The regularly scheduled meeting of CSM Governing Council was called to order at 6:30 by Curry Miller, President, on Tuesday, March 24, 2015.

ROLL: (P=PRESENT, A=ABSENT)

P Rev. Philip Brockett,  Pastor
P Curry MillerPresident P Bythelda Davis A Willard Hill P Ellen Pecoul
P Richard TimptonVice Pres A Norman Robinson P Bryant Turner P Andrea GibsonDiaconate
P Arlean FermanisSecretaryChristian Ed P Milton CheramieBoard of Trustees A  Community  Svc. & Mission A  Communications & Outreach

Also Present: Treasurers, Ed Urrutia and Brian McKerlie

Opening prayer was offered by Rev. Brockett

Open Mike: – none

 Minutes:  The council members reviewed the minutes.  Andrea moved acceptance of the minutes, Milton seconded and the motion carried

There is a change in the agenda to accommodate Andrea needing to go to another meeting.

Diaconate Report: – report attached

Andrea pointed out highlights in the report.

  • The neighborhood meetings for the congregation to meet with the pastor will begin soon.
  • She thanked Rev. Brockett and all who participated in the celebrations of life that we have had recently.
  • Andrea asked for volunteers to take down the canopy that will be used for the Good Friday service at the Beienville campus.  She mentioned that the grass will need to be cut before Good Friday and Curry said that they are negotiating the contract with the lawn company and it will be cut.
  • Reverend Brockett’s installation will be on April 12 at 3:00 pm.

Andrea moved acceptance of her report, Bryant seconded and the motion carried

Financial Report: – Ed Urrutia – Report attached.

  • Ed pointed out that the financial reports now contain more information.  The treasurers are now including a profit and loss statement reflecting the entire year’s obligations.  They have also included a copy of the transaction register for the previous month.
  • The building use line item is behind budget which reflects that ABCT will be paying their rent biannually instead of monthly and the fact that 329 N. Tonti is still not able to be used.
  • Ed explained that we have been borrowing from our dedicated funds to pay our bills and this money will be paid back as soon as the CD is cashed in.  This action was voted on by the Governing Council at its last meeting.
  • The Treasurers will be sending out quarterly statements.
  • Ellen Pecoul asked if we still have an Endowment Fund.  No we do not.  All Assets are listed on the the Balance Sheet.
  • Andrea thanked the treasurers and said she apprectiate the extra information

Richard moved acceptance of the financial report, Andrea seconded and the motion carried

New Business:

Last month the Rev. Brockett talked to the Council about our envisioning what we will be in the future and discussed putting together a group to discover our vision and ministry and our present financial situation drives us to begin as soon as possible.

To that end he proposed a “Take Action Committee. – See attached –

The purpose of the committee is to quickly develop an action plan to

  • Clarify and focus our vision for future ministry and increased membership
  • Address our financial situation and balance our budget through increased stewardship and liquidation of assets.

The committee will be appointed by the governing council and will report directly to the congregation.  The plan is to have the committee present its plan to the congregation for discussion and action by August 1, 2015.

 

Membership of the committee was suggested (see attached) and Ed Urrutia was put forth as chair of this committee.  The Pastor asked for suggestions of others that might be asked to serve and he asked that Curry, Ed and himself be given the ability to approach others for the committee if those on the proposed list are unable to serve.

After discussion, Ellen Pecoul moved acceptance of the proposal, Richard seconded and the motion carried.

Pastor’s Report:  – Reverend Brockett

  • The pastor reported that he has been here 7 weeks now and has been connecting with members and leaders of the congregation.  The neighborhood meetings will begin after Easter with groups meeting on Thursdays and Sundays.
  • Rev. Brockett and his family are very happy to be here
  • Karen Lodrig has worked with the pastor on a press release for our Holy Week services – see attached
  • He attended the New Orleans Association meeting this past Saturday and the Committee on Ministry meeting on Monday night at which time his standing was transferred to New Orleans.
  • Rev. Brockett made the suggestion that we put attendance and offering information into the bulletin.
  • Everything is moving along and he believes that whatever we do we will do it together as we are better together

Bryant moved to accept the Pastor’s report, Arlean seconded and it passed.

Board of Trustee’s Report:  – report attached

  • Milton  noted that Motion 1 of the BOT which occurred on March 17th was changed by a motion made at a special meeting on March 22.  This change is noted on the attached report. – The cost of a professional appraisal was going to be far more than the 1500 originally voted on.  This figure has changed to 3000 which this is an exceptional price as the normal price for this service was found to be much greater.  We owe the reduced price due to the generosity of the appraiser.
  • Arlean asked a question as to the ABCT lease.  She asked which two rooms the theater will be renting and it was answered the back two corner rooms. (This is the old MCC office and the corner room at the end of the educational wing hallway.

Milton moved that the BOT report be accepted, Richard seconded and it passed

 Community Service and Mission –

Ellen Pecoul reported that there will be a meeting after church on Sunday to discuss where the committee is going from here.  Sylvia and John do not feel they can continue chairing the committee and new members or needed

Communications & Outreach – no report

Christian Education – Arlean Fermanis

  • Arlean reported that at the last meeting we had several new members attend.
  • We are continuing to make plans for next year. We plan to have a Sunday 9 am class for middle school youth and continue to have a Sunday School program for the younger children during the church service time.  We will be rotating teachers for this younger age group and that is being worked out.  We have several new volunteers.
  • The Red Beans and Brushes event was a big success. We were able to give to the church general fund approximately 400 dollars.  At this point Arlean did not know the actual amount that went directly to the Treasurers but can report on that at the next council meeting.
  • The next meeting will be on April 19th instead of the 12th as Arlean will be out of town.

Arlean moved acceptance of her report, Milton seconded and it was carried.

 

New Buisness:

            Another item under new business is that there is a Pastoral Relations Committee being formed.

 Old Business:  – none

The meeting closed at 8 pm with prayer led by Reverend Brockett.

Respectfully Submitted, Arlean Fermanis, Secretary

March 24 2015 attachments for web