The Shallowford Session consists of 25 elders (or leaders) to govern the 11 active committees that make up the church (committees listed below). To become an elder, you commit to serve a three-year term. Elders come in all shapes, sizes, and ages. The session includes a balance of individuals whose ages range widely from 17 to 78, including a youth elder who serves a one-year term.

Meeting Highlights

Omnibus Motion – The following items were approved:

  • Approve Minutes of Stated Session Meeting, May 21, 2025
  • Approve May Membership Report – totaling 987 members

Financial Report – Mike Johnson reported that we had a good month in May and are well-financed for the summer.

Capital Campaign Update

  • Our architects have completed design and development drawings for work across the campus. These drawings provide our general contractor and subs enough detail to begin pricing the work we propose to address.
  • Contract with Sunpath Solar signed tonight. The panels will be installed when the roof on the Great Hall is replaced.
  • Finalizing the contract for the sanctuary sound system. The sound booth will be in the center of the balcony.
  • Continue to make good progress with rehabilitating and refurbishing the pews.

Faithful Leadership Exercise – Reverend Traynham divided the Session into groups of three to discuss the following questions. She will collate the answers and use them as a starting point for a leadership exercise at the August Session meeting.

  • Where do you see signs of vitality and faithfulness at Shallowford? (What ministries, relationships, or moments give you hope? Where is God clearly at work?)
  • Where might God be calling us to grow? (What opportunities or needs do you see? What might be missing or underdeveloped?)

Committee & Staff Updates:

  • Landon, Anne, and Lucas leave this weekend for the Montreat Music Conference with 14 children
  • Youth mission trip starts this weekend, Montreat Youth conference is July 13-19
  • Carolyn Shaffer enlists the Session’s help for the Adult Education/Faith Formation committee. The committee will be sending a questionnaire via email to Session members regarding faith formation opportunities. Please fill them out and return.

Approved Session Action Forms

  • SAF 2025.12 – Elect Andrew Lyles as President of the Corporation for a one-year term

Meeting was adjourned with prayer at 8:30pm.

Omnibus Motion – The following items were approved:

  • Approve Minutes of Stated Session Meeting, April 23, 2025
  • Approve Minutes of Called Session Meeting, April 27, 2025 to Receive Confirmands
  • Approve Minutes of Called Session Meeting, May 4, 2025 to receive New Members
  • Approve April Membership Report – totaling 986 members

Financial Report – Andrew Lyles reports we had a good month in April and we are set up well financially
for the summer.

Capital Campaign Update

  • Total pledged $3,432,569; $432,579 will go to mission forward fund
  • Praxis 3 has been hired as architect and project manager for accessible entrance project and bathroom renovations. There are initial drawings of the new entrance.
  • New boiler has been purchased. Jim Crawford reports installation is a few more steps from completion.
  • Chapel pews are being refurbished a few at a time. Sanctuary pews are next, including new upholstery for the cushions.
  • Things that are in process
    • New carpets chosen
    • Engaging consultants on technology, sanctuary sound and door security
    • The choir is modeling new robes and hopes to have the robes by October.
  • Items that are on the way:
    • A consolidated timeline and budget to share
    • Engaging a general contractor
    • Campus accessibility upgrades: ramp outside great hall, doors
    • Roof replacement
    • Food pantry expansion

Committee & Staff Updates:

  • Landon needs more volunteers for VBS
  • Joseph encouraged folks to volunteer for Habitat Build on May 31

Approved Session Action Forms

  • SAF 2025.09 – Re-elect Prue Swerlick as Clerk of Session for a one-year term
  • SAF 2025.10 – Approve SPW Amani Women’s Center Fundraiser
  • SAF 2025.11 – The Facilities committee, with input from Finance and the Capital Campaign committee, recommends that SPC purchase and install a solar power array on the Great Hall roof from Sunpath Solar.

Meeting was adjourned with prayer at 8:30pm.

Omnibus Motion – The following items were approved:

  • Approve Minutes of Stated Session Meeting, March 19, 2025
  • Approve Minutes of Congregational Meeting, March 30, 2025 to Elect Elders
  • Approve March Membership Report totaling 981 members
  • Call a Session Meeting for April 27, 2025 at 9:30am in the Great Hall to receive Confirmands as new members
  • Approve Gary Budd as substitute clerk for the Session meeting April 27, 2025 to receive the confirmands into the membership of the church.

