May Highlights
Most of the May Session meeting was devoted to a review of the proposed budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The Session complemented the finance team for their efforts and detailed preparation. Thanks to generous increases from the congregation, pledged giving is anticipated to be around $900,000 and the total operating budget around $1 million for FY 2026-2027. Of note, Session plans to allocate additional money for Kathie Douma to explore ideas for youth and children’s ministries and some maintenance tasks (more HVAC valves!) will be proactively addressed. The Session will research a few issues before final adjustments and anticipated approval of the budget next month, before the next fiscal year begins in July.
Session had a significant discussion about funds for the Presbytery of South Dakota. As part of a connected denomination, and as the largest congregation in the Presbytery, it is important for FPC to contribute to the work of the PoSD. Like all congregations, we pay our per capita apportionment annually. Until recently, FPC also gave to the PoSD through the Good Samaritan Fund. Session has previously concluded that using Good Samaritan funds for this purpose was no longer appropriate because some of this money was returning to us through PoSD work, contrary to the purpose of the Good Samaritan Fund. Thus, further funding for PoSD from FPC needs to come from the operating budget. To facilitate this, Session has decided to further highlight per capita donations and give the congregation an additional opportunity to give directly to the PoSD. More details will be forthcoming at the Congregational Meeting on June 28th.
The main purpose of the June 28th congregational meeting is the election of officers. Kevin Jaton and Pam Koepsell have accepted invitations to be nominated for election to the Deacons. A candidate for Elder is still being sought. If you have any interest in this role, please contact a member of Session or the Nominating team.
Rev. Brooks presented the idea of a congregation-wide volunteer recognition to the Session. The Session is very aware that every member of the congregation contributes to the mission of FPC in some way, and agreed that celebrating these efforts is a worthy cause. In good Presbyterian fashion, Session authorized the formation of a committee to explore a volunteer appreciation event in the fall. But we couldn’t wait that long to recognize the contribute of Graham Wright, Hank Boerigter, and Rhys Nielsen each Sunday morning. Session thanks these students for their leadership in helping with the audio, visual, and online elements of our worship services.