Central St. Matthew Governing Council Meeting – Jan. 27, 2015

The regularly scheduled meeting of CSM Governing Council was called to order at 6:35 by Curry Miller, President, on Tuesday, January 27, 2015.

 

ROLL: (P=PRESENT, A=ABSENT)

P Rev. Sharon Temple,  Interim Minister
P Curry Miller

President

 A Ellen Bentz P John Pecoul P Bythelda Davis
P Richard Timpton

Vice Pres

 P Marie Weatherspoon P Jim Bonds P Andrea Gibson

Diaconate
P Arlean Fermanis

Secretary

Christian Ed

 P Bill Jeffrion

Board of Trustees

 P

 

 Karen Wulff/

Sylvia Warren

Community  Svc. & Mission

 A Rachel Ricks

Communications & Outreach

 

Also Present: Ellen Pecoul (class of 2015-2017), and Treasurer, Ed Urrutia.

 

 

Opening prayer was offered by John Pecoul

 

Open Mike:

  • Arlean Fermanis relayed a comment made to her by a member of the congregation who was concerned because he had received his capital campaign statement and did not know what had been done with the money he had already contributed.  He stated that before he gives any more money to the campaign he needed to know more about what has been done.  The council suggested that this be referred to Carol Etter as the chair of the Capital Campaign Committee.
  • John Pecoul reported that he had attended a neighborhood meeting in the upstairs room across from the kitchen and the heat must have been set very high as the room was overly warm.  Curry will ask Chris to look into why this may have happened and to look into a remedy.
  • Andrea Gibson asked if she could invite Boy Scout Pack 131 to the service on February 8th as they celebrate Scout Sunday.  All agreed this would be okay.
  • Marie Weatherspoon suggested to the Governing Board that there be a calendar planning meeting open to all board and committees in the congregation as well as any members who like to attend.  It will be on February 21st at 10 am.
  • Ed Urrutia asked about the Pastoral Relations Committee and said that there were members from the Search Committee who are willing to serve on it.  Curry said that we would be sure to blend members from the Search Committee with those on this committee.

 Minutes:  The council members reviewed the minutes of both the December 18th regular meeting of the Governing Council as well as the minutes from the special January 8th meeting.  Curry reported that the Souper Bowl of Caring that was to take place on February 1 was cancelled due to it being the first Sunday with Reverend Brockett.  Bill Jeffrion moved acceptance of the minutes, Marie Weatherspoon seconded and it carried.

Financial Report: – Ed Urrutia – no new report since the report given in the Annual Report on Sunday.

Pastor’s Report:  – No report – Pastor Temple’s last day was January 25 and Pastor Brockett’s first Sunday will be February 1.

Board of Trustee’s Report:  – attached

Bill Jeffrion reported that the Davis Landix House still has no electric meter.  Jim Bonds and Curry Miller are continuing to work on getting this straightened out.

Diaconate Report: – minutes attached

Andrea reported that the Diaconate are working on Black History month setting up a schedule for Children’s time during the month of February.  They have not been planning much as they are waiting for their first meeting with Pastor Brockett.  Andrea moved acceptance of her report, Bill Jeffrion seconded and the report was accepted

 Community Service and Mission –Karen Wulff

Karen reported that the committee will be meeting after church on Sunday, February 1 to elect officers.  They are trying to recruit new members for the committee.  Their report for 2014 was in the annual report for the congregation.

Communications & Outreach – no report

Arlean Fermanis reported that she had emailed Rachel concerning her getting this committee going again but as of the GC meeting she had not heard back from her.  Arlean will talk to Rachel again.

Christian Education – Arlean Fermanis – report attached

Arlean pointed out items in her written report.  John Pecoul asked how curriculum is chosen for adult and youth classes, specifically the new material reported on in the CE report.  Arlean relayed that the new curriculum had been suggested to Tracey and that Arlean had also seen it and approved of it.

Arlean moved that the Christian Education Committee Report be accepted which would also authorize the March 22nd lunch and painting event for the congregation. Andrea seconded the motion and it was approved.

Old Business:

  • Curry reminded the Council that the New Orleans Association Conference will be held at Central St Matthew this year.  Marie is co-chair of the committee for this conference and she reported that she will be putting together a chart of needs for the conference.  She will be looking for volunteers for various registration and conference activities  Marie pointed out to all that all the church services during the conference are free and she encouraged all to attend what services they can but especially the service on the Sunday of the conference
  • Curry thanked all for their participation in Pastor Sharon’s farewell
  • We will be having a “Mardi Gras” welcome for Pastor Brockett this coming Sunday.

New Business:

  • President, Curry Miller thanked Marie, John Pecoul and Jim Bonds for their service on the Governing Council.
  • Marie and Curry reported that Bryant Turner has agreed to take the vacant two year term on the Governing Council.
  • Officers will be voted on at the next Governing Council when we have all new members present.
  • ABCT will be celebrating its 15th anniversary.  It was suggested that CSM do something for this anniversary.
  • Marie Weatherspoon moved that the Governing Council honor Ellen Bentz by calling our fellowship time after the service “Ellen’s Sweets and Treats”  Arlean Fermanis seconded and the motion was carried.
  • Marie made the suggestion that since we are in a deficit in our budget that we should try to have fellowship events and activities without using moneys that are budgeted but instead ask people to volunteer and to help.  When we ask people for things they are very generous.

 

The meeting closed with prayer led by Andrea Gibson.

Respectfully Submitted, Arlean Fermanis, Secretary

January 27 2015 attachments