May 2026
1996.
The 1996 Summer Olympics were held in Atlanta, Georgia. They marked the centennial of the modern Olympic Games, featuring 10,318 athletes from 197 nations. The Games were notable for Muhammad Ali lighting the torch, the USA’s “Magnificent Seven” gymnastics team gold with Kerri Strug landing the vault on an injured ankle, and the Centennial Park bombing. The 1996 Games featured 271 events, including the introduction of beach volleyball and women’s soccer.
October 8, 1996. Session Minutes. Pastor’s Report.
Two weddings are scheduled for November. November 9, 1996, Mr. Mark Stephen Hopkins of Woodland and Miss Catherine Marie Carson of Woodland. November 23, 1996, Mr. Gerald E. Philo of Woodland and Miss Shau (Sheryl) C. Liu of Woodland. Vern Finney’s daughter and son-in-law are requesting the baptism of Kyla Landher, born November 11, 1995 in Woodland, daughter of Talina and Daniel Landher on November 24, 1996.
Old Business. Tree Trimming. Paul Stephens reported he is waiting for Wilson & Son of Woodland to shave the root and trim the trees on the north side of the church. John Hayes will donate his labor to remove the portion of sidewalk cement and haul it away. Jim Dixon will pour the new cement portion at no cost.
Tables. Two round 72” tables for the Social Hall will be purchased by Ruth Circle.
November 12, 1996. Session Minutes. Pastor’s Report.
Rev. Kathy officiated at Lonnie Bolton Barr Hemphill’s funeral on October 19, 1996.
She performed the wedding of Catherine Carson and Mark Hopkins on November 9, 1996 in the church sanctuary. She did take vacation in October to visit family in Chicago.
Finance Report. Year to date income was $48,111.54 and expenses were $46,356.02. A discussion followed noting that pledge giving has been less than budgeted and expenses were over budgeted. There was some concern expressed. The Bank of the West in Esparto will be closing February 7, 1997. Personal service will be eliminated but an ATM and Night Drop will still be available. It was suggested we continue to do business with Bank of the West for the present time. The report was accepted as presented.
Building & Grounds. Arlie reported that a motion detector has been installed in the breezeway in front of the church office.
Christian Ed. The children will help lead the congregation in singing for Thanksgiving. The Annual Advent Craft Faire will be December 6th. The Christmas Pageant will be December 15th in the Sanctuary. Christmas caroling is being coordinated with the church, the high school band and teacher David Reich.
New Business. Presbytery Visit. The Committee on Ministry Chairperson, Rev. Dave Templin and committee member, Elizabeth Bradford are interested in meeting with the current Session for the purpose of reviewing the placement of our Designated Pastor, Rev. Katherine McIntosh-Smith on January 14, 1997. Ellen Peckham moved to accept their request and to reschedule our regular January business meeting to another date. Motion approved.
C.A.S.A. Court Appointed Special Advocates have requested space to have a public meeting to invite potential volunteers to join their group in the assistance and welfare of foster children’s rights. Laurie moved to make the Social Hall available December 4th for this purpose. Fees will be waived. Motion approved.
4-H Room Rental. Rachel Vieira and Liz Schwall requested space to teach a 4-H cooking class in the church basement. Session needs more information regarding their needs and cost effects. The decision was postponed until the next meeting.
Respectfully submitted, E. Koeppen, Clerk
December 10, 1996. Session Minutes.
Clerks Report. The Clerk reported the following recommendations for Session’s year end review of membership rolls: Requested to stay on active list - Pat Harrison, Evelyn Pike and Mary Anne Rooney. Requested to stay on the inactive list - Don Warren and Gerry Warren.
The following persons to be dropped, they have long been inactive and did not respond to recent letter requests or have moved out of the area. Jeffrey Yarbrough, Marilyn Yarbrough, Wayne Yarbrough, Mike O’Kane, Donna O’Kane, Linnea Erickson Herger, Michelle Vannucci, RayO’Neal, Eileen O’Neal and Catherine Koeppen Daniels. Motion was made, second and approved.
Pastor’s Report. Rev. Kathy performed the wedding of Shau Liu and Gerald Philo of Woodland in the church sanctuary November 23, 1996. The baptism of Kyla May Landher born November 11, 1995, daughter of Talina and Dan Landher of Woodland during regular worship November 24, 1996. Conducted the funeral of William Russell Hayes, husband of Laurie Hayes, December 3, 1996. Rev. Kathy has been spending time in Davis as part of her work with the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and as part of the counseling work on her marriage. Rev. Kathy reviewed policy between Presbytery, clergy and the local church.
Worship. The following children attended the candle lighters training: Mary Halterman, Oliver Hayes, Davina Khan, Tabitha Khan, Melissa Schauer and Erika Schwall. They will share duties with Lynn Hayes, Katie Muller and Jessica Vieira.
Old Business. Committee on Ministry. Dave Templin, COM Chairperson, and Elizabeth Bradford will come to the February business meeting instead of January.
4-H Room Rental. Sue Temple moved to allow Rachel Vieira and Liz Schwall to use the social hall one weekend day per month from January to May 1997 with waived fees for a 4-H cooking class for approximately 6 people. Motion approved.
Other. Almond Festival. The Ladies Auxiliary will have the Almond Festival Country Store again in February. The Public Health has been contacted, a permit has to be applied for but the permit is free. There are no fees involved. The public health department will do an inspection on the day of the sale to protect the health of the general public.
The meeting was adjourned with prayers.
Elizabeth Koeppen, Clerk
