Session conducted its regular business meeting in Room 212 beginning at 5:30 pm. The meeting was moderated by Rev. Michael Bailey. For our Inner Work, Session received a report from Rev. Bailey on his sabbatical as required by FPC’s Sabbatical Policy. Rev. Bailey presented each member on Session with a copy of the book, The Sailboat Church by Joan S. Gray. Session will embark on a two-month read and prayer study using this book.
Session Action Items:
1. Session approved a request from the Finance committee (via Property) to fund the replacement of 400 recalled sprinkler heads in the amount of approximately $32,000 from the 1820 Fund.
2. Session approved $8,260 from the Keller Trust to partially fund costs of the Madagascar Mission Trip. FPC has four members who will participate with three other members from Presbyterian churches for a total of seven members.
3. Session approved a request for sabbatical from Rev. Emily Frandsen in 2026 upon the recommendation of the Personnel Committee and in accordance with the FPC Sabbatical Policy.
4. Session approved Elder Mark Byars to Chair the Nominating Committee.
5. The following baptisms were approved by Session:
a. Olivia “Livi” Grace Renfroe, Daughter of David and Sarah, on Sunday, August 31 by Rev. Michael Bailey at the 8:45 service.
b. Michael Gray Phifer, son of Brock and Jennifer, on Sunday, August 31 by Rev. Emily Frandsen.
c. George Evans Sanshu, son of Patrick and Sydney, on Sunday, September 21 by Rev. Michael Bailey
d. Mary McClellan Hull, daughter of Frazier and Mary Leci, on Sunday, October 12 by Rev. Michael Bailey
6. Session commissioned Elders Jill Cilimberg, Danny Potts and David Wright to represent FPC at the November 20th Presbytery Meeting.
7. Session approved a Called Meeting of Session for the purpose of receiving new members on Sunday, September 7th at 10:35 am in the Chapel.
Finance and Endowments: John Summerford reviewed the financial condition through July. Revenue is behind budget (as is typical for summer) and expenses are running under budget. FPC has a net deficit of ($68,487). He reviewed the endowment portfolio’s performance with Session. As of 8/15/25 the balance was $9.1m and over the last 12 months generated a return of 11.76%. The annual audit of FPC has been completed by Don Wallace, CPA, PC without exception. The report was shared with Session and copies are available in the office of Jackie Joiner for any member who wishes to review the audit report.
Personnel: David Wright reported to Session that the committee had heard very positive feedback across the board with the performance of the church staff and the associate pastors during the Sabbatical of Rev. Bailey this summer. In particular he addressed the performance of Rev. Lou Ann Sellers in her capacity of acting head of staff.
Stewardship: Danny Potts continued to review the plans for Stewardship season with Session.
Mission: Gaines Brake announced the date for the Global Mission Festival had been set for Sunday, January 25, 2026.
FPC Preschool Report: All classes are full. Infants – 3 years have a waiting list of 64. Pre-K has a waiting list of 120. Susan Campbell is the Elder on Session Liaison to the Preschool.
Next Stated Meeting: Monday, September 22, 2025, at 5:30 pm with a Joint Meeting with the Diaconate to review Committee Mission Statements and Goals for 2025-2026.
Current Membership of FPC: 775
Next Scheduled Communion: September 7, 2025
Next Presbytery Meeting: November 20, 2025
First Presbyterian Church – Edgewood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, AL