.FeedingHouston'sHeroesisanopportunityforHoustonianstosay"ThankYou!",andgivebacktothosewhosacrificesomuchforthiscitywelove.Weareraisingfundstopurchasemeals,snacks,andcoffeefromlocalrestaurantstobedeliveredtoHouston'shealthcareworkers,firstresponders,andothersonthefrontlineaswellassupportlocalrestaurantswhoarestrugglingtostayafloatduringthistimeofuncertainty.Thisisavolunteer-runeffortand100%ofthefundscollectedwillbeusedforpurchasinganddeliveringmeals.YoucandonateviatheGoFundMepageorifyouwouldliketoreceiveataxreceiptforyourgiving,youmaymakeagiftontheFPC“FeedingHouston’sHeroes"page.https://fpchouston.org/feeding-houstons-heroes/RestoringJusticeFPCisblessedtohaverecentlyjoinedinpartnershipwithRestoringJustice.RestoringJusticeisdedicatedtolovingandfightingforthepeoplethesystemhasforgotten.Establishedonfaith-basedprinciples,RestoringJusticeprovidesexcellentlegal,social,andcounselingservicestopeopleaccusedofcrimeswhocannotaffordtohireattorneysthemselves.OurmissionistopursueChrist'sjustice.Ourvisionisthatthecriminaljusticesystemacknowledges,respectsandupholdsConstitutionalrightsanddignityforeveryhuman.ForopportunitiestosupportandservewithRestoringJustice,gotorestoringjustice.orgHoustonResponds'MasksForAllHoustonResponds,acollaborationofHoustonareachurchesformedduringHurricaneHarvey.Unitingtomeettheneedsoffamiliesintheircommunities,HoustonRespondscontinuestheirmissiontodayto“unite,empowerandmobilizechurchesacrossGreaterHoustontoexpeditelong-termrecoveryandrespondtofuturedisasters.”Recentlyaskedbycityofficialstohelpwiththeneedfornon-surgicalmasks,HoustonRespondslaunchedMasksforAll,tohelpensurethereareMASKSFORALLaswetransitionoutofquarantine,especiallyforthoseinunder-resourcedareas.Thegoalistohave500to1000congregationsmobilizedtocreate100to200masksperweek,withonemillionmasksbeingmadein10weeks.FPCisjoiningtheeffortintwoways:

*servingasadropofflocationforourCovenantPartnersaswellasotherareachurchestobringtheirmade/sewnmasksormaterialstodesignatedcontainersoutsidetheWelcomeCenterfrom9:00a.m.-2:00p.m.*encouragingourCovenantPartnersandministrieswithinthechurchincludingWomen’sMinistryandAdultsPlustoeithersewclothmasksormakemasksaccordingtoinstructionsontheHoustonRespondswebsite.MayorTurnerchallengedthecitytohave1000churchesprovide1000maskseach!Formoreinformationaboutmakingthemasks,seewww.houstonresponds.org/MasksForAllPrayerandEncouragementComingalongsidetoencourageandprayforourpartners,missionariesandfriendsisparamountduringthesedifficulttimes.Threemonthsintothepandemic,encouragementandprayerisneededmorethanever.Receivingaphonecall,email,WhatsAppmessage,ortextcanliftpeople’sspirits.Ifyouhaveaheartforaspecificministrywhetherlocalorglobal,andyoualreadyhavetheircontactinformation,pleasereachouttothemdirectly,thoughwewouldlovetoknowwhoisbeingcontactedandhearupdates.Wearehappytoprovideinformationaboutministriesandtheircontactinformationaswell.Thisisawonderfulopportunityforasmallgroup,SundaySchoolorevenafewfriendstodotogether.OurLocalprioritypartnersincludeAttackPoverty/FriendsofNorthside,NehemiahCenter,StreetGrace,MainStreetMinistries,OpenDoorMission,andHoustonWelcomesRefugees.OurGlobalpriorityorfocusareapartnersincludeTheMicahProject/Honduras,Jossour-BridgesofHope/MiddleEast,HillcrestAIDSCentre/SouthAfrica,AfricaRenewalMinistries/Uganda,PalestinianBibleSociety/IsraelPalestine,BethlehemBibleCollege/MiddleEast,PlantWithPurpose/Mexico,andInternationalJusticeMission/Worldwide.Formoreinformation,contactMary-FloyeFedereratmffederer@fpchouston.org.AttackPovertyisFPC’sprioritypartnerforservinglocallyduringtheCOVID-19pandemicbecauseoftheirprovenrecordoftransformativeandholisticministryintimesofcrisis,astheydidfollowingHarvey.TheFriendsofNorthsidelocationisanactivedistributionsiteonTuesdaysandThursdays,needingvolunteerstodeliverfoodpackagestotheelderlyandat-riskindividuals.OnMondays,Wednesdays,andFridays,theyneedhelpcontactingmembersofthecommunitytoassesstheirneeds,callingpeopletoaskifthereisanywaywecanprayforthem,andmakingmorekidsactivitykits.Note:IndividualscanmakethesecallstotheNorthsidecommunitymembersfromhome!Theyarehappytosendyouascript,andnamesandphonenumbers.ContactLeaByrdatlbyrd@fpchouston.orgifyouareinterestedinservinglocallywithAttackPoverty'sFriendsofNorthsidelocation.PleasenotethatAttackPoverty'seffortsareconsidered"essential"bytheCityofHouston,andthereforeareallowedtocontinueservingamidsttheStayHome,WorkSafeorder.TheyareadheringtostrictCDCGuidelinesbyhavingalimitof10peopleworkingduringeachshift,sixfeetapart,anddroppingofffoodpackagesatdoorsteps.

