The role and responsibilities of a Session in the Presbyterian Church in Canada are laid out in the Book of Forms - and it takes eleven pages to detail them all. The listing begins with the statement that "the eldership is a spiritual function as is the ministry". We feel particularly blessed to have this function modelled for us by our moderator, the Rev. Bob Smith. His teaching, encouragement, and patient, gentle guidance is definitely valued beyond words by each of those serving in eldership at VAPC.

The Book of Forms goes on to enumerate that Session is responsible, among other things, for the supervision and oversight of all associations of those within the congregation, for preparing and admitting persons to membership in the church, for the provision of the Sacrament of Baptism, for providing the program of Christian Education for all ages, and for all aspects ofstewardship and mission, both spiritual and material, within the congregation. In other words, Session essentially has oversight of each group reporting on the following pages. "Oversight" is the key word for we understand and sincerely appreciate the dedication and hours of work that are involved in all the activities which make this a vibrant congregation.

Thank you to each member of our staff for sharing their many talents with us and for their ability to carry on through all manner of disruptions and challenges this past year. The Rev. Hector Rose, Pastoral Associate, Gail Smith, Director of Christian Education; Wayne Hubbard, Director of Music; Loree Irving, Church Secretary; Michelle Kaufman, Youth Coordinator; Herve Chartier, Caretaker - the commitment to your work with us could never receive enough acknowledgement and praise.

Thank you to each volunteer - whether you helped in construction or cleaned, whether you made coffee or counted offering, planned an outing or read scripture, sat on a committee or mowed the lawn - each of you has played a vital role in bringing us to this time of new opportunities. For those who have yet to become involved, we would encourage you to come to know the "working" side of the church family with whom you worship. For those who have been committed to VAPC over the years and whose time of active involvement is waning, thank you for your prayers for those of us who are trying to carry forward your legacy.

In June, a Presbytery visitation team met with the Session and with the Board amid the early-2010 decor of the Nursery and with members of the congregation after worship. Their report was complimentary and positive and talked of our plans for the future. Some of those plans have already been unfolded; others are waiting. This February will see the end of the first rotation in term service for elders. Our "newest" elders have almost completed one-third of their term; others will be retiring from Session.

As ever, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve God and you as our congregational family in this calling.