Financial Report – Key points from March 2025 Financials

  • March revenue was unfavorable to budget by $27K. A 30K pledge which usually posts in March did not post until early April.
  • March expenses were favorable to budget by $15K
  • YTD net income was favorable to budget by $54K

Leadership & Development Discernment – Pastor Anna asked the elders to think about how we serve and how we might be called to serve. She gave an overview of the session committees. She gave us time to think about our strengths, passions, and the church’s needs. All elders filled out a sheet with their preferences.

Celebration of Outgoing Elders – Anna addressed outgoing elders individually with her appreciation for their specific contributions to the Session and her prayer for them as they rotate off, giving each an appreciation gift for their service.

Commitee & Staff Updates

  • Joseph reminded the Session of the upcoming Habitat Playhouse Build April 26.
  • Landon reminded the Session of the Shallowford Women’s spring fling April 27.
  • Kay Bryant encouraged all to come to the Shallowford field day May 3.

Approved Session Action Forms

  • SAF 2025.08 – Approve special offering for Chapel Choir Homecoming concert on Sunday, June 15, 2025

Meeting was adjourned with prayer at 8:30pm.

Omnibus Motion – The following items were approved:

  • Approve Minutes of Stated Session Meeting, February 19, 2025.
  • Approve Minutes of Called Session Meeting to receive New Members, March 2, 2025.
  • Approve the February Membership Report (p. 7 session packet)
  • Approve the baptism of Lunden Hughes on April 6, 2025. Rev. Bradley Kibler Bond to officiate.
  • Approve the baptism of William Bond on April 6, 2025. Rev. Rob Schoonover to officiate.
  • Approve the baptism of Tate Michael Linsley on April 27, 2025. Rev. Joseph Jumper to officiate.
  • Approve the baptism of Paige James Porter on May 18, 2025. Rev. Bradley Kibler Bond to officiate.
  • Approve the wedding of Billy Kendall and Julie Burkhard on May 16, 2025. Rev. Anna George Traynham and Rev. Bradley Kibler Bond to officiate.

Financial Report – Key points from February 2025 Financials

  • February revenue is unfavorable to budget by $7,000.
  • February net income is unfavorable to budget by $6,000.
  • YTD revenue is favorable to budget by $33k / 9% due to higher pledging in January.
  • YTD net income favorable to budget by $66k / 84%.
  • Operating Cash balances are 9% higher than the same period prior year.
  • In Special Gifts Funds, the balance increases in 2024 and 2025 (December, January, and February) are tied to the Capital Campaign. Capital Campaign Contributions are ~58% of total balances.

Support and Endowment Annual Report – Michael Hoffer reported that 2024 was a good year for endowments. With funds taken out for HVAC and roof repairs, there was still a good return. Some funds were added to the operating budget and capital expenditures. Given the volitive stock market, Covenant and the committee discussed the possibility of moving to a defensive strategy to preserve investments but will watch markets for now. Funds are in good shape for now.

Capital Campaign Project Update – Billy Kendall reported on a project team meeting with the architects earlier this week. The main focus is on the new entrance. Some trees may have to be removed for that project because of a necessary retaining wall. The group is sensitive to the prospect of tree removals and one suggestion is to repurpose some of the wood for something useful for the church, like furniture. Jim Crawford reported on the boiler. The equipment arrived ahead of tariffs, will be installed in early April, and will take up to two weeks.

Committee and Staff Updates

  • Joseph thanked everyone for their support of missions. He reported that we are halfway through confirmation and there will be a high school retreat this weekend.
  • Lucas reported that Jinhee will soon complete her dissertation, moving her closer to completing her doctorate and becoming Dr. Jinhee Kim.
  • Bradley emphasized the need to attend the next session meeting which will be the examination for new session members who will be elected in the March 30 congregational meeting. The Session Party to welcome new session members and say farewell to members rolling off will be on Sunday, May 18, location TBD.

Approved Session Action Forms

  • SAF 2025.05 – Collect offering at Children’s Concert on May 14, 2025
  • SAF 2025.06 – Allocate the offering on March 30, to the Judy Hemenway Tuition AssistanceProgram in honor of SPS’ 60th anniversary
  • SAF 2025.07 – Approve communion for Easter Sunrise Service on April 20, 2025

Meeting was adjourned with prayer at 8:24pm.