TheForge#TakeUsToYourTableisacampaignMayor,SylvesterTurnerhasestablishedtohelpsupportHoustonrestaurantsthroughthisdifficulttime.However,TheForgewouldliketotakeitonestepfurtherbyaskingyouwhenorderingtakeoutfromyourfavoriterestaurant,toalsopurchaseagiftcardfromthemandpassitalongtotheFORGE!ThegiftcardswillallowthemtoordercurbsidefortheirfamilieswhoareexperiencingfinancialhardshipduringCOVID-19.GiftcardsmaybemailedtoTheForgecampusat3435DixieDrive,77021,ordroppedoffanydayoftheweek,Monday-Thursdayfrom10:00a.m.-2:00p.m.PleasefeelfreetocontactBethLeeforanyquestionsat713-660-1871oratbethwlee@forgeforfamilies.org.MainStreetMinistriesisFPC'sotherlocalprioritypartner.AsMSMismobilizingtheirownCOVID-19ReliefandRecoveryResponse,theirmosturgentneedisforfinancialsupportandprayer.NomatterwhatthegovernmentCOVID-19reliefpackageprovides,itwillbeweeksbeforethisgetstofamiliesandmaynotbeenoughtocoverthegapscausedbythiscrisis.BasedonthisestimatedneedperhouseholdandthenumberofhouseholdsthathavebeenthroughMSM'sLifeEmpowermentprograms,MSManticipatesneeding$360,000tocovertheseimmediategaps.ThisactionplanandneededfundingisonlyphaseoneoftheworkthatwillbedoneasMainStreetMinistriesandthecommunityasawholerespondtotheCOVID-19crisis.https://www.msmhouston.org/give/PlantWithPurpose:TheUnitedNationswarnsthecoronaviruscoulddoublethenumberofpeoplesufferingfromacutehungerglobally.FPCpartnerswithPlantWithPurposeinOaxaca,Mexicotoempowerruralfarmingfamiliestogrowoutofpovertyandreversedeforestation.Farmers’resiliencewillbetestedbytheeconomicimpactsofCOVID-19.TohelpPlantWithPurposerespondandensurefoodsecurity,visitplantwithpurpose.org/readinessandresilience.TolearnmoreaboutourongoingpartnershipwithPlantWithPurpose,visitplantwithpurpose.org/coatecasoremailjenny.sommer2@gmail.com.

DiscipleshipReport–June2020 CovertoCoverisgoinggreat.Wearenowaskingparticipantstowritethedailydevosbasedontheirjourneythusfarintheirreadingplan.

