Congregation Council
December 16, 2009
Present: Tom Burkholder, Val Holcomb, Paul Logan, Ellen Lyman, Laurie McCary, Peg Higgins, Louise Swanson, Al Bredehorst, Sue Allaire
Excused: Ellen Picard, Pr Henry Morris, Laura Nicholls
Guests: Linda Helming, Tina Olson (for Outreach and Witness)
Opening Devotions Tom Burkholder
Communications: Al Bredehorst reported communication received on December 4 from John and James Pearson regarding the Gloria Ebb Kjellson Fund stating that the principle of this fund can be used to partially fund awards, if times of low earnings warrant it. They also “suggest that a limit be placed on annual withdrawals of principal, and that, of course, the minimum fund balance of $10,000 be maintained.
Minutes from November meeting:
Motion to accept by Val seconded by Louise. Approved
Pastor’s Report: None
Treasurer’s Report:
- Al reported that the month of November was terrible, especially considering that it was a 5 week month. Faith offerings were off budget by nearly $31K.
- There followed a discussion of what the causes of this could be. (i.e. Unemployment, etc.) We are also concerned at the lack of Stewardship focus this fall. To date no official mailing of faith “pledges” has taken place. A need was expressed that members of council should present temple talks for the need for a special yearend contribution.
Motion to accept by Louise Swanson, seconded by Val Holcomb Accepted
Outreach and Witness Commission presentation:
Linda Helming wanted to bring the Council up to date on the activities of Outreach and Witness plans for replacing the large enclosed sign in front of the church. The commission would like to present their proposal to the congregation at the semi-annual meeting in February. The best proposal will cost the church between 10K-15K.
Al reminded Linda that nothing can be done with this proposal until it has been fully presented to both the Property and Finance committees for approval and that hasn’t happened yet. Then it will have to be approved by the Council to go to the congregation.
Linda stated that the Property Committee had met with her and had approved the proposal. She also felt that funds could be raised outside of the congregation’s budget through special fundraising events.
Al reminded us that, regardless of where the money will come from, an expenditure of that size must still be approved by Finance and the Church Council, prior to the congregation.
It was suggested that if Linda wants to get a sense of how the congregation feels about this project as a kind of straw poll, there is nothing to stop her from simply asking the question at the meeting in February. But the congregation can’t vote on spending the money.
Motion made by Ellen Lyman, seconded by Val Holcomb to table this discussion for the meeting and bring it up again at a later date when more budget information has been reviewed. Approved
Discussion continued about what will be asked of the congregation. Do we really want to spend this much money to replace a sign when there are so many other needs?
Report from Finance Commission on Fund Guidelines:
- A copy of Guidelines for Special Funds was distributed for Council review.
- Al gave us a simple rule of thumb to follow regarding these special funds.
- Funds are “forever”
- If a source of funding is not listed in the Guidelines, it’s a simple account on the church’s books and can come and go as they are needed and paid off.
Motion to review and put to a vote to accept at the January meeting made by Ellen Lyman, seconded by Al Bredehorst. Approved
- GDLC investment accounts have been moved from AG Edwards (now Wells Fargo) to Edward Jones in Bristol.
Report from Finance Commission on Draft of 2010 budget:
- A Draft of the 2010 budget was distributed for Council review
-
- We need to remember our mission as a church and discuss this budget thoroughly prior to the meeting so we have a sense of consensus.
- Proposed budget contains Total Expenses of 267K representing a 12,000 deficit
- Todd Helming was present to express concern over the decrease in the budget affecting music. More specifically he referenced our organ and piano tuning contract of $1,800 ($600. 3 times a year). The proposed budget would reduce that by $500.
- Sue Allaire asked whether the salary needs of a new pastor have been considered, since Senior Pastor salary is budgeted at -0-. Al requested a copy of the salary guidelines that accompanied the Call Committee documentation. Sue will provide this to him.
Commission Reports:
- In the Congregational Life minutes it was noted that Martha Sterrett will be retiring as Chair of the Commission in June. We are looking for a “replacement” for Martha to lead the Commission.
- As the Congregation Council we want it stated in the meeting minutes our profound thanks for all Martha has done, and continues to do, to bring the congregation together through oversight of so many aspects in the life of this congregation. “Thank You, Martha”
Motion to thank Martha was made by Al Bredehorst, seconded by Paul Logan. Approved
MOTION to adjourn made by Al Bredehorst seconded by Val Holcomb. ACCEPTED.
Meeting ended with the Lord’s Prayer.
Next meeting: January 20, 2010
Respectfully Submitted,
Sue Allaire
Congregation Council
December 16, 2009