Omnibus Motion – The following items were approved:

  • Approve minutes of Stated Session Meeting on January 15, 2025.
  • Approve minutes of the Called Session Meeting to receive New Members, January 26, 2025.
  • Approve January Membership Report totaling 976 members.
  • Approve the baptism of Ethan Alissandratos, child of Nick and Amy Alissandratos, on March 16, 2025. Rev. Landon Dillard to preside.
  • Approve the baptism of George William Traynham, child of Anna & Blake Traynham, on May 25, 2025. Revs. Claire George Drumheller and Matt Drumheller.

Financial Report – Pastor Bradley reported that January’s financials are favorable. Some of the pledge revenue is from 2024 pledges. Operating cash balance is 25% higher than the same time last year.

ICE/CDP Protocol – Pastor Bradley and Meredith Moseley, Head of School have developed a protocol for Shallowford Campus in light of the executive order which states that churches and schools are no longer considered safe spaces. They consulted Audra Doyle, a church member and immigration lawyer, the National Immigration Project, and other resources. If an ICE agent appears on campus, we are to contact one of the pastors or a school administrator. Agents may be in public spaces but not in private spaces (church offices and school spaces) without a judicial warrant. This information has been disseminated to the church via the weekly email and bulletin announcements.

Ministry Spotlight: Music – Lucas gave an inspiring update on the music ministry at Shallowford, highlighting current choirs and offerings and some new music opportunities that are planned.

Committee & Staff Updates 

  • Pastor Bradley reports that the nominations for elders and RNC members are closed and the RNC will begin recruiting a new class of elders and RNC members.
  • Landon encouraged session members to participate in the Lenten small groups which start March 12. Carolyn Shafer asked for volunteers for small group leaders.
  • Kay Bryant reported that the next Discovering Shallowford class is March 2. Davis Stewart, Morgan Hutchinson and Kate Robinson volunteered to attend the class as session representatives.
  • Prue asked for volunteers for the Shallowford Prayer Network-Pray-ers are needed to pray for members of Shallowford each month.
  • Kate Robinson asks if there can be a push to update Realm with pictures.
  • The Capital Campaign projects team continues to meet and may hire an architect in the near future.

Approved Session Action Forms

  • SAF 2025.02 – Approve Bingo Fundraiser for Children’s Montreat Worship and Music Conference
  • SAF 2025.03 – Approve 2025 Recurring Payments
  • SAF 2025.04 – Approve that 2024 monetary surplus be moved to cash reserve that will be used for increased heating costs that we will likely incur until the new boiler is installed.

Meeting was adjourned with prayer at 8:00pm.

Omnibus Motion – The following items were approved:

  • Approve minutes of Called Session Meeting on December 15, 2024 to receive new members.
  • Approve minutes of the Stated Session Meeting on December 18, 2024.
  • Approve minutes of Congregational Meeting on January 12, 2025, to approve the 2025 Budget and Installed Pastors’ Terms of Call.
  • Approve December Membership Report totaling 979 members.
  • Approve 2024 Church Statistical Report.
  • Call a Congregational Meeting for March 30, 2025 for the purpose of electing officers.

Financial Report – Mike Johnson and Andrew Lyles reviewed the December 2024 preliminary financials and 2024 preliminary Year-End Financials. Some expenses are still out, some significant for heating costs, but Shallowford will still end the year favorable to budget with some expected surplus. End-of-year 2024 cash balance is 31% higher than 2023.

Review Khai Samte’s Candidacy for Ordination – Anna reviewed the steps to ordination in the PCUSA. Pastor Khai desires to become a candidate for ordination under the care of our session.  Anna introduced Khai. He was ordained in India and is currently the pastor of the Zo American Presbyterian Church. Khai shared his faith journey, and session members were invited to ask questions. The Session unanimously endorsed his candidacy for ordination. Prue Swerlick will serve as his session liaison.

Personnel Committee Report –

  • Anna’s maternity leave will be Jan. 27-May 3, 2025.
  • Bradley Bond will serve as acting head of staff. 
  • David Rogers will serve 15 hours per week to help with pastoral care and occasional preaching. 
  • Landon Dillard, Associate Pastor for Faith Formation, and Rev. Joseph Jumper, Associate Pastor for Mission and Youth, will continue in their roles.

Committee & Staff Updates –

  • Joseph reports that confirmation has started. Super Bowl of Caring is Feb. 9. Please bring in assigned items for the food pantry.
  • Bradley reports that the next Discovering Shallowford class will be January, 26, 2025, at 9:30 am. Elders Diane Prucino, Carolyn Shaffer and Billy Kendall will attend. 
  • Lucas is forming a women’s chorus to sing in worship on March 30. Rehearsals will be Sundays in March after 11 am worship and will be 30 minutes long. All Shallowford women are encouraged to participate.   

Youth Ministry Spotlight – Joseph gave an overview of the Youth program: Sunday night activities, Sunday school, small groups (a favorite!) and trips. There may be changes to the Sunday night programming in the spring to divide the middle and high school youth into more manageable groups. Will need volunteers to help teach Sunday school in the spring as Joseph is leading confirmation class. Please sign up! February 9 th is youth Sunday.

Approved Session Action Forms – SAF 2025.01 Approve 2025 Communion Dates/Offerings  

Meeting was adjourned with prayer at 8:15 pm.

Omnibus Motion – The following items were approved:

  • Approve Minutes of Stated Session Meeting, November 20, 2024.
  • Approve November Membership Report totaling 976 members.
  • Approve the baptism of James Arthur Tashiro, son of Kim and Andrew Tashiro, on March 23, 2025.

Stewardship Update –

2025 Budget:

  • Number of pledges toward 2025 operating budget: 252
  • 2025 pledge total so far: $1,769,402, this is $30K off aspirational goal, and $50K over last year’s pledges

2025-2028 Capital Campaign

  • Number of pledges toward Ripple Effects Capital Campaign: 197
  • Capital Campaign pledge total so far: $3,431,969

Discussion Questions Raised by the Greater Atlanta Presbytery –

  • Name a time when the presbytery helped your church fulfill its mission.
  • Name a time when the presbytery could have been more helpful in assisting your church to fulfill its mission.
  • What does it mean to your church to be Presbyterian?
  • How does being Presbyterian impact your ability to reflect Christ in your community? 

Committee chairs are to discuss these questions, and Clerk of Session forwarded to presbytery office before January 15, 2025.

Approved Session Action Forms

  • SAF 2024.20 – Approve the Support & Endowment Policy Revision to allow the growth from the Endowment Fund to support the ongoing ministries of Shallowford while continuing to protect and grow the principal of the investment.  
  • SAF 2024.23 – Approve the 2025 operating budget.

Meeting was adjourned with prayer at 8:30pm.

Omnibus Motion – The following items were approved:

  • Approve minutes of Stated Session Meeting, October 16, 2024
  •  Approve October Membership Report – totaling 976 members

Financial Report – Mike Johnson provided an overview of the financial results for October 2024.

  • Revenue is unfavorable to budget by $21K.
  • Expenses are higher due to payments to mission partners.
  • Year to date income is slightly below budget and expenses are about $39K below budget.
  • Available cash is $282K.
  • Andrew noted that revenue is expected to be flat at the end of the year; however, around or
    better in revenue month over month so we are in a good place.
  • Budget requests have been received and the finance committee is renewing them.

Update on Solar Recommendations for SPC Campus– Andrew Lyles reported the Finance committee reviewed six proposals from 4 to 5 vendors. There are options to purchase or lease the solar panels. Finance committee believes purchasing is the better option. Next steps are to bring the Green Team up to speed and have them do a little more digging on investing in a more complete system. Finance committee will continue to work with Green Team

Ripple Effects Capital Campaign Progress Report – Michael Hoffer reports that the Capital Campaign smashed the goal by almost $500k. Project team is meeting soon to finalize budget and cash flow proposal to send to the Session for approval. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to the
successful Capital Campaign!

2025 Annual Stewardship Campaign Progress Report – Stewardship goal is close. We are about $50K behind last year. The goal is $1.8 million and we are at $1.6 million. Stewardship committee and Bradley have made many phone calls this week to folks that pledged in the past that haven’t pledged yet this year. Confident they can reach the goal.

Youth Ministry Spotlight – Joseph gave an overview of the Youth program: Sunday night activities, Sunday school, small groups (a favorite!) and trips. There may be changes to the Sunday night programming in the spring to divide the middle and high school youth into more manageable groups. Will need volunteers to help teach Sunday school in the spring as Joseph is leading confirmation class. Please sign up! February 9 th is youth Sunday.

Approved Session Action Forms

  • SAF 2024.21 – Approve Offering at Sounds of Christmas Concert, December 15, 2024
  • SAF 2024.22 – Approve a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, January 12, 2025 (after worship) to approve 2025 Budget and Installed Pastors’ Terms of Call.

Meeting was adjourned with prayer at 7:57pm.

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