The regularly scheduled meeting of CSM Governing Council was called to order at 6:40 by Curry Miller, President, on Tuesday, December 1, 2015.
ROLL: (P=PRESENT, A=ABSENT)
P | Rev. Philip Brockett, Pastor | ||||||
P | Curry Miller
President |
P | Bythelda Davis | P | Willard Hill | P | Ellen Pecoul |
A | Richard Timpton
Vice Pres |
A | Norman Robinson | P | Bryant Turner | P | Andrea Gibson
Diaconate |
P | Arlean Fermanis
Secretary Christian Ed |
P | Milton Cheramie
Board of Trustees |
P
|
Karen Wulff
Community Svc. & Mission |
A |
Communications & Outreach |
Also Present: Cheryl Cramer, Edith Jones, Paulette Timpton, Karen Lodrig, Michael Dejoie, Dale Bonds of the Take Action Committee and Brian McKerlie and Michele D’Aquin, treasurers.
Opening prayer was offered by Rev. Brockett
Open Mike: A group designating themselves as Bienville Property Preservation Corp presented a proposal to the Governing Council and asked that the Governing Council take the Take Action Committee recommendation off the table and delay a vote for 6 months. The members present were Cheryl Cramer, Edith Jones, Paulette Timpton, Karen Lodrig, Michael Dejoie and Andrea Gibson. The proposal is attached. Members of the group spoke of the history of the Bienville sanctuary and how they felt betrayed by the recommendation to sell the Bienville property. The committee would like to have time to develop mission projects in the Bienville neighborhood and time to secure funding for those endeavors. Several funding ideas and program ideas were articulated. Bryant Turner expressed concern that this appeared to be a separation for the church and that we should all work together on such a project. The committee said that there are not trying to cause a rift.
Dale Bonds presented a proposal from the Take Action Committee, stating that if this committee desired to keep the property, the Take Action Committee would recommend that they form a separate 501 3C corporation and be given the Bienville Sanctuary along with the $100,000.00 dollars that they believed was designated to that renovation. That money was given to Central St. Matthew with no stipulations, but the committee felt it could be donated to the non-profit that they would form. It was suggested that the non-profit be formed in the next three month. The Committee called the Bienville Property Preservation Corp did not feel that this was a solution and that it represented a split. Discussion followed as to the merits of such a recommendation.
The President, thanked all for coming and expressing their ideas and concerns and the council continued with the meeting.
Minutes: The minutes from the October Governing Council meeting were read and accepted. The minutes from the special joint meeting of the Governing Council and Board of Trustees held on November 10th were read. Arlean gave corrections stating a correction as to who moved the motion from the BOT to enter into a lease with Lycee Francais and that she had placed the wrong spreadsheet in the minutes. Arlean will send all a corrected version of the minutes. The minutes were approved with corrections.
Financial Report: – attached – Brian noted the below in the report
- Our offerings are up $12,000.00 from the previous year and income is up by $40,000.00 due in large part to ABCT paying their rent and other use of our facilities
- Our expenses are also up by about $40,000.00
Andrea asked about the monies spent in the Worship/Diaconate line of the budget and Brian said that he would find out the specifics for her. It was noted that income coming into those line items is not reflected on the particular line items in the report as those accounts are only expense accounts. Monies received for those items go into the general fund.
The Financial report was accepted.
Pastor’s Report: – Reverend Brockett
- Lycee Francais has approved the selection of our educational building to be leased for use. They have sent a sample lease which is being reviewed by John Etter and Wilson Boveland. It is a three year lease with 2 one year extensions possible. There are many items that still need to be negotiated as well as the Fire Marshall’s approval
- The pastor handed out the spreadsheet comparing our financial situation with leasing or not leasing. Arlean corrected some of the figures.
- Arrangements for the memorial service for Karen Wulff have not been completed but it looks as though the service will be held on Saturday, December 12th.
- Rev. Brockett performed a funeral service for a friend of Anthony Bean.
- The pastor stated that he was grateful for those who came tonight and stressed the importance of working together
- Anthony has been notified of our pending lease with Lycee Francais and the pastor said that he appears to have a positive attitude as to finding another place for his program. The director of READ has also been notified.
The Pastor’s report was accepted.
Board of Trustees Report:
Milton reported on the recommendation made by the Board of Trustees to the Governing Council that we pursue the lease with Lycee Francais and he also stated that the budget process is beginning. Arlean asked if the committees will be asked to make requests for next year’s budget and was told yes they would be contacting the committees.
The Board of Trustees Report was accepted
Diaconate Report: – Andrea Gibson
- The Diaconate did not meet in November as their meeting time was taken by the joint meeting of the Board of Trustees and Governing Council.
- On Friday, December 11th the diaconate is sponsoring “Tis Jesus’ Season” in the front of the church. It is for members and the community. There will be food and entertainment.
- Visitations – Paulette and Andrea have visited Ernest Jones recuperating from surgeries. If anyone knows of someone who should be visited please let the diaconate know about them.
- The diaconate will be meeting on Tuesday, December 8.
The Diaconate report was accepted.
Christian Education – Arlean Fermanis – report attached
Arlean gave a brief report pointing out items listed in her report and the report was accepted.
Old Business:
None
New Business:
- The Christmas tree for the sanctuary will be arriving on Saturday, December 5th.
- Discussion was held on the two reports that were given during open mike. There was much discussion but no action was taken. Curry said that he would talk to the Take Action Committee to get their response to the request to delay the vote schedule for Sunday, December 6th. He reiterated that the Take Action Committee does not report to the Governing Council but reports directly to the congregation so the vote may still take place.
There being no further business the meeting ended in prayer.
Respectfully Submitted, Arlean Fermanis, Secretary