• WeareencouragingSG'stotakeabreakoverthesummer(oratleastbemoresocialoverzoom)-weareprovidingreadingresourcesbutnotguides

• JimSingletonisgoingtobeourAugustSGandSSspeaker(pre-recorded"TedTalks"withsmallgroupbreakoutquestions)

• CreatingalandingpageonourwebsiteforRacialReconciliationtogolive(hopefully)sometimethismonth.

YAUpdate–June20201.AbigailMacDougallisthenewdirectorofyoungadults!Whoohooo!Thisisanexcellentdevelopmentforthedepartmentasawholeandespeciallyfortheyoungadultcommunity.AbigailhasservedfaithfullyastheYA/DiscipleshipCoordinatorthispastyear.ShelovesGodandhiswaydeeply,lovesthislocalchurchcommunity,especiallytheseyoungadults.Sheisagiftedspeaker/teacher,musician,relationaldiscipler,and,aboveall,exemplifiesthecharacterofChrist.Pleasejoinmeinwelcomingher,aswellasprayingforherandsupportingherinthisrole!2.SundaymorningTablecommunity:theyoungadultshavecontinuedtomeettogetheronSundaymorningviaZoom.Weareparticipatinginthelargerchurch'spilgrimagethroughscripture.Ithasbeenaformativetimethathasbeenmarkedbythoughtfulengagementandreadingendurancethroughdifficulttexts.I'mproudofthegroupof15orsoYAwhoareonthisscripturereadingjourneytogether.3.WednesdayEveningPrayer.WehavealsocontinuedtopraytogetherasacommunityeveryWednesdayeveningat9pm.We'vedonethisinparticipationwithAndrewHebert,thedirectorofcontemporaryworship,andithasbeenarestorativetime.Whenthevirusbrokeinmid-MarchthiswasanimportantavenueforthecommunitytocometogetherandprayforGod'shealingoftheworld.Recently,wehaveframedthetimeasatimetoprayandlamentovertheracialinjusticethatwe'veencounteredinpastweeks.Thefirstweek––theweekGeorgeFloydwaskilled––MikeNicholssharedabitofhisexperienceasablackmanaswellasabiblicalreflectionontheneedtopursuejusticeinourrelationshipsandthesocialorder.IwishIhadrecordedthetime,becauseitwasimportantandpowerful––formativeandconstructiveinalltherightways.4.ThursdayNoonStudyoftheLord'sPrayerwithN.T.Wright.We'vealsocontinuedtostudytheLord'sPrayeratnoononThursdaystogether.WewatchavideoofN.T.WrightlecturingonaparticulararticleintheLord'sPrayer,andthenwediscussitssignificanceforusasChristiansinthistime.Theseconversationshavegonereally,reallydeep,whichhasbeenwonderfultoexperience.Theyoungadultsparticipatingofferhonestreflectionandengagementinawaythatisformativeforlife-transformation.5.Peoplecareandsharing.Finally,AbigailandIhavebegunanewpracticeinourendeavorbothtocareforpeoplewellinthistimeandalsocontinuetocultivatecommunity.We'vebeenconducting"Zoominterviews"withcommunitymemberstocheckinonhowtheyaredoing,andwerecordthetimesothatitcanbeshared

morebroadlywiththeyoungadultcommunityatlarge.Theseinterviewshaveprovedtoviablepathwaytoallowcommunityparticipantstoconnectinanhonestandgenerativewayinatimewhenwe'reunabletomeetinperson.Worship,MusicandPrayerJune14,2020DuringtheWorship,Music,andPrayerMinistryCommittee(WMP)meetingheldonFebruary2,2020,aneworganizationalchartfortheministrywaspresentedwhichcreatedfourteams(Caring,Connections,Prayer,andWorship)undertheWMP.PastorAndrewStepp,CherylChristie(DirectorofConnections),LijaShah(DirectorofCaring),AndrewHebert(DirectorofContemporaryWorship),ShepherdingElderJanSmith,andEldersKentWoodardandCalliePatersonwillserveontheWMP.Theprocesshasbeguntorecruitcovenantpartnerstopopulatethoseteamsforthenewfiscalyear.CaringReport(LijaShah,DirectorofCaring):

GriefSupport:The13-weekGriefSharegroupconcludedtheendofApril.LijaShah,alongwithSusanandTomEgolf(FPCcovenantpartners),ledthefive-membergroup.Theplanistohostanothergroupbeginningmid-Augusteitheronlineorinperson.Dementia/Alzheimer'sSupport:AmazingPlaceisoneofourcaringministrypartners.Theyprovidecaretothesediagnosedwithdementiaaswellascaregiversupportandeducationalseminarsonbrainhealth.AmazingPlaceandFPChostedacaregiversupportclassrightbeforetheshutdowncausedbyCOVID19.Noweffortsarefocusedoneducatingcovenantpartners,especiallyforthosewhomayneedsupportduringthistime,aboutthevirtualofferingsavailable.Memorials:DuetoCOVID-19,allmemorialserviceshavebeenpostponed.Underthenewlyapprovedguidelines,memorialservicesshouldresumethissummer.Congregationalcareprayerlist:Aprayerlistofthoseinourcongregationwhoareinneedofprayerisemailedonceaweektoagroupcommittedtopraying.Sessionmemberswhowouldliketoreceivetheprayerlistshouldemailcaring@fpchouston.organdrequesttobeaddedtothelist.ConnectionsReport(CherylChristie,DirectorofConnections):

Inadditiontoshoulderingmajorresponsibilityfortheresumptionofin-personworshipservices,Cherylandherteamhavebeenactiveinotherarenas.

Duringthequarantine,CherylservedthosewhojoinedFPConlinebyrespondingtothelivechatsandprayingvirtuallywithindividuals.DuringtheLivestreamservices,anindividualcouldrequestprayer,whichwouldcreateaprivatechatroomwhereCherylandthepersoncoulddialogandpray.WhentheCovertoCoveropportunitywaspresented,anumberofindividualswhoarenotcovenantpartnersandnotresidentsofTexaswantedtoparticipate.Someoftheindividualswerenotregularlyattendingchurch;somearemembersofsmallerchurcheswhichdidnotofferonlineservices.TheConnectionsMinistriesorganizedtheseindividualsintoasmallgrouptoreadthroughtheWord.Cherylemailsthegroupweekly.TheConnectionsMinistrysolicitsprayerrequestsontheonlineplatformduringtheworshipservice,distributesthoserequeststoateamcommittedtopraying,andfollowsupwithemailsorphonecallsifrequested.FirstFriends:FirstFriendsisaprogramthatCherylrevivedlastyearthatmatchesnewcovenantpartners(CP)withinvolvedcovenantpartners.ThepurposeoftheprogramistoaidintheassimilationofthenewCPbyprovidingongoingcontactwithsomeoneinvolvedinchurch.TheFirstFriendisaskedtomeetindividuallywiththenewCPandconnectregularlyforsixmonths.Significanteffortisexertedtomatchpeoplewithanaturalconnection.Forexample,pairinganewCPcouplewhohastwininfantswithacouplewithpre-schooltwins.Notsurprisingly,theseconnectionsoftenturnintofriendships.Seventy-fiveCPhavebeenrecruitedtoserveasFirstFriends.

PrayerReport:ThegoalofthePrayerTeamthisyearwillbetodetermineawaytohighlightprayertoagreaterdegreeatFPC.TheprocesswillbetofirstdeterminethecurrentstatusofprayeratFPC,dreamaboutwhatwewouldliketoseehappen,andthenplanimplementation.Interviewsofover15covenantpartnersandsevenothersoutsidethechurchwereconductedduringthemonthsbeforethepandemicshutdown.AsummaryofthoseinterviewsalongwithsuggestionstohighlightprayeratFPCwillbepresentedatalaterdate.WorshipReport:In-personworshipservicessuccessfullyandsmoothlyresumedonJune14,2020thankstothehardworkofManishShah,MarkPotter,CherylChristie,CelesteLanier,KelliLawless,allthepastors,andmanyothers!AcommentforsomeonewhoattendedtheJune14service:

TheservicewasFABULOUS!!Theacousticswereamazingforsinging,theorgan,andpiano!Itearedupduringthefirstsong—whichisn’tthebestthingtodowhilewearingamask!Allthosemissingcushionsreallymadeahugedifference!IfeltVERYsafeasfarasCOVIDisconcerned.Respectfullysubmitted,CalliePatersonChairofWorship,MusicandPrayer

AdvisoryCouncilMeetingMinutes

June9,2020–ViaZoomandConferenceRoom

Themeetingbeganatapproximately3:00PM.

Inattendance:JimBirchfield,AndrewStepp,ChrisWolfe,DougMeikle,JennRustayandTomBrent.

OPENINGPRAYERwasledbyJimBirchfield.

RESIGNATION

The meeting began with a report from Jim Birchfield on the resignation fromSessionofTomReiser.AdiscussionfollowedconcerninganimmediatenominationofareplacementClerkfortheClassof2023andthereplacementofanElderintheClass of 2023. After discussion, the Advisory Council recommended that MarthaBarnesbenominated as the replacementClerk for theClass of 2023and that theOfficerNominatingCommitteebechargedwithnominatingareplacementElderfortheClassof2023tostandforelectionatthenextCongregationalMeeting.

DISCUSSIONTOPICS

AfinancialreportwasgivenbyAndrewStepp.AnupdateonthereopeningofFPCwas given by Jim Birchfield. A report on forward planningwas given by AndrewStepp and DougMeikle. Tom Brent delivered a report on the Trustees’ activities.After discussion, the Advisory Council voted to schedule the next CongregationalMeetinginearlyNovemberof2020.

PASTORS’REPORT

AndrewSteppandJimBirchfielddeliveredthePastors’Reportonpersonnel.

CLERK’SREPORT

ChrisWolfedeliveredareportontheFallSessionRetreat.

CLOSINGPRAYERwasledbyChrisWolfeandthemeetingadjourned.

Respectfullysubmitted,ChrisWolfe,SeniorClerk

Stacey, I know how much you care about our families so I want to share that last week was a TOUGH week for the families because of George Floyd. The pandemic has already put a tremendous strain on our families and the tragic passing of George has been difficult on the whole Nehemiah community. George was from 3rd Ward Houston, the same neighborhood many of our kids live in. It really hit home for us and it's devastating to think what happened on that sidewalk in Minneapolis could of happened to one of my babies. To be honest, I get emotional just thinking about it. It's been tough for Nehemiah families to absorb the enormity of what's happening but they realize due to their own experiences with systemic racism that another black life has been unnecessarily lost. Over the years, I've spent so much time talking to Nehemiah kids about police brutality. Teaching them the same lessons, taught to me as a young child by my parents on how to interact with police so they make it home alive. I pray one day, we don't have to teach and train minority kids on this. The Nehemiah team is committed to helping our families get through this because our kids needs to know that we'll stand up for them to ensure the great futures they deserve. We owe our families this. Please continue praying over this. I pray we can all speak up to express ourselves and continue having the difficult conversations about racism and injustices. Together, as Christians we can accomplish what others deem impossible, equality for all! I want to personally let you know this week has been a time of transformation and healing for the children thanks to FPC's virtual VBS. VBS has provided our children with joy and a sense of calm through praising God in song and in prayer. It has warmed my heart to see the kids smiling and being comforted with everything being taught in the videos. VBS happening this week is no mistake and is truly God's timing. He knew what WE needed and how important it would be to spiritually feed the kids. I stand witness to the healing happening in each child. I'm full of gratitude for what you and your team do to glorify His name and how effectively you share His message with mission partners like Nehemiah. We're so grateful for this partnership. I'm not sure what the future holds but I know for sure God is good and He is on the move! PS: I love what Brené Brown says about empathy. "Empathy has no script. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. It’s simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing message of ‘You’re not alone." Thank you for putting together an amazing week of VBS and reminding Nehemiah children that even during the most challenging of times, they're not alone. In Gratitude, Tonia Tonia Labbé Executive Director