Next Session Meeting
 
Session will meet again on
Tuesday, April 21
at 6:45 p.m. in the Library
(Tentatively)
 

Summary of Regular Session Meeting
March 9, 2020

 

Pastor’s Report-presented by Pastor Marianne
Pastor Marianne advised that her last day as part of Starr will be March 18.  Per Presbytery rules, she will need to significantly limit her interaction with Starr going forward.
 
Consent Agenda-presented by Pastor Marianne
Review and approval of Child Protection Policy Rick moved to approve the Child Protection Policy as corrected, with a requirement for all Sunday school teachers and childcare providers to be asked to review and sign the required affidavit contained in the policy document.  Motion carried.
 
Items for discussion
Discussion of Sexual Misconduct Policy (approved at last Session meeting)
Rick moved that each Session elder and church staff member needs to sign the affidavit contained in the Sexual Misconduct Policy. Motion carried.
 
Report from Pulpit Search Committee (PSC)
Shari moved to authorize the PSC to interview candidates and submit a final candidate for a Stated Supply Pastor to the Session for approval. It was noted that this is the process recommended to the committee by the Committee on Ministry (COM) for the Presbytery of Detroit. Rick and Jim provided an update on the discussions in the PSC, noting the confidentiality requirements given to us by the COM. Motion carried. Questions remain as to whether commissioned ruling elders that are assigned to provide pulpit services on April 5, April 10, and May 3 can be authorized to perform the Sacraments. Marianne is looking into getting this approved by the Presbytery.

Garden Club planter discussion
It was noted that prior Session action authorized a budget for this work, and for members for the church to form a gardening club.  No further action required.

Affiliation Program with Kirk in the Hills
Open discussion on whether Starr should join this affiliation. Several elders have attended “parish counsel” meetings held by this affiliation. It is unclear whether any formal action is required in order to join this affiliation. Rick to contact Kirk to determine if there is any process or action required in order to join. Jim moved to continue regular attendance of “parish counsel” meeting by our elders. Motion carried.

Rent reduction request for Water Works Theatre Company
Rick reported that WWTC has requested a 50% reduction in rent for their 2020 season. WWTC has indicated that they will be cutting their use of Starr’s facilities substantially, due to conflicts with other tenant agreed uses of the building. Shari moved that WWTC rent be reduced for their 2020 season. Motion carried.

Covid-19 guidance from Presbytery
Materials forwarded to Session elders by Rick had been reviewed in advance. Considerable discussion with regards to the best way to conduct communion during this crisis. Method for conducting our regular communion already meets Presbytery guidelines. Communion by intinction, normally done during the holy holidays, was discussed in depth. Greg moved to continue with communion by intinction during the holy holidays, with the bread cubed in advance to avoid undue handling by congregants. Motion carried.

Welcome Inn season review
Rick reported that he has not been made aware of any negative issues concerning Welcome Inn’s use of our building. It was agreed that Welcome Inn should continue with its 2020-21 season, per the terms of their rental agreement.

Session Meeting Schedule
Session meetings are currently scheduled to be held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm. April 21, 2020 @ 7:00pm in the Church Library.
 

Music Notes

I have missed seeing members of Starr!
StarrCross is very saddened to have not been able
to sing through Lent.
We have met to rehearse new songs during this time
and are looking forward to a strong start when we return.
Bells will be cancelled until further notice.
Stay healthy and I hope to see you soon!

~ Teri Lynn Barnaby
Music Director