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Clerk’s Report
The Session of John Knox Presbyterian Church met on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 11:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall for their monthly Stated Meeting. Dr. Gordon Turnbull served as moderator.
Protection Policy for Children, Youth and Vulnerable Adults
Gordon presented the policy, incorporating changes suggested at Stated Session meeting September 21. This is considered the second of the required two readings. The amended policy was passed by common consent and will become part of administrative operations manual. Training protocol for the policy has yet to be determined.
Transition Team
Lincoln Evans, Anna Kenan and Rev. Carter Rief reported for the Team. They presented their compilation of the Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP). They have conducted in-depth interviews with all the staff. All those interviewed complimented the culture at John Knox and the heart of the congregation. The Team wants someone who will respect and protect what we have.
A motion was made and passed that the 2025 Congregational Nominating Committee (CNC) nominate members of the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC). This strategy will add months of productivity to the search.
Foothills Presbytery “Stated Supply Pastor” Agreement
Rev. Justin Cazel already serves as Parish Associate. The Stated Supply Agreement changes only his title. A motion was made and passed that Justin continue his service at John Knox per this this agreement for fourteen (14) months, beginning November 1, 2025.
November Stated Session Meeting
The next Session meeting would be November 16, which conflicts with church-wide luncheon honoring Betsy and Gordon Turnbull on their last day at John Knox. A motion was made and passed to move the meeting to November 23, 2025, at 11:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall.
Following are a few of the other items discussed.
Administrative
· Financial expenses are under budget. Pledges and general revenue are ahead of YTD budget through September.
Christian Education (CE)
· CE had breakfast for nursery workers October 19.
· Quarterly Women’s Faith and Fellowship Dinner is October 20 at 6:00PM in Fellowship Hall. Anna Cain-Robinson will speak on “Am I OK?”
Christian Mission & Outreach (CMO)
· They are prepping for another coat drive for Lake Forest Elementary.
· Lutheran Refugee Circle of Welcome says within the last month all the families have obtained their own apartments in same complex. All adults are working and well on way to self-sufficiency. Lutheran Services is helping all of them with their green card applications.
· Greer Relief raised over $30,000 at big fundraiser. Thanksgiving is planned with 160 turkeys (donated) and meals. Sign-ups are coming for The Christmas Shop.
· Adopt a Highway is November 8.
· Angel Tree project has Amazon wish list with hundreds of items to provide inventory for the shop. Need person to collect money and get gift cards to purchase those items.
Evangelism
· “Finding Your Way at JK” for new members September 28 went well.
· Work on podcast continues. Youth interviews and videos still require editing and compilation.
· Bread delivery is going well, and note cards are being sent visitors.
Fellowship
· Luncheon honoring Betsy and Gordon Turnbull on their last Sunday at John Knox is Nov. 16 following worship service. There will be no December luncheon because of so many other holiday events.
· Fall Fest Wednesday, Oct. 29: hotdogs, cookies, chips
· Hanging of the Greens Sunday, Nov. 30, at 5:00 PM
Music & Worship
· At September’s Stated Session Meeting, Session approved a proposal from M&W Committee that there be two services Christmas Eve: 5:00 PM in Sanctuary and 11:00 PM in Chapel. Chancel Choir will sing at 5:00 service. Betty and Graham Ward will provide music in 11:00 service. The 5:00 service will have overflow seating as necessary, and it will be livestreamed.
· Annual Hanging of the Greens will be November 30 at 5:00 PM. Over 50 poinsettias have been ordered. Article in Steepletalk will tell people how to dedicate poinsettias in honor or in memory of a loved one.
· Greenville Chamber Singers Christmas Concert is December 4 at 7:00 PM in our Sanctuary.
· John Casteel will lead in worship December 7.
Nurture
· Molly Fitzpatrick is new coordinator for flower delivery as of this month. Thanks to Diane Paul for her leadership the past few years.
· Memorial Fund Committee approved two requests previously approved by Session: $5,605 for Columbarium Fence Project and $4,607 for Little Tikes Tot Tree structure for Courtyard Playground.
· Quilters are working on 8 quilt projects for the Guatemalan families.
· Side by Side Respite Care will add Wednesdays to their weekly schedule beginning October 22.
· Next Serving Saturday will be November 15.
· More volunteers are needed for transportation services.
Property and Operations
· Expenses are 10.1% below budget YTD through September 2025.
· May 2023 hail damage repair update: Sanctuary lightning protection system is system of strategically placed vertical copper or aluminum rods, heavy-duty conductor cables and grounding electrodes to provide safe path for lightning strikes to dissipate into the earth. P&O will meet with local service provider to review plan for new certified system. .
· Playground renovation is complete. Dedication ceremony is October 27 at 5:15 PM.
· Gym HVAC awaits parts delivery.
· 2700 square feet of sod will be installed across church campus.
· Current Sanctuary HVAC is mostly original from the 1970’s. P&O discussed plan of readiness, including updated quote, funding source and disruption of facility and services.
Staff Reports:
Susan Felton reported deadline for Seeds of Service projects was October 19. We will recognize and celebrate their work during worship November 9. First graders have completed worship training and can now stay with their families in worship service. Greta Williams was recognized in worship service October 19 for her 22 years of service in Nursery. Plans for Fall Fest on Wednesday, October 29, include Bounce House, Dunk Tank and Cotton Candy machine. “Meet Me at the Playground” resumes October 26 after worship service.
Rev. Carter Rief, Associate Pastor, said leaders are entering busier season of ministry with Youth: Fall Fest, serving at Triune Mercy Center, Middle School retreat November 7 – 9 at Asbury Hills
Carter will work with Jessica Bixler and Nurture Committee soon to prepare college care packages. He will work with Danielle Watson to plan for college Christmas party and this winter’s college retreat.
Dr. Gordon Turnbull is doing training sessions for recently elected Elders. Last meeting will be November 2. He again stressed how much he has treasured his time at John Knox and how sad he is to leave.
Session also received notes on ministry of Tami Wall, Director of John Knox Kindergarten & Parents’ Day Out, which had been presented at Christian Education meeting October 2.
Ann Brumley
Clerk of Session
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