Session Updates
Session Update - July 9, 2026
The Session and Diaconate met together in a stated Consistory meeting over dinner.
TE Ferguson led the elders and deacons through a brief devotional on 2 Peter 1:3-11 during dinner.
The Consistory received updates on significant needs within the congregation and other various matters as information:
Discussed various facility needs and considered available funds.
Discussed distinctions between the service and missions ministry teams and any potential areas of overlap.
2026 Labor Day Retreat (Sept. 4-6) will be on The Gospel Family.
The next stated Consistory meeting will be Thursday, September 10, 2026.
The Session convened afterward in a stated meeting.
RE Etwaroo led a devotion on Philippians 1:6.
The Session received as information various shepherding and care team reports and discussed urgent shepherding needs. The Session held a season of prayer.
The Session approved Maíre Whitenack to replace Cassie Phillips as Nursery Team Leader, with Emily Boarman.
The elders received a report from the commissioners to the June 30, 2026, called meeting of Tidewater Presbytery, as well as a report from the commissioner to the 53rd PCA General Assembly.
The Session approved FY26-27 budget items:
To establish a fund for “Pastoral Continuing Education.”
To pledge $18,000/year over 4 years to the Central Presbyterian Church plant of Tidewater Presbytery.
Approved the annual account realignment as presented by the Church Financial Officer.
The elders discussed various matters of importance in the church, including:
Candidates to lead a Follow Up team
The Session Mini-Retreat on August 14-15
The 2026 Labor Day Retreat
The possibility of providing introductory trauma training for ministry leaders.
The next steps to plan for a sabbatical for Pastor Ferguson.
The next stated Session meeting will be Thursday, August 13, 2026.
MEMBERSHIP UPDATES:
Gor and Katelyn Riak, Reaffirmation of Faith, Transfer of Letter
Session Update - June 18, 2026
The Session and Diaconate did not meet as a Consistory in June.
The Session convened on June 18 in a stated meeting.
RE Rogers led a devotion on Matthew 11:29.
The Session received as information various shepherding and care team reports and discussed urgent shepherding needs. The Session entered a season of prayer with the Alongside caregivers for these and other congregational needs. Following prayer, the caregivers were dismissed from the meeting.
The Session received updates from the Missions Team and Showers Coordinator.
The elders received a report from the commissioners to the 38th stated meeting of the Tidewater Presbytery.
The Session approved Mission Team request to cover up to $410 of Wes Baker’s travel expenses from the mission trip seed money.
The Session approved Showers Coordinator plan to establish a “Celebration Fund” and standardized disbursements to support group collections related to upcoming marriages and covenant children.
The Session appointed Scott Mericle and Adam Murphy as commissioners to the June 30, 2026 called meeting of Tidewater Presbytery, with Josh Phillips as alternate.
The Session approved the diaconal recommendation to repair the MPB west HVAC, using up to $8,000 from Betterments and Improvements from the FY26-27 budget.
The elders discussed various matters of importance in the church, including:
The new men's MOVE groups.
The possibility of providing introductory trauma training for ministry leaders.
The plans for adult Sunday School classes.
The next steps to plan for a sabbatical for Pastor Ferguson.
The next stated Session meeting will be Thursday, July 9, 2026.
MEMBERSHIP UPDATES:
Robert and Erika Baber, Reaffirmation of Faith
Sarah Schmidt Blake, Transfer of Letter
Ian and Madeline Deffenbaugh, Transfer of Letter
James Lawson, Reaffirmation of Faith
Session Update - May 7, 2026
The Session and Diaconate met together in a stated Consistory meeting over dinner.
TE Ferguson led the elders and deacons in a brief devotional on Psalm 92.
The Consistory received updates on significant needs within the congregation.
Deacon Erichsen provided updates on facility matters.
The Deacons gave an update on work to encourage more volunteerism in the church.
The Deacons will be planning a workday to clear the BMP.
The next stated Consistory meeting will be Thursday, July 9, 2026.
The Session convened afterward in a stated meeting.
RE Mericle led a devotion on I Peter 5:7.
The Session approved using Church Plant funds to cover David William’s May expenses.
The Session received various shepherding and care team reports and discussed urgent shepherding needs.
The Session received scheduled reports from the Worship Ministry Team.
The elders approved the Benevolence Budget for the FY 2026-27 as presented by the Missions Team and Missions Team expenditures for Missions Conference.
The session authorized the Church Administrator and Senior Pastor to update the Church Handbook wherever necessary to help CRPC’ efforts to eliminate the QUAT-based cleaners that are causing allergic reactions in members and visitors.
Officer Training will begin in June for approved candidates.
The next stated Session meeting will be Thursday, June 18, 2026.
MEMBERSHIP UPDATES:
Susan Hadley, Admission to the Lord’s Table
William Hadley, Admission to the Lord’s Table
Scott Borah, Reaffirmation of Faith
Ben and Chloe Harrison, Reaffirmation of Faith
Session Update - April 9, 2026
The Session and Diaconate met together in a stated Consistory meeting over dinner, with representatives from the Alongside Care Team in attendance.
Pastor Ferguson led a devotional on Ephesians 4 on the whole body growing toward maturity.
The Consistory received updates on significant needs within the congregation.
Deacon Erichsen provided updates on facility matters.
The Deacons gave an update on their work to encourage more volunteerism in the church.
Pastor Ferguson updated the Consistory on the transition to officers having calvaryrpc.org accounts.
Deacon Erichsen reviewed the process for providing member assistance for counseling needs.
The next stated Consistory meeting will be Thursday, May 7, 2026.
The Session convened afterward in a stated meeting, with representatives from the Alongside Care Team in attendance.
RE Dahl led a devotion on Romans 8:31-39 from Jewels from John Newton.
The Session received as information various shepherding and care team reports. The Session entered a season of prayer with the Alongside caregivers for these and other congregational needs. Following prayer, the caregivers were dismissed from the meeting.
The Session received scheduled reports from ministry teams: Fellowship and Missions
The elders discussed officer nominations received from the congregation and approved candidates to receive training.
The elders approved the budget for the FY 2026-27 as presented by the deacons.
The Missions Team will make recommendations for the benevolence budget for Session approval.
The Senior Pastor and Church Financial Officer will prepare a budget letter to the congregation with answers to frequently asked questions.
The Session called a congregational meeting following worship on June 14, 2026 for the purposes of (1) voting on any changes in the terms of call for the pastors; and (2) answering previously submitted questions regarding the budget. This meeting will also serve as the annual meeting of the church corporation.
The elders considered various administrative matters, including:
Appointing commissioners to the May 14, 2026 meeting of the Tidewater Presbytery
Scheduling various meetings and mini-retreats.
Approving a diaconal proposal to purchase a new MPB refrigerator.
Approving TE Ferguson to officiate an away wedding in June.
Approving Care Team guidelines for inclusion in the Church Handbook.
Approving deacon-recommended repairs to the Auditorium roof.
Deacon Tony McGee was granted emeritus status, with thanks, effective June 1, 2026.
The next stated Session meeting will be Thursday, May 7, 2